Celebrating in Gilford

TownePlace Suites by Marriott, Gilford, NH www.marriott.com/mhtgf recently celebrated their opening with a VIP reception. The community came out in force to support the leadership team of Doti and Larry. It was THE who's who event of the year. MCHG leaders from around New England came to join in the excitement.

Rumor has it the top artists performing at Meadowbrook find the TownePlace Suites THE place to stay. Not that the people in the picture are the most famous, but they are all important to the success of this operation.

Back to Back Openings

Phewwww!

With the help of many MCHG leaders, we have opened 2 hotels within a month. This kind of growth can only happen with the hard work of those who are behind the scenes. There were over 40 people who helped with the openings at both Gilford and Rockport. There are 400 associates working at home making things happen, which allowed these 40 some odd people lend a helping hand.

Thanks to all those who directly and indirectly helped with this years growth. But wait, Exeter is due in Augusta. So lets keep the spirit alive. The MCHG culture of lending a hand is alive and well!

The Rockport Inn & Suites Website keeps growing daily so check it out. http://www.rockportinnandsuites.com/.

A new member of the MCHG Family

On May 20th, MCHg added a new member to its family. Larry, Doti and their team open the doors of the Gilford Towneplace Suites today. The Marriott Sr. Director responsibility was extremely pleased with the readiness of the hotel and associates.

The Towne Place Suites is an extended stay hotel in the moderate tier. This beautiful hotel has in a indoor pool, fitness center with LCD TV's built into the equipment. There are ski lockers that will be available to guests frequenting Gunstock Ski area http://www.gunstock.com/ just minutes away.

Visit the Hotel Brand site at: http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/mhtgf-towneplace-suites-gilford/

Homewood Suites hits "Homewood" run

I very often, get comments from our guests, but none so wonderfully put as the one below....Ben, as he prefers to be called was very comfortable sharing his comments on the Homewood Suites in Portland.

And has he says........Hats off to thewhole team!

Dear Cheryl,

I certainly thank you so much for the pride and care you have shown with me during my stay(s) with your hotel in specific, here in Portland, but in general with the Homewood Suites chain. You and your room service staff, have gone above and beyond what other hotels have done or offered in the past. Now with my request to have sheets changed everyday, in my effort to subdue my allergy symptoms, I did not expect them to be cleaned chemical free, however I am looking forward to how i may feel in the morning. I was thinking that by changing the linens everyday, it may help.

You all have been very gracious, and your staff fast and efficient. You have been the best.

Kim,

It is a credit to your management abilities, that your people are as responsive and have in fact spoiled me, because I will now expect other hotels to meet your standard. It will be difficult for some, because as far as I am concerned, you have raised the bar to a very challenging level.

Housekeeping is not the only one accomplishing this for you. your front desk staff have raised that bar to high level. Some exceedingly well. Your Breakfast group and your evening meal group are also in the mix. Now I know I have been here a long time, but in fact it wasn't long after I was here the first time, that many of them, as well as yourself, were calling me by first name. That hasn't been an experience I have had before, and to be real honest with you, hadn't even considered until it began occurring here at your hotel. I apologize for not returning a call or having sent an email on the messages you left on voice mail for me, but I thought maybe it was a one time occurrence, soon to lapse into the usual. But my experience has been anything but usual!

So I am commending you and your staff for all your efforts and being successful at it. Fantastic experience!

.

Thank You and All..

Ben S......

Easter Buffet

I had the pleasure of watching the Muddy Rudder team in Yarmouth create a beautiful buffet for Easter. I Watched Dale and Tom in the kitchen. Rozz and Jerry really know how to make the place look spectacular.



What I was most impressed with was watching everyone interact with the guests. (all I could do was meet and greet and get out of Jerry's way) Our associates were giving up their holiday to serve our guests. I guess in the hospitality business, it is a part of life. But watching these folks made me realize how lucky we are. Last Easter I saw the same thing at the Brewer Muddy Rudder and the Cafe on Mothers day. Every hotel associate works on holidays, often including Christmas. When I talk to each hotel Christmas Day, I do not hear sadness or whining, I hear people who are enjoying what they do and making an effort to make others happy during the holidays.



I have a deeper understanding of True Hospitality after seeing our teams in action on holidays. I want to thank each and every associate for all they do not just on holidays, but every day.



On behalf of Peter, Paul, Gary and I....Thank you

Best of the Best

What a site! I drove into the Econolodge in Augusta and saw it hanging there. The Gold Award Banner. Winning the Choice hotels gold award means that our Econolodge is one of the best in the country. You might say; "Ya but...." Not me. This means that the team at this hotel has risen to the top in their brand.

I recently sat in the lobby and watched guests as they came in. They are pleasantly surprised by what they find. Breakfast is far superior to other similar hotels. More importantly I hear Chris, Susan, and Virginia calling out to guests by their names.

As the old Ad used to say... "This is not your fathers Oldsmobile." Folks, this is not your typical Econolodge. http://www.augustaeconolodge.com/

I am proud of our team. Thanks for listening to me as I brag. This blog thing is cool like that.

bfn

Declaration of Independence

I guess people read the blog. When I was down in Rockport, MA, a management candidate recognized me from the blog. This was just 8 hours after I posted it. As a matter of fact, shortly after that I received an email from a banker in Hanover, NH saying how impressed he was with MCHG for having one.

It isn't ironic that I mentioned these two comments. They are both related to MCHG's newest projects. As everyone knows, Pete and Paul are "Independent" thinkers. With that, we have begun two independent projects.

The Rockport Inn & Suites, will be a small boutique inn, in Rockport, MA. Rockport is a beautiful community and is part of Cape Ann. Artists, craftsman and vacations enjoy this ocean front community. The picture shown in this blog is taken from the center of town. feel free to visit our website as it evolves. http://www.rockportinnandsuites.com/

The other "Independent" hotel will be in Hanover, NH. This little bustling town is where Dartmouth College is found. The Hotel site is in the middle of the cute village and is walking distance to Dartmouth College. Also in town is New Hampshire's largest Hospital, the Dartmouth Hitchcock Teaching Hospital. What an exciting project this will be.


MCHG has enjoyed growth when others have not. I believe the Main reason for this is that we: Build a team driven by positive thinking and are committed to superior quality service for all our guests. This mission was developed by our leaders and has been part of our culture for over 15 years. Lets keep it alive.

bfn...........