HotelChatter

Colts player Joe Reitz talking football at the Courtyard Greatness on the Road Zone

Of course, these lobbies aren't actually quite new. Courtyard has been rolling out these modern, business-traveler friendly lobby designs since 2008. Remember when we geeked out over the media pods and the Bistro back in 2009? Well, Milham tells us that these lobby perks can now be found in over 50 percent of Courtyard by Marriotts. By the end of the year, she says, she hopes that 75 percent of Courtyards will have the new lobbies as well.

But it's not all about Courtyard at their NFL Experience zone. Football fans can pose for virtual photos "inside" their team's stadium thanks to the magic of green screens, enter sweepstakes and attend Q&A and autograph signings with pro players. Courtyard will also broadcasting the NFL network from their zone. "We've got two great power brands here, NFL and Courtyard by Marriott," Milham said. "It's a perfect partnership, a great marriage."

As for what the real Courtyards in the Indianapolis area will be doing this weekend, Milham says that the hotels have set up special Super Bowl reception desks to handle questions, associates are wearing football jerseys and the Bistros will have later hours until midnight.

But as with all hotels in Indianapolis during Super Bowl weekend, getting a room at these Courtyards was impossible as of last September. Even Milham says she personally had trouble finding a room in town this weekend. We say start booking for Super Bowl XLVII and XLVIII now.

[Photos courtesy of Courtyard by Marriott]