(Mark Your Calendars for RealShare Hotels 2011, September 15 in New York City).

LOS ANGELES-A multi-million-dollar renovation has been completed at the 185-room Courtyard by Marriott Los Angeles LAX/Century Boulevard. The hotel, in the Los Angeles International Airport area, has undergone a facelift including redesigns of the guest rooms, lobby and meeting space, according to an announcement by hotel management.

The property, at 6161 W. Century Blvd. in Los Angeles, is the closest Marriott branded hotel to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)A major highlight of the renovation is the Courtyard Marriott brand’s "Refreshing Business" lobby concept, according to Israel Mora, the hotel's geneal manager. Mora explains that the new lobby design offers travelers the flexibility to work and socialize however they choose. Seating options include a communal table, private media pods with high-definition televisions, and a lounge area. Guests can connect to free Wi-Fi, with outlets throughout the lobby to power digital devices.

The traditional front desk has been replaced with three separate welcome pedestals, and the renovation has added a "GoBoard" that provides a 52-inch LCD touch screen featuring local information, maps, weather, and news, business and sports headlines. The enlarged Business Library features several complimentary computer terminals along with a free printer and the Boarding Pass Station dedicated to printing airline boarding passes and checking on flight status.

Dining has been completely redesigned with The Bistro, offering casual, flexible seating; higher quality, healthier menu options for breakfast and light evening fare; snacks; and a full bar. The MarketTM is a 24/7 shop for an assortment of snacks, beverages and sundries.

The hotel is operated by Interstate Hotels & Resorts. The renovation is one of the most recent examples of the increasing level of investment in hotels, both in terms of renovations and in terms of acquisitions. Hotel industry observers say that the higher level of investment reflects rising RevPAR and other improving fundamentals throughout the US, especially in top-tier markets like Los Angeles.