Courtyard by Marriott Duke University Near Downtown Ramps Up for Fall Festivities

DURHAM, NC--(Marketwire - Aug 30, 2011) - Great things happen in Durham, NC and travelers will find a welcoming spirit and plenty of festivities. As summer rolls into fall and the air is just right for enjoying a relaxing escape to a city that draws millions of visitors annually.

Gearing up for fall festivals and events, exceptional Duke hotels like the Courtyard Durham near Duke University/Downtown are offering comfy accommodations, stellar service and added amenities so travelers can enjoy their visit to Durham with comfort and affordability. Duke University hotel deals at one of the most convenient Durham extended stay hotels include last minute weekend deals which are perfect for a Thanksgiving visit. Convenient to the Duke University Hospital, the hotel also offers exceptionally easy access for visiting students, doctors and patients. And as the closest hotel to Duke University and downtown Durham, guests are invited to stay this fall to explore the myriad entertainment options, festivals and local activities, that the Durham area has to offer.

Perfect for attending the popular Duke Homestead Tobacco Harvest and Hornworm Festival on Saturday, September 10 or the Bull Durham Blues Festival September 10-11, nightly rates at the Courtyard start as low as $139* for two-night stays over Friday and Saturday nights on select weekends.

Guests can share in the excitement of these cultural events while enjoying refreshing accommodations at this impressive choice among Durham Performing Arts Center hotels. Celebrating the area's tobacco heritage and focusing on the harvesting and curing of tobacco at the historic 1800s Duke Homestead, the Tobacco Harvest and Hornworm Festival includes a mock a mock tobacco auction, entertainment and refreshments and is a revered event at this National Historic Landmark. Supporting the former St. Joseph's AME Church, another National Historic Landmark, the 24^th Annual Bull Durham Blues Festival annually draws large crowds to Durham and kicks off this year with a free outdoor concert on the afternoon of Saturday, September 10^th. Festival tickets and additional information are available at www.bulldurhamblues.org.

As one of the premier hotels near Cameron Stadium the Durham Courtyard by Marriott welcomes Duke University students, parents and supporters to take advantage of the hotel's close proximity when attending the many ongoing events including the upcoming Parents Weekend, October 28-31. And, Thanksgiving travelers will find the spacious accommodations at the Courtyard a comfortable reprieve whether visiting family and friends or vacationing over the holiday.

For complete information on availability for holiday travel or to make reservations, call 919-309-1500 or visit the hotel website at www.Marriott.com/RDUFS.

*Rates are per room per night based on availability at the time of reservation. Offers not valid for groups of 10 or more rooms and may not be combined with other discounts or promotions. Please visit hotel website for complete terms and conditions.

About the Courtyard Durham near Duke University/Downtown Hotel
The Courtyard Durham near Duke University/Downtown Hotel offers travelers stylish guest rooms and exceptional services to accommodate their stay in Durham. Free high-speed wireless Internet access is available throughout the property and the hotel offers complimentary shuttle service on the hour, every hour, Monday through Friday from 7am to 9pm to transport guests to popular shopping, dining and sightseeing locations within a seven mile radius of the hotel.