Marriott on the Move

Posted By: Natalia Rocon (11/6/2009)
Comment: I never realised Marriott had grown from such humble beginnings. Nice to hear a bit about your history, and even better to hear it's being incorporated into a heritage trail.

Posted By: reshma (11/6/2009)
Comment: Hi I recently moved back home after working for Marriott I must say I enjoyed my job with the company and miss the spirit to serve mandate. I would love to be a part of the family again could you tell me when the next Marriott will be opening in Trinidad and Tobago so that I can apply?

Posted By: Sarah (11/5/2009)
Comment: I am in the Hospitality Program at the University of Arkansas. We studied the Marriott Company history in my Resort Management class last semester. I remember learning about the Hot Shoppes that your family started. I was excited to read that yall will be honored in the Heritage Trail. Congratulations.

Posted By: Ernie Lamberski (11/4/2009)
Comment: Recently my wife and I had the pleasure of staying at the Shelborne Renaissance in Dublin Ireland. Like all of your hotels the bed was covered with a feather bedspread. Unfortunately I can't sleep under those because they are just too hot. Most of your hotels have a lighter blanket in the closet. The Shelborne didn't. I went down to the front desk and asked Marta if she could have housekeeping deliver a lighter blanket to the room. We then went into the resturant for dinner. When we returned to the room we saw a note from Elnie Regalado, the accomodation supervisor. She explained that they didn't have a lighter blanket but that she had swapped out the feather duvet for a foam one that would be lighter. i wish I could include the note for you to see but there doesn't seem to be a way to attach files to this site. This is an example of someone going out of their way to accomodate a guest. She could have just said that they didn't have a lighter blanket and left it at that. She could have just dropped off the blanket. Instead she came up with a solution and then remade the entire bed. I would like to see this young lady received some recognition for her devotion to customer service. If you give me an email address I would be happy to send you a copy of the note. Regards Ernie Lamberski

Posted By: Steve Marut (11/3/2009)
Comment: Growing up in Northern Virginia in the 60s, we were Hot Shoppes "regulars". I remember 3 of the locations very well: Route 50 at Patrick Henry Drive (near 7-Corners). This location had a nice dining room and a separate carry out space. We enjoyed many a "Mighty Moe" at the curb service. Lee Highway at Kirkwood Road in Arlington. Often met my father there for lunch. Great staff and a nice facility. Baileys Crossroads. A newer, "open-kitchen" concept, I got my first job there as a busboy at age 14 and worked there through high school - eventually doing just about every job in the store. Today, one of my roles is to teach effective customer service. I often use stories and examples from the Baileys Crossroads Hot Shoppes to illustrate and reinforce good customer service principles. After all, the Hot Shoppe was where I learned how to do it! I'm glad to see Marriott honored for the company's (and your family's) many contributions to the Washington area.

Posted By: Ronnie (10/30/2009)
Comment: I have fond memories of going to the Hot Shoppe drive-in on Georgia Ave. as a child with my parents. My father had a small table built that fit over the hump in the back floor of the car. As children, that's where we put our hamburgers and soda when we ate in the car. I remember the Hot Shoppes waitresses coming out to the car to serve us. Indeed, Hot Shoppes is a part of my heritage as a native Washingtonian. I am glad to see Marriott honored in the Heritage Trail.

Posted By: george pendleton (10/30/2009)
Comment: Bill your brand is and always has been first class and ive enjoyed being a loyal platinum member for over 15 yrs. You might want to check out whose dropped the ball on posting the platinum elite exclusive offers on time today. I know you wouldnt like that. All the best look forward to more great experiences

Posted By: Sandra Caldwell (10/30/2009)
Comment: Thank You for sharing your experience- Going back has a way of making one appreciate the growth of our beautiful America. I use to work at SATX Global Res. Plat.Desk. tll I became ill- Its the best job and the best famly I have ever been part of. When I look back at how your father and mother believed that if you treat your employees good they will work hard for you. Your Good People Sir, and I thank you,and for all the good Admin. Staff keeping Marriott on the move.

Posted By: Sarah (10/30/2009)
Comment: I never realised Marriott had grown from such humble beginnings. Nice to hear a bit about your history, and even better to hear it's being incorporated into a heritage trail.

Posted By: Michael Kolbrener (10/29/2009)
Comment: Great story! Thanks.

Posted By: Bruce (10/28/2009)
Comment: I grew up in DC and I sure miss having a Mighty Mo, french fries with gravy, and of course the hot fudge sundae cake. Spent just about every weekend in high school hanging out at the Hot Shoppes.I have wonderful memories as a kid and having the Hot Shoppes part of the Heritage Trail is well deserved.

Posted By: Patrick (10/27/2009)
Comment: Thanks, I had heard the history a while back but had forgotten. It was nice to hear it again in your blog on DC Heritage. Thanks

Posted By: Marguerite Eckles (10/27/2009)
Comment: My husband, Geoffrey, died 19 years ago, but before he did we visited his parents in D.C. often and Grampa would always insist on eating at "The Hot Shoppe"

Posted By: Becky Grosserode (10/27/2009)
Comment: Congratulations on becoming part of the Heritage Trail. My parents have actually walked portions of this during their annual visit to Washington, D.C. I will be sure to tell them about the Hot Shoppe being added so they can be sure to visit the Columbia Heights neighborhood. They have enjoyed staying at various Marriott properties in the area.

Posted By: Syed T. A. Naqvi (10/27/2009)
Comment: Growing up in the Washington DC area Hot Shoppes brings up pleasant memories. I remember many unique preparations such as Mighty Mo and Hot Fudge Ice Cream Cake with a cherry, a real treat growing up a part of simpler pleasures of life. I wish you could bring back some of the things the Restaurants served to the Hotel restaurants. Thank you for many years of service.

Posted By: S Kapur (10/27/2009)
Comment: How do I share a customer service experience? Thanks,

Response: You can leave a comment here and we will be happy to pass it on. Thanks!

Posted By: Debra Barnes (10/27/2009)
Comment: If the 3 people are original associates, what are their names?

Response: Their names are Ms Nancy, 46 years with the company; Ms Annie Ruth, 30 years with the company; and Mr. Cecil, 53 years with the company.

Posted By: Gerard Donahue (10/26/2009)
Comment: As a former resident of Maryland, and my brother worked for the Roy Rogers in Beltsville MD, I am glad Marriott stuck buy the Hot Shoppes for as long as it did. It was one way even in the economy back then when you can have a decent meal at a good price.

Posted By: deborah Ahrns (10/26/2009)
Comment: Mr. Marriott Congratulations it took a small busy with heart to become the Marriott we know and love today. When I was in DC with my family we stayed in the Marriott near the Zoo and a copy of The Power to Serve was in the room and I would read it while riding the subway. Today my husband uses many of the concepts for his small business. Maybe when you visit DC again you should give a copy of this book to the President and his staff someone needs to remind them we are all in this together and it will take the efforts of all to get this country back on track.. peace be with you Debbie

Posted By: Joshua Katt (10/26/2009)
Comment: After reading the links about the Trail, I can't blame your family for bailing out long ago...