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A Gift from TownePlace Suites 'Just Because...'

Posted: August 12, 2009 8:25:00 AM

All of you who read my blog know how much I love to share great service stories that I hear from guests. It always makes me happy to hear about great customer experiences because it means we're doing our job well and providing our guests with the best possible service.

But today, I want to change things a bit and tell you about a great service experience that I had. It happened a few weeks ago, when I had just returned to the office from being on the road for awhile. My first day back, I walked in to find a wonderful surprise on my desk - my favorite kind of Godiva chocolates - chocolate orange peels.

When my daughter and her husband were serving their mission for the LDS Church in Brussels, Belgium, I used to go to the chocolate place over there and bring home as many chocolate-covered orange peels as I could carry. They're my very favorite kind of chocolate.

There was a nice poem to go along with my gift saying it was from our TownePlace Suites brand "just because-" It was such a kind and thoughtful gesture that really made me feel special - especially since these chocolates have been discontinued and they're very hard to find! I can tell you I've eaten several. My wife is not going to be happy.

Our TownePlace Suites associates are providing this same stellar level of service to our guests with these unique "just because-" gestures. Great service is the cornerstone of our industry and I'm really thrilled to see our TownePlace Suites associates going above and beyond with simple little mementos to make their guests feel special and well-cared for "just because-"

I'm Bill Marriott and thanks for helping me keep Marriott on the move.

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TownePlace Suites by Marriott Just Because Card
TownePlace S...
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Posted By: Nancy (8/23/2009)
Comment: I make Marriott my only choice when travelling. Safety is number one for me. Being alone when I travel, I can trust Marriott to make me feel as safe and cosy when I go to bed as if I were in my own home. Thank you Marriott!

Posted By: Joseph W. Harrison (8/21/2009)
Comment: Greatings to you and as I read your blog it occured to me you are missing out on a well preserved treasure in the Austin TX area its called Lammes candies and they are argueably the best orange creams in the history of orange creams and they aren't limited to Creams they have the freshest asortment of nut chocolate in the entire galaxy! Awe nuts I'm homesick for Austin Joseph Harrison

Posted By: Doug Rubin (8/19/2009)
Comment: I certainly felt well taken care of when I had my 50th Birthday party (for approx. 80 of my closest friends, neighbors and family) at the Princeton Forestal Marriott. Food, service, decor - goodness - they did a great job! . It's so interesting because this property has bounced around quite a bit during the 20+ years since it was built. Now, with many of the same workers, but with some terrific support from the Marriott flag (and all that goes with it), this hotel certainly exceeded my expectations. . While we live in the area, and have had some nice brunches there, we have never spent the night. My father and his wife though, stay there regularly when they visit and have only great things to say about the place.

Posted By: Lynette (8/19/2009)
Comment: Mr. Marriot & Team: I would just like to say "WHAT A GREAT JOB ON UPGRADING THE FAIRFIELD INN & SUITES" especially in Cumberland, MD!! This property can rival Courtyard and full service Marriots!! It feels and looks very upscale for a moderate price! I forget I am on business travel! The team in Cumberland are great and very thoughtful!! They take customer service to a whole new level!! The team at the Grand Rapids Fairfield Inn were wonderful as well! I just want to commend you and your team for a great Fairfield renovation project! They don't look like motels anymore...they look and feel like home! Thanks again- a proud Marriott Rewards Platinum Member

Posted By: Ted (8/19/2009)
Comment: Congratulations! Our selection committee compiled an exclusive list of the <a href="http://thedailyreviewer.com/top/Corporate-Blogs">Top 100 Corporate Blogs Blogs</a>, and yours was included! Check it out at http://thedailyreviewer.com/top/Corporate-Blogs You can claim your <a href="http://thedailyreviewer.com/pages/badges">Top 100 Blogs Award Badge</a> at http://thedailyreviewer.com/pages/badges Cheers!

Posted By: Phillip Jones (8/18/2009)
Comment: I am assuming you really care about quality service. If so , I feel you should look into promises MVC reps. are making during presentations that are not true.

Posted By: Nancy Coleman-Stegehuis (8/17/2009)
Comment: Mr. Marriott, I was reading this article on chocolate covered orange peels and found it most interesting because my husband and I are planning a 2 night stay at the Brussels Marriott on August 31. I wanted to write you because we have been so pleased with the patience and attention shown to us by Maria Louisa *****, your front desk supervisor at that property. We make a practice of staying at Marriott properties whenever we can and will also be staying at the Frankfurt and Budapest Marriotts during this trip. Mary Louisa has been communicating with us through email and is an outstanding representative of your philosophy of customer service. Because of Mary Louisa, we feel like we have made a "new friend". We believe her extraordinary attention to your customers is an asset to the Brussels Marriott and wanted to bring it to your attention. Hopefully we will find that "chocolate place" while we are there.

Posted By: Susan Smith (8/17/2009)
Comment: My surprise began two weeks before my vacation in Quebec City, Canada. I knew that the people in Quebec City preferred that you speak French, if possible. I was worried that my family and I would not have as fulfilling an experience as we should because of the communication issue. We learned a few phrases, but could hardly speak fluent French. So I thought I would call the concierge at the Courtyard Quebec City, where we would be staying, and ask about a few of the sights we wanted to see. The concierge, Jean-Sebastian, was so congenial and told me not to worry about a thing. They would assist my family and I in finding whatever we wished to see and booking whatever we wished to attend. This put my mind at ease a little more than it was, however, I was still a little skeptical. Well, my fears were allayed a few weeks later, as soon as I met the front desk staff (Melanie and Julia) and the bellmen (Nicolas, Martin, and Christian). They told us not to be worried, as almost all of the people in Quebec City speak English. They took us under their wings and put us at total ease. Jean-Sebastian took us aside and went through all of our plans with us, along with making sure we were booked where we needed to be and knew how to get there. Daily, we ate breakfast in their fabulous restaurant, Que Sera Sera. We were taken care of by Catherine, Guillaume, Ramone, and Elizabeth. They made sure our omelettes were made perfectly and specially made for us the type of danish that we liked. However, the piece de resistance, was eating dinner here. Not only was the food fabulous, but it was served with such panache by Nathan and Charles. Nothing was forgotten, and all was a gourmet's pleasure. Even down to the ice cream on the dessert. Because the freezer broke down, the ice cream started to melt. They were willing to go to the grocery to get the ice cream you would have preferred. You were the center of attention for the entire evening, and you were made to feel that way from the beginning of the meal through the end. Due to the dedication and service of the staff at the Courtyard Quebec City, our vacation was one of the best we have ever had. The staff is the reason this Courtyard was voted the best in North America for the past few years. Each and every one of them deserve recognition for their dedication and willingness to serve.

Posted By: Bill (8/14/2009)
Comment: That was very thoughtful of them. Glad to hear you're enjoying the treat.

Posted By: Valerie (8/14/2009)
Comment: Hi Mr. Marriott, I absolutely love TownePlace Suites. We always stay at the one in Anaheim, Ca (big Disneyland fans). This is our home away from home. The manager Rachel is so wonderful with the customers, as is assistant manager Giselle. The property is sparkling clean and very well maintained. I've stayed at every Marriott brand in the Anaheim area and TPS is the family favorite.

Posted By: nancy mah (8/14/2009)
Comment: Dear Mr. Marriott, congratulations are in order in regards to the 100th birthday celebration of the hotel in South America.Please show us more pictures or tell us more history of this magnificent hotel. The opulance of the hotel takes my breath away. Thank you for sharing. nancy mah

Posted By: Angel Lugo (8/13/2009)
Comment: That the way that makes Marriott differents taking care of the things that the guests like and surprising them with them. I think every guest will remember that the hotel cares of that things little but important to them. God bless you.

Posted By: Sheila Lardner (8/13/2009)
Comment: For 10 years we have had the best family vacations possible thanks to Marriott Vacation Club. Leaving UK tomorrow for Grand Ocean HHH. Just when I think Marriott could not possibly get better you give us Elite Rollover. Fantastic. Thank you so much Sheila Lardner

Posted By: Allison (8/12/2009)
Comment: I would like to share a great Marriott guest experience but have not found where to appropriatley post it. Where can I send it?

Posted By: Gregg Gregory (8/12/2009)
Comment: As always it is a pleasure to get something you enjoy "just because" This is one of the concepts I teach to managers about how and more importantly why to do these kind of things for employees "just because" it is the right thing to do. I like to call this workplace gesture a "My Favorites Book". This is a book where employees can write down his or her favorite things including chocolates, candy, soft drink, topping on a pizza etc and when someone on the want to do something "Just Because" they can pull down the "My Favorites Book" and see what to get the person "Just Because" Thank you for sharing this with us -- As I have learned from you Mr. Marriott we are all leaders and we are all followers. Gregg Gregory, CSP

Posted By: Hank Mancini (8/12/2009)
Comment: Chocolate and orange - what a great combination. One of my favorites too!

Posted By: Amy (8/12/2009)
Comment: These are also among my favorite types of chocolate- which is why I learned how to make them. An added advantage is the ability to use organic orange peels- simply cook in sugar syrup, dry, dip in chocolate, and enjoy. There are many recipes out there for candied orange peel-so do not despair that they are discontinued.

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I'm Bill Marriott, Chairman & CEO of Marriott International.

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