With $2.3 million in improvements now complete, it's a new day for the Courtyard Houston Hobby Airport.

Updates have been made to the 153-room hotel's lobby, guest rooms and services.

Welcoming pedestals have replaced the traditional front desk--an effort to increase guest interaction and speed the check-in process. There's also a new high-tech GoBoard in the lobby, a large touchscreen HDTV that offers guests news headlines, sports scores, directions to local businesses, flight updates and more. Free wifi is now available in the lobby as well.

In the guestrooms, the Courtyard property now has new mattresses, sofas and chairs. The fitness center has also been renovated.

When it comes to dining, the new Bistro-Eat. Drink. Connect. offers light, fresh meals ranging from sandwiches and salads to hot entrees.

Through the end of the year, the Courtyard is offering a special package that includes a complimentary meal during the stay.