Courtyard by Marriott Drafts Passionate Fans for Ultimate VIP Experience at the 2022 NFL Draft

30 NFL Draft Tickets Will Be Awarded to Guests Who Attend the Courtyard Bistro & Banter Event Featuring Matthew Stafford and Aidan Hutchinson

Courtyard by Marriott, the Official Hotel of the NFL, will host an exclusive “Bistro & Banter” live event open to NFL fans the night before the 2022 NFL Draft kicks off in Las Vegas. Super Bowl-winning quarterback Matthew Stafford, the number one Draft pick from 2009, and NFL Draft prospect Aidan Hutchinson will swap football and travel stories one-on-one, moderated by Dave Farra while discussing their personal career journeys and passion for the game.

To attend, NFL fans in town for the League’s pinnacle event should head to The Library at Marquee inside The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, Autograph Collection, located at 3708 Las Vegas Boulevard South on Wednesday, April 27 at 6 p.m. PDT. At the conclusion of Bistro & Banter, Courtyard will surprise and delight passionate fans in attendance with 15 pairs of VIP Access tickets to the 2022 NFL Draft to celebrate the official kickoff to the exciting weekend. Inspired by Courtyard’s signature dining concept, Bistro Bar, the event will offer guests sample menu items featuring fresh ingredients and handcrafted cocktails.“We’re excited to be back at the NFL Draft this year, not only in-person in Las Vegas but also as the presenting sponsor on ESPN,” said Sarah Lipton, Vice President, Premium & Select Brand Marketing at Marriott International. “Our Bistro & Banter programming and VIP Access ticket giveaways are just some of the ways we are able to bring travelers closer to the game they love as the Official Hotel of the NFL.”

Courtyard, part of Marriott Bonvoy's extraordinary portfolio of 30 brands, has been the Official Hotel of the NFL for over 10 years, offering fans unprecedented access to NFL experiences that have created lasting memories. Empowering guests to keep moving forward no matter the purpose of their trip, Courtyard is the hotel brand of choice that inspires trailblazing travelers to pursue their passions while on the road.

In addition to Courtyard’s Bistro & Banter event, Marriott Bonvoy is offering members of its award-winning travel program and Marriott Bonvoy Visa Cardmembers the chance to enjoy NFL Draft through exclusive experiences on Marriott Bonvoy Moments.

Appointments | Courtyard by Marriott, Vadodara appoints Neil James as General Manager

Courtyard by Marriott, Vadodara - NOMA Hotels’ third managed property, owned and developed by NewCrestImage, USA has announced Neil James as General Manager. He assumed his new responsibilities effective March 1st, 2021.

In his new role, Neil will be responsible for overseeing the entire hotel operations. He has over 15 years of work experience; primarily with Marriott, IHG, and Starwood; and since 2018 with Auro Hotels (India) at Surat.

Starting as a hotel operations trainee, Neil worked his way through the rooms division hierarchy with stints at the Four Points Sheraton, Pune; Holiday Inn, Dubai; Le Meridien, Mahabaleshwar; and Le Meridien, Kochi, before joining Auro Hotels (India) at the Courtyard by Marriott, Surat as Rooms Division Manager. Based on his performance, he was later promoted as Director of Rooms at the Surat Marriott Hotel, where he played a vital role in the pre-opening activities; and, during the COVID-19 period.

Daxesh Patel, Owner and Chief Operating Officer for NewCastleImage, adroitly said, “Neil possesses the leadership skills, and the balanced approach required to operate and manage the Courtyard Vadodara Hotel.”

D.J. Rama, President & CEO, Auro Hotels, commented that “We are proud to see Neil growing and taking this leadership role. Growing our people is very satisfying company culture.”

Suresh Mathur, Chief Operating Officer, NOMA Hotels says that “Neil has been with our company for over three years. During this time Neil has shown values of sincerity, humility and aspiration. With his high energy, agility, leadership proficiency, caring for associates and guests, and, result-oriented approach, Neil’s performance has always exceeded expectations. As recognition of his efforts, Marriott International rewarded him with the 2018 “Stephen G. Marriott Culture Award”. Neil is an asset.”

Jane Brophy, Vice President, Full Service Operations & Shared Services at Auro Hotels said, “Neil is an exceptional leader with a proven track record who works tirelessly to elevate guests, associates, and owners' experiences by developing strong teams with a passion for the industry.”

In addition, Neil championed his team at Courtyard Surat win the coveted “Platinum Circle Award and the “Leadership Excellence Award” in 2018, and in 2019, the “Diamond Circle Award” and the “Stellar Guest Voice Performance Award in 2019.

Neil hails from the culturally rich city of Pune and is a true travel enthusiast and explorer who takes a deep interest in exploring newer locations that are historically and culturally rich and vibrant.