Two Hotels, Two Awards: Unpacking the Achievement
It's no small feat to bag a prestigious award in the hospitality world, but when two properties managed by the same company snag it in one year, it's time to sit up and take notice. The Renaissance St. Augustine Historic Downtown and Delta Hotels by Marriott Ashland Downtown, both chipped into the accolade bag by scoring the Marriott Chairman's Award, and that's not just some glossy trophy on the mantle. It's the ultimate tip of the hat to exceptional guest satisfaction and operational finesse within the Marriott system.
Crunching the Numbers Behind the Awards
These accolades aren’t handed out over tea and scones on some whimsy. The Chairman’s Award pinpoints one hotel per brand meticulously evaluating facets like guest satisfaction and operational triumphs—twins not often seen together with such polish. The pinnacle measure here is the 'Intent to Recommend.' If a guest exits the doors with a rock-solid readiness to tell their pals, "You’ve got to book a stay there," then you know you're onto something solid.
"Intent to Recommend is such a meaningful measure because it reflects more than satisfaction," said Farrah Adams, COO of LBA Hospitality.
Both hotels pulled off what most can only aim for from the outskirts—a consistent trend of hitting this high mark, reflecting the seamless execution and personal touch of LBA's managed properties.
The Big Players Making It Happen
The victors behind every successful operation are often the brains who stay in the background, making sure everything ticks just right. Enter General Manager Meredith Klindtworth at Renaissance St. Augustine Historic Downtown and GM Jackie Hymel at Delta Hotels by Marriott Ashland Downtown. Klindtworth earned the 2024 Marriott Mustang Award, saluting her knack for melding brand tradition with the essence of St. Augustine's history in a way that just fits. Meanwhile, Jackie Hymel isn't new to the accolade showcase either—named Delta Brand General Manager of the Year as well as bagging Marriott's Hotel Hero Award in 2024. Her M.O.: feeding a culture where service doesn't just meet standards, it becomes the standard.
Beyond the Glitter: Core Principles at Play
In the hospitality realm, numbers might signal success, but stories amplify it. The award laurels echo more than numerical victories; it's the chorus of satisfied guests, from those checking in with ease to grabbing a nightcap at the bar, every cog in the wheel matters. These winners channel the ethos of hospitality like a symphony performed daily, from the welcome desk to the dining nook—with everyone from the housekeeping squad to sales teams contributing critical notes.
Echoes of Achievement Through the LBA Network
Drill down to the core of LBA Hospitality's resonance in the industry, and the record speaks for itself. With a sprawling management umbrella covering 106 hotels and a specific 45 under the Marriott brand's tutelage, this is a testament to LBA's founding principle of weaving robust guest experiences with steadfast operational discipline. This double salvo of awards only strengthens the badge of trust and performance synonymous with LBA’s footprint across America's hospitality landscape.
These achievements don't just spotlight LBA's guiding principles but bolster their resolve to continue crafting top-tier hotel experiences deeply rooted in service, integrity, and shareholder trust. It's a rich legacy that’s paid off again, and notably, in a year where hospitality faced its unique brand of disruptions and challenges.
"Awards like this validate what we see every day in our hotels," affirmed LBA's COO, Farrah Adams, underscoring the mantras of talent, culture, and teamwork.
So here's to the quiet giants and relentless maestros in the hotel corridors who ensure every guest encounter becomes legendary, one 'Intent to Recommend' at a time. Hats off to LBA Hospitality’s Renaissance St. Augustine and Delta Ashland Downtown for setting the kind of benchmark many aspire towards but few ever reach. Long may their reign of exemplary service continue!
