Downtown Toronto Hotel Supports LGBT Community and Hosts 2011 Inspire Awards

TORONTO--(Marketwire - Mar 16, 2012) - Supporting Pride Toronto and PFLAG Toronto, the Courtyard by Marriott welcomed the 2011 Inspire Awards on December 14, 2011 to its distinctive Toronto downtown meeting space, and extends a hearty welcome to the upcoming Pride Toronto 2012 and World Pride 2014.

Conveniently located just steps from Church Wellesley Village, a LGBT community well known internationally for its shops, restaurants and entertainment, the Courtyard Toronto Downtown hotel offers an ideal location for LGBT neighborhood events and PFLAG support activities. World Pride 2014 will replace the city's Toronto Pride Week, an annual event in downtown Toronto and one of the largest pride festivals in the world. Scheduled to celebrate during Canada Day and the United States' Independence Day, festivities will include an opening ceremony for 2014 that includes a parade of nations and an international human rights conference.

As a prominent LGBT hotel in Toronto, the Courtyard is pleased to recognize the diverse cultures and societies of the LGBTQ community and, as host facility for the Inspire Awards and Lifetime of Achievement celebration, congratulates the 2011 Honorees Michelle DuBarry, Boyd Kodak and the late Honorable Jack Layton. In celebrating the life and work of these inspiring individuals, the event included a cocktail reception, entertainment, a silent auction, food and cash bar, utilizing this downtown Toronto, Ontario hotel's nearly 14,000 square feet of exceptional state-of-the-art facilities and professional catering staff. Dedicated event managers assisted organization officials to insure every detail was perfectly executed so everyone could enjoy the festivities.

PFLAG Toronto supports and promotes the health and well-being and assists in the recognition and growth of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, transsexual, two-spirit, intersex, queer and questioning persons, their families and friends. Extending a welcoming atmosphere and downtown Toronto hotel deals to this vibrant community reigns true to the Courtyard's dedication to providing guests with exceptional accommodations and friendly service. The Courtyard Toronto Downtown is the largest full-service Courtyard by Marriott in the world and allows Toronto travelers easy access to the city's lively downtown district and world-class shopping at Bloor Yorkville and Eaton Centre. While enjoying these comfortable accommodations and complimentary value-added amenities, including super 100 Mbps high-speed Internet access, guests can revel in the fine services and friendly atmosphere. The hotel is TAG Approved®, a proud member of IGLTA the International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association.

About the Courtyard Toronto Downtown
As the largest full-service Courtyard by Marriott in the world, the Courtyard Toronto Downtown offers guests high style and technology in the heart of downtown. A redesigned flexible lobby space is the perfect place for both working and relaxing, with 100 mbps high-speed wireless Internet and comfortable niches to meet with coworkers, chat with new friends, or curl up with a good book. Settle into your spacious guestroom, where you'll enjoy a 32-inch flat-screen TV, individual climate control, high-speed wireless Internet access. For those who need extra sleeping space, double rooms with two queen beds are available. Keep up with fitness goals at the 24-hour fitness facility and indoor lap pool. When it's time to fuel up, get healthy fare throughout the day at Yonge Street Grille, or snacks, Starbucks® coffees, and cocktails at The Bistro. Before heading out to explore the city, check in with the lobby GoBoard^®, a touch screen with local information and news, and then check out dining, shopping, and entertainment. With a convenient location, business-friendly amenities, and almost 14,000 sq ft of event space, this downtown Toronto hotel is ideal for meetings and celebrations.

Courtyard Toronto Downtown is also a proud recipient of 4 Green Keys. The Green Key Eco-Rating Program is a graduated rating system designed to recognize hotels, motels and resorts that are committed to improving their environmental and fiscal performance. 4 Green Keys rating denotes a hotel that has shown national industry leadership and commitment to protecting the environment through wide ranging policies and practices. Hotel has mature programs in place that involve management, employees, guests, and the public, and which have shown substantial and measurable results.