Honoring Marriott's Best

May 13, 2010
Marriotts Award of Excellence Honorees Just imagine what it would be like to be a concierge at a hotel in Mumbai, India, and find out that you’ve been selected from among 300,000 employees worldwide to fly to your company’s corporate headquarters, be greeted by a red carpet and applause from your colleagues, have a lunch with the executive team and a VIP tour of Washington, D.C.  That’s what we do every year as we honor several of Marriott’s top associates at our annual Award of Excellence ceremony and celebration.  We’ve been hosting this event since 1987 to recognize the best of the best within our company.


This year, we honored eight associates with the J. Willard Marriott Award of Excellence.  These associates were flown to our headquarters in Bethesda, Md., from all over the world.  They hail from all around the globe including India, Poland and Maui, Hawaii, and close to home, Arlington, Virginia.

Each of these honorees has a unique story and has provided service that goes above and beyond day in and day out.  For example, one of our recipients, Amir Refoua, works in our global reservations and customer care office in San Antonio, Texas, at the Platinum Elite desk.  Because he is visually impaired, he uses special technology to assist him in making reservations and resolving guest issues, and he ranks in the top 1% of all associates in his call center.

Another one of our honorees, Gordon Casco of the Marriott Maui Ocean Club, has been with the company for 28 years and has befriended many of the guests he’s met.  In fact, he has become so close with one older couple that they now come and spend the Thanksgiving holiday with Gordon and his wife every year.

We also honored the JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort & Spa with the Alice S. Marriott Award for Community Service in recognition of their excellence in corporate citizenship.
And, the Residence Inn Arlington Pentagon City in Virginia received the J.W. Marriott, Jr. Diversity Excellence Award for their work promoting diversity and creating an environment of inclusion for all.

I’ve been able to spend some exciting time with all of these wonderful associates since they arrived earlier this week and have really enjoyed getting to know them.  I had lunch with Idalia Kostrzewska, a guest services manager in Warsaw.  She’s been with the company for 20 years.  She started out as a hostess in the dining room and is now in charge of all guest services.  She works very hard to make sure that every guest that comes into her hotel is appreciated and cared for to the best of her ability.  I am very proud of her.

You can learn more about all of this year’s honorees by clicking here.  I’m very proud of them for everything they do and how they represent our company and I congratulate them all.

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

Honoring Marriotts Best



Post a comment

Comments are moderated, and will not appear on this blog until the author has approved them.

If you have a TypeKey or TypePad account, please Sign In

Comments

Feed You can follow this conversation by subscribing to the comment feed for this post.

Mr. Marriott,

We met Idalia Kostrzewska during a trip to Poland last summer. It was our first time in Poland and my husband's first time meeting some of his cousins. Idalia drew us a picture of a Warsaw of less happy times when the Warsaw Marriott was an island of safety and possibility to its new staff. When we asked for a simple meal outside of the hotel, she sent us around the corner to the Radio Cafe. Little did she know how much I - a former journalism student - would appreciate this Radio Free Europe hangout from the 50s and 60s, many of whose correspondents were my idols growing up. We saw two Warsaws while we were there. The Warsaw of the front streets, where the new is polished and there are young people in suits going out each day in smiles to build their futures in a new land, and the Warsaw of the back streets, where the concrete falls from the facades of buildings and you can still feel the sadness in the air. Companies like Marriott and the people like Idalia who build those companies create such a bright future for so many that is so needed in places like Warsaw. I know you have many contacts in the business world, Mr. Marriott. Please encourage more of them to reach out more often and take a risk in the places that need them most. Thank you for doing so much to keep excellence in style, and thank you, Idalia, for making our stay in Warsaw very special.

Dear Mr. Marriott,
The past few years I have had the pleasure of staying at your Marriott properties more frequently than previous years. I would like to give exception kudo's to your Roanoke, VA Courtyard by Marriott staff. From the two ladies at the front desk checking me in, (called hotel directly when enroute, gave my info, and my key was waiting for me upon arrival) to the gentlemen at the restaurant, one bartender, the other chef, this was by far my best Marriott experience. A beautifully appointed hotel, whith a kind, courteous and professional staff, not to mention exemplary service! Thank you for such a great stay.
Best Regards,
E. Koleszar.

**********

Mr. Marriott,

I have been fortunate enough to be able to stay at a number of the Marriott Hotels in different categories and different areas. I was pleasantly suprised on a recent trip to the Miami area, as was my husband. We stayed at the Courtyard Marriott in Coral Gables and we were so impressed with the personnel I just had to write. Every employee was personal, professional, courteous and a great asset to the name Marriott. In my experiences with Marriott I have met many fine people but none as special as Soley *******, the Guest Care Ambassador. Ms. ******* gave us the attention that you expect at a J.W.or other fine hotels. She exemplifies what customer care is about. Her attention to detail is impeccable. When I say the best of the best I am not exagerrating as she exemplifies "CUSTOMER SERVICE". Additionally, there are two other employees that require attention Diego and Argelio.

Thank you,

Sharon Thomas

Someday I will have the privilege to work for your company. ! It’s one of my life goals. Thank you for inspire me, Mr Marriott.
Respectfully
Marjorie.

Mr. Marriott,
It is great to hear that Marriott still recogizes their employees with the JW Marriott Award of Excellence. Even though I no longer work for Marriott, I was one of the honorees in 1991 and this honor is something I will never forgot. Marriott is a great organization and a great place to work!

Bill, I would have preferred to put this in a formal e-mail or letter, but there is a worker in your Champions restaruant in the Amman Marriott who is by far the BEST waiter/customer service person I have ever encountered traveling - even on the best cruise lines. I only know him by his first name Ashraf, but I have stayed at the hotel twice in the past year and he remembered me this last trip and took care of us like we were royalty, which is what I observed of his treatment of other guests. We ate in the restaurant every night (10 nights)he was working. He evern arranged for a coworker to take care of us on his day off. His smile and upbeat personality was infectious after a hard day at the office. He should be a role model for how all your staff should treat guests - which is very good on average, but he is exceptional. I know that he is studying hospitality management and the education combined with his commitment to the customer is something that would greatly increase sales in any location, but especially in the US where I encounter the worst service overall - everywhere.- not Marriott exclusive. Something should be done to better utilize his skills as you continue to improve operations globally. I can elaborate more if desired, please let me know.

Sir, that's great job!

Very good,sir.

Sir, This is very good.

Hi Bill, im finding it neigh on impossible to redeem my points? Any tips? Is was easy paying my accounts to recieve the points, but hard to redeem them.

Mr. Marriott,
Would you be interested in building a Hotel in Riverside, Alabama? My dad owns appro. 36 acres of land that is on the water and is close to Talladega Speedway. It would be a pleasure to hear from you.
Thank you,
Tammy Sawyer

On May 31, 2010, my wife and I were ckecking out of the Marriott Courtyard at the Rome airport. We had a marvelous stay, great staff, nice room, etc. Unfortunately, another American man was berating the Marriott employee at the front desk about the check out process. The Marriottt employee, a young male, maintained his composure and professionalism. He was a wonderful testament to the great staff at this hotel. I am embarrrassed by my fellow American for his rude, loud, offensive behavior. Please inform the manager that the staff was warm, welcoming, and simply great at all times. Also, tell them that as an American, I'm sorry for the jerk's behavior.

May 30, 2010
Stephen and Dareen Acker
Just a note to give accolades to your great Staff at the IAH Marriott Bush Intercontinental Airport Houston, TX.We ALWAYS stay at Marriott hotels/motels. I travel extensively in Oklahoma, Colorado and New Mexico. However, this stay in Houston had the purpose of being at the Airport for our trip to Ireland and at the Airport when we returned. We stayed one night prior to leaving, parked our car valet while we were gone on our Ireland trip 13 days. Then returning May 13, we wanted two days and nights to “wind down and help get over jet lag.”
When checking in April 30, we were greeted by a uniformed gentlemen who already had our room keys waiting. He also helped us to our room with luggage etc. THAT was most impressive. He gave us the impression “we were the most important people on earth staying at your hotel.”
We ate in CK’s revolving restaurant that evening - lovely - great food and atmosphere. The next morning of our departure, we ate downstairs in the American Grille. We were greeted by a very pretty hostess, very professional yet very sweet. We had a nice chat with her after being seated. I mentioned we were going to Ireland for 13 days etc. and we would see her back on May 14 for breakfast. Our food and service was perfect.
Morning of May 14th - we had returned from Ireland and trying to get over jet lag. Again this lovely hostess greeted us. What a professional lady that represents Marriott Hotels! SHE REMEMBERED US AND THAT WE WERE GOING TO IRELAND AND HAD JUST RETURNED! Now we were really impressed!! We chatted for a short while. Then the waitress came over and “welcomed us back home as she also remembered us!!!” The lady chef that cooks omelette’s was so friendly also and our dining experience was again perfect.
I just happened to mention to the hostess it was our 19th wedding anniversary on May 14th . She and our waitress wished us “Happy Anniversary - Welcome Home.” Later in that day - there was a knock at our room door and a friendly voice said “Room Service.” Dee, my wife, answered the door and told the person we had not ordered room service. Dee was told politely "it was a gift from Marriott Hotels and the Staff at the American Grille." It was a LOVELY dish of various cheese, fruit and crackers. Also the card MADE OUR DAY! It was a “Happy Anniversary” card signed BY ALL OF THE STAFF IN THE AMERICAN GRILLE. We were so “touched” it brought a tear to our eyes!!!! To think those folks would remember us in such a special way! THAT is without a doubt the a gesture that will be long remembered and bind us to Marriott chain hotels/motels. We hope you will pass this letter of sincere appreciation to the Hotel Manager and the Staff in the American Grille.
Dr. Steve and Dee Acker

I would like to share my story.
I stayed at the Residence Inn by Marriott Pleasant Hill Concord from September 2009 to the 2nd of January 2010. I had the best experience ever!
The staff was friendly, courteous and spot on the job. Even though some things came up, someone was right there to fix the leaking sink or replace a light bulb. Olga at the front desk was the essence of professionalism and always let me know when a fax arrived. She is far and away the best front desk person I have ever had the pleasure of working with.
The manager was away the my entire stay due to an illness in the family. ( Kudos to Marriott for allowing so many weeks of family leave!)
Victor was the GM for the time I was there. Again, he was on top of any issues or requests I had. He went above and beyond a couple of times for me. Housekeeping gets a gold star for the best service I have ever had! Not only did they keep my room spotless, they were more than happy to work around my schedule. Thank You So Much for making my home away from home so wonderful!

I must recommend conceirges Terry *** at the J.W. Mariott-Hong Kong and Mr. Michael ** at the JWM-Shenzhen. Both of these gentlemen went far above the line of duty to help make my stays perfect, and it sure is nice when you are greeted by name when you come back to the hotel. Mr. Marriott, you are hiring some fine people.

What a difficult task! I have worked with many Marriott employees to schedule events throughout the US and they are all amazing! I have established friendships with so many of them and they are like family! Great job of selecting and training the right people! Julie New

My wife and I had a less than awesome stay at a recent Marriott in Bloomington IL. As a platinum elite member, I have experienced many Marriott properties and know that this is unusual. We made our experience know to the platinum elite group and they forwarded the email on to the hotel. The general manager of the hotel not only refunded our points for the night's stay, but took the time to acknowledge each issue that came up in a personal email. Not only was this an exceptional example of service, this is why we choose to be members of Marriott's elite program rather than another hotel chain. Problems happen; we understand that. It is how they are resolved that matters. We could have easily been dismissed. Instead, Jeff ******, General Manager of the Bloomington, IL Marriott chose to address our issues personally and do what he could to rectify the issues to keep them from happening to someone else.

Tom & Heather Desmond

And speaking of a top associate, I would like to commend the professionalism, thoroughness and resourcefulness of Ms. Madison Bauer at the Highland Park, Illinois Courtyard.

Sincerely,

Al Budris
President
Sidi America, Inc.

Mr. Marriott,
I know this isn't the best place to make a suggestion, but your business is affiliated with Market America and I belive that you are not taking advantage of an opportunity with your partnership to earn a percentage of the sales made on Market America. This could add an extra stream of income that would continue even after your guests have checked out. I would like to explain my idea to you. Thank you kimball Johnson
to you. Thank you

We just finished staying at the Burlington, VT Courtyard Harbor Side. An absolutely fantastic hotel. Every member of the staff was very friendly and very helpful. The bar tender, Frank, is one of the best I have every met and he pointed us to great restaurants in Burlington and St. Albans. You should be proud of this hotel - the best Courtyard I have ever visited.

Mr. Marriott,
I must share a story about your employee, Robin who works at the Marriott Courtyard in Peachtree Corners Atlanta/Norcross, GA. On my first of many stays at this location my wife called to see if there was a company in the Atlanta area that delivered cookies or treats for special occasions because it was my birthday. Robin said she did not know of such a company and asked how she could help. My wife explained and Robin was very accomodating and put together a basket of cookies and a happy birthday card from my wife and had it waiting in my room at the end of the day. After some investigation I found out what Robin had done to help my wife out and make my day very special. Since that time I have stayed several times and I am known as The Cookie Man and Robin is The Cookie Lady. Employees like Robin should not go unnoticed. She and the wonderful staff at the Marriott Courtyard Peachtree Corners are what keep guests coming back.
Cliff Scheiber
Loyal Marriott Guest and Platinum Member

good

Dear Bill Marriott,
I have been staying at the George Bush Airport Marriott in Houston for many years. Most ofter I'm tired from a long day at work and driving in the Houston traffic. After arriving at the hotel I often go to the flight lounge and have a drink and something to eat. For years the hotel has the same two wonderful waitresses, who work their tails off, who greet you with a smile that you remember, and just make your visit and meal irrestiable. I CAN'T WAIT TO SEE THEM. I'm been their customer for more that 10 years and it is always the same and tonight was no different (May 20,2010). I was excited to go up to the flight lounge in hopes they would be there. They are very special please do something special for them, I would be glad to help. I've been to many 5 star restraunts and these two gals are the best I've seen period!
Thomas Spriggs
Marriott Rewards *********

Sweet--I bet all of your employees would love this recognition.

That is by far always a beautiful thing to do. I love your hotels.