Hotel Girl

Courtyard by Marriott is to introduce trendy new lobbies in a bid to attract younger guests.

The usual vast granite reception desk, massive drapes and patterned carpets will be replaced by funky furniture, wooden floors and plasma TVs (pictured here).

Marriott wants to make the lobby into a "social hub" with a Starbucks-style counter which doubles as a breakfast bar during the day and a cocktail bar in the evening.

It looks like hotels are waking up to their guests' changing lifestyles. People - especially in big cities - are always on the go and would rather grab a coffee and croissant than sit down to a full English.

Perhaps due to the colossal rise of Starbucks, we want somewhere comfy to sit and read the paper, surf the web or chat with friends.

With Hilton Garden Inn also considering a lobby revamp, it looks like grand but deserted lobbies could become a thing of the past.

Take a peek at the new look Courtyard by Marriott lobby