Hotel Near Old Town Scottsdale, AZ Named Best LEED Hotel in 2012

SCOTTSDALE, AZ--(Marketwire - Feb 13, 2013) - The year 2012 was a big one for the Courtyard Scottsdale Salt River. Not only did it make history as the first Marriott-branded property to open on U.S. tribal land, but it was also honored as the Best LEED Hotel at the Marriott Architecture & Construction Select Service/Extended Stay Conference.

Held December 4, 2012, at the JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort & Spa in Phoenix, the conference recognized this hotel near Old Town Scottsdale, AZ for its environmentally conscious design and practices. LEED, which stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, is a certification program run by the U.S. Green Building Council.

In addition to careful selection of building materials used throughout the hotel, "we take advantage of natural daylight to illuminate spaces," says Jefferson Thomas, senior design manager and LEED advocate for Marriott. "This is one of the most energy efficient hotels built today."

Outside of the construction, guests will find other areas that this hotel is making smart choices, from its guest rooms to its Scottsdale, AZ restaurant. Highlights include preferred parking for high fuel-efficiency and carpool vehicles, hotel-wide recycling, LED lighting and native plants and foliage that require less water. The money saved with the reduced utility expenses and maintenance will directly impact the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, whose culture is at the heart of this hotel.

This hotel's Scottsdale meeting rooms are another place guests will find eco-friendly features. With more than 6,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor meeting space -- more meeting space than any Courtyard brand hotel in Phoenix -- this North Scottsdale property has hosted meetings, conferences and corporate events for many local businesses. Host a full-day event with indoor and outdoor space, create the perfect custom event menu, stay connected with complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the hotel and prepare important documents at the 24-hour business center.

Both LEED Volume Program (LVP) and traditional LEED hotels were considered for the award; the former is a pathway for owners to build LEED hotels more efficiently and affordably. There are currently 13 LEED hotels and three LVP hotels open and operating, and this Scottsdale lodging was the first to open under the Marriott LVP.

About the Courtyard Scottsdale Salt River

LEED-certified, amenity-filled, modernly designed and conveniently located, the Courtyard Scottsdale Salt River is a smart choice for both business and leisure travel. Accommodations are comfortable and feature beds outfitted with crisp linens, fluffy pillows and thick mattresses, a flat-screen TV, high-speed Internet access, a refrigerator and microwave, and a dedicated work area with a spacious desk, ergonomic chair, numerous outlets and good lighting. Guests needing additional sleeping space can opt for a larger guest room with two queen beds and a sofa. Located along the Scottsdale/101 corridor, this hotel is a top choice for meetings and events, offering more than 6,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor function space. Everyone from wedding guests and corporate clients will enjoy exploring the area's attractions including more than 200 golf courses, spring training and outdoor festivals at Salt River Fields and top shopping, dining and nightlife in Old Town Scottsdale. Fitness-focused guests can stay on track at the outdoor pool and state-of-the-art gym. At the heart of the Courtyard Scottsdale Salt River is its modern lobby space, featuring inviting seating areas for meeting and mingling, free Wi-Fi, the latest news, weather and airport information via GoBoard technology and beer, wine, Starbucks^® coffee and delicious meals for breakfast and dinner at The Bistro.