• Courtyard by Marriott Colombo becomes Sri Lanka’s first smart reading hotel

In a bold move towards sustainability, Courtyard by Marriott Colombo has set a new standard in the hospitality industry by teaming up with Magzter, the world’s largest digital reading destination. This partnership has transformed the entire hotel into a touch-free and contactless Magzter Smart Reading Zone, making it Sri Lanka’s first smart reading hotel.

“We are thrilled to collaborate with Magzter, designating Courtyard by Marriott Colombo as the first hotel in Sri Lanka to be officially recognised as a smart reading hotel,” shared Courtyard by Marriott General Manager Elton Hurtis on the topic of this new venture. When asked what prompted this collaboration, he said: “This innovative initiative underscores our dedication to providing exceptional guest experiences, seamlessly integrating hospitality and cutting-edge technology. Together with Magzter, we are transcending the traditional hotel experience, fostering intellectual engagement, and cultural enrichment for our guests.”

The heart of this collaboration lies in Magzter’s ability to offer guests unlimited access to over 8,000 leading magazines and newspapers via the Magzter app during their stay. The hotel encourages guests to explore a wide range of genres, including automotive, business, comics, entertainment, fashion, health, lifestyle, news, politics, science, sports, technology, and travel. This ensures an exciting reading experience for guests of all age groups.



Magzter’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Girish Ramdas commented on the alignment of values, saying: “Courtyard by Marriott Colombo’s unwavering commitment to excellence aligns seamlessly with Magzter’s visionary pursuit of a digital reading revolution. With our cutting-edge Magzter Smart Reading Zone, we are thrilled to elevate the guest experience by providing an expansive library of digital magazines and newspapers. This innovative offering not only enhances their stay but also infuses a touch of modern sophistication into every aspect of their visit.”

Guests at Courtyard by Marriott Colombo not only have the luxury of binge-reading their favourite titles during their stay but can also download them for offline access, allowing for continued enjoyment while exploring the city or travelling to their next destination.

Magzter Inc. President Vijay Radhakrishnan emphasised the innovative and eco-friendly nature of this reading experience, stating: “We are delighted to partner with Courtyard by Marriott Colombo and offer their guests unlimited digital magazines and newspapers via our GPS-based and contactless offering, Magzter Smart Reading Zone. We firmly believe that the guests will enjoy indulging in unlimited reading on our app as much as they enjoy Courtyard by Marriott Colombo’s warm hospitality.”

“Our Magzter Smart Reading Hotel initiative isn’t just about upgrading your stay – it’s also our little way of being eco-friendly. Magzter’s digital reading revolution is like our superhero cape, saving tens of thousands of trees and other natural goodies,” quipped Elton Hurtis.

He also told us that besides the usual suspects like Time, Newsweek, Car and Driver, and Vogue, they’ve got a whole buffet of Sri Lankan flavour, with a range of local publications. “It’s like having your reading cake and eating it with a side of sustainability!” added Elton.

With Courtyard by Marriott Colombo leading the way, the smart reading hotel initiative is set to revolutionise the hospitality industry, offering guests an innovative and sustainable approach to their stay, seamlessly blending luxury with environmental responsibility.

Sharing what we can expect from the chain in the future, Elton stated: “As we chart the course for the future, Courtyard by Marriott Colombo remains at the forefront of innovation and sustainability. We’re not just a hotel; we’re believers in creating experiences that go beyond expectations. Get ready for what’s next – more innovation, more sustainability, and a whole lot of surprises. Because here, we’re not just hosting stays; we’re crafting memories with a touch of forward-thinking flair.”