BETHESDA, Md., March 15, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- From a nationwide
design contest to an iAd poll, SpringHill Suites, Marriott
International's all-suite brand, pulls out all the stops when it
comes to finding fresh and creative artwork to enhance its guest
experience. Guests checking in to SpringHill Suites this
spring will encounter artwork that has either been vetted or
created by local community artists.
(Logo:
http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110906/PH63243LOGO )
Using Apple's new outreach vehicle, iAd to reach a tech-savvy
audience, the brand posted six different art images along with
blurbs on their artists' backgrounds. More than 2,000 users
then voted on the artwork they would like to see in the suites of
new SpringHill Suites hotels.
"We chose innovative, up and coming artists because we feel
their artwork would create unique experiences for our guests," said
Callette Nielsen, vice president and
global brand manager for SpringHill Suites. "Design is the core
element of our brand and getting the general public to select the
winning piece helps our hotels stay current and energized."
Michael Lane fell in love with
digital photography shortly after sailing from British Columbia to Alaska on a freight boat with a few fellow
photographers. His winning picture aligns well with the SpringHill
Suites feel that incorporates organic and natural elements into its
design but also brings an abstract edge with its cool illumination
and lighting technique. Michael's artwork will start being
incorporated into SpringHill's
Suites later this year.
In addition to artwork in the rooms, guests will also see a
different kind of keycard this spring. Last year, SpringHill
Suites launched a National Key Card contest in search for
originality for its 2012 special edition hotel key. Nearly
400 artists nationwide sent in paintings, photography and digital
art. Courtney Cotton's dreamy
painting won, allowing her art to be shared with thousands of
guests at nearly 300 hotels starting April
1, gaining exposure to thousands of guests and
visitors. Courtney also happened to be an exhibitor at
SpringHill Suite's ArtNight, a brand initiative that transforms its
lobbies into an art gallery for a night, featuring local
artists.
"Our dedication to design and local art has come full circle,"
said Nielsen. "Being able to provide a venue to exhibit talent in
our communities is great, but using the actual work in our hotels,
makes the connection even deeper and more meaningful."
ArtNight events will take place again in April and May 2012 at SpringHill Suites hotels across the
country. For a complete listing of upcoming ArtNight events,
check out http://www.facebook.com/springhillsuites?sk=events
For more information, please visit www.marriottnewscenter.com,
www.springhillsuites.com or become a fan at
www.facebook.com/springhillsuites
About SpringHill Suites
SpringHill Suites is ideal for business and leisure travelers
who look for style and inspiration in their stay. Featuring
suites larger than traditional hotel rooms, SpringHill Suites makes
it easy for guests to spread out and fully enjoy their space.
Launched in November 1998, the brand
currently has more than 280 locations in the United States and Canada. SpringHill
Suites along with over 3,100 Marriott-affiliated hotels worldwide,
participate in Marriott Rewards, the guest reward program that
allows its over 30 million members to earn points or airline miles
for each dollar spent during each stay. For more information,
visit www.springhillsuites.com.
Visit Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE: MAR) for company
information. For more information or reservations, please visit our
web site at www.marriott.com, and for the latest company news,
visit www.marriottnewscenter.com.
SOURCE Marriott International, Inc.