The Homewood Suites by Hilton Wins Major Awards
March 27, 2009
Brand’s Annual Conference Pays Tribute to Exceptional Service
COLUMBIA, SC – March 27, 2009 – Homewood Suites by Hilton, the international brand of all-suite, residential-style hotels, announced the list of team members and hotels honored with awards at the brand’s 20th annual conference in San Diego, Calif. last week. Ninety hotels were recognized in 12 different categories among the brand’s more than 260 hotels for their exemplary customer service, adherence to Homewood Suites values, and leadership within the industry. Homewood Suites by Hilton of Columbia was awarded Complimentary Services Team of the Year, Reservation Team of the Year, and Consistency in Delivery award for 8 Outstanding grades for quality assurance evaluations in a row. Last year, this same hotel won Front Desk Team of the Year as well as General Manager of the Year.
The management team includes Juan Torres, General Manager and Becca Slaton, Director of Sales. The entire staff works diligently to provide friendly and efficient customer service, clean comfortable surroundings, and high-quality accommodations. Our complimentary services staff, lead by Cry Leggett, continues to exceed our customer’s expectations. Her friendly leadership has directed her team to always listen for opportunities to serve our guests.
In this down economy, top-notch customer service, targeted sales strategies and efficient hotel operations become even more important to the success of our individual hotels and our brand as a whole, said Bill Duncan, Global Head of Brand Management, Homewood Suites by Hilton. Homewood Suites takes pride in outrageously pleasing our guests and we congratulate these top performers with our brand’s highest honors.
The brand’s annual conference gives general managers and sales directors the opportunity to participate in a variety of intensive training programs, including sessions on revenue management, food and beverage, and sales/marketing. Additionally, networking breaks and other team-building activities help to unify the brand voice and allow for individuals to share ideas, express best practices, and learn about unique programs.
Located at 230 Greystone Blvd, Homewood Suites Columbia offers a mix of 81 studio and one bedroom suites designed for the extended-stay traveler. Amenities include complimentary Suite Start hot breakfast buffet daily, Manager’s Welcome Home reception Monday – Thursday, complimentary parking, onsite heated indoor pool and whirlpool, complimentary HSIA, business center, and meeting space for up to 75 people. Nearby attractions include Riverbanks Zoo and Botanical Garden, USC, and Government Offices. For more information about rates and specials, call 803-239-4663
Launched in 1989, the Homewood Suites by Hilton brand today has more than 260 hotels open with approximately 130 in the development pipeline. Beyond its spacious suites and home-like amenities, additional guest features include an on-site Suite Shop convenience store, complimentary grocery shopping services*, a complete business center, and laundry services at most locations.
The innovative brand is a guest favorite among both business and leisure travelers, consistently taking the top spot on key satisfaction studies. Homewood Suites by Hilton has been named Best Value Hotel Chain by Zagat Survey for three consecutive years (2007-2009); was awarded Highest Guest Satisfaction Among Extended-Stay Hotel Chains in J.D. Power & Associates 2008 North American Hotel Guest Satisfaction Index StudySM**; and placed number one in the Upscale Extended Stay Hotel category in Business Travel News 2008 hotels rankings by corporate travel buyers.
To make reservations at a Homewood Suites by Hilton hotel, travelers can visit the Homewood Suites Web site at www.homewoodsuites.com or call 1-800-CALL-HOME. For more information on consumer programs, visit the brand’s guest portal at www.SuiteLiving.com. Homewood Suites by Hilton participates in Hilton HHonors, the only hotel rewards program that offers Points & Miles and No Blackout Dates.
Hilton Hotels Corporation is the leading global hospitality company, with more than 3,200 hotels and 545,000 rooms in 77 countries, with more than 135,000 team members worldwide. The company owns, manages or franchises some of the best known and highly regarded hotel brands including Hilton, Conrad Hotels & Resorts, Doubletree, Embassy Suites Hotels, Hampton Inn, Hampton Inn & Suites, Hilton Garden Inn, Hilton Grand VacationsTM, Homewood Suites by Hilton, Home2 Suites by HiltonTM and The Waldorf=Astoria CollectionTM.
The Hilton Family of Hotels adheres to founder Conrad Hilton’s philosophy that, It has been, and continues to be, our responsibility to fill the earth with the light and warmth of hospitality. The company put a name to its unique brand of service that has made it the best known and most highly regarded hotel company: be hospitable. The philosophy is shared by all brands in the Hilton Family of Hotels, and is the inspiration for its overarching message of kindness and generosity. For more information about the company, please visit http://www.hiltonfamily.com/.
*Guest pays for groceries. Other restrictions apply.
**Homewood Suites by Hilton received the highest numerical score among extended stay hotel chains in the proprietary J.D. Power and Associates 2007-2008 North America Hotel Guest Satisfaction Index Study. 2008 study based responses from 53,453 guests measuring 11 extended stay hotels and measures opinions of guests who stayed in a hotel May 2007-June 2008. Proprietary study results are based on experiences and perceptions of consumers surveyed June 2007-June 2008. Your experiences may vary. Visit jdpower.com.
Hilton HHonors®, Double Dip® and Double Dipping® are trademarks owned by Hilton HHonors Worldwide, LLC. Hilton HHonors membership, earning of Points & Miles®, and redemption of points are subject to HHonors Terms and Conditions.
