Marriott International has announced a new European design concept for the Courtyard by Marriott brand, as well as "significant" continental expansion plans for the business.

Scotland's 194-bedroom Courtyard by Marriott Aberdeen and the 230-bedroom Courtyard by Marriott Cologne, Germany, are to be the first properties to debut the design in 2013.

The Courtyard by Marriott European prototype model is based on a 170-bedroom, six-level property, which can be increased or decreased in size to meet demand or site conditions.

Spacious rooms with a Mediterranean-style of décor and a spa-like bedroom will feature, as well as areas to "support the business traveller's needs for dining, meeting and socialising".

Courtyard by Europe hopes the new model will be a "major contributor" towards plans for the expansion of its estate to 80,000 rooms across Europe by the end of 2015.

Amy McPherson, president and managing director of Marriott International in Europe, said: "As 70 per cent of our business in Europe comes from Europe, it is critical we adapt our brands to be locally relevant and meet the needs of European travellers."