Florence, Alabama Hotel's General Manager Named Hotelier of the Year

FLORENCE, AL--(Marketwired - Aug 29, 2013) - Working in harmony is critical for symphonies and hotels alike, especially the Marriott Shoals Hotel & Spa. Not only does this property celebrate its area's rich musical history in a variety of ways, it also functions smoother than an adagio jazz movement. The hotel's unique approach to hospitality earned it the No. 1 position in 2012 among Marriott hotels in North America for guest satisfaction, dining, golf, spa and luxury. This year, its general manager, Larry Bowser, earned an equally prestigious award: Hotelier of the Year.

Bestowed by the Alabama Restaurant Association and the Alabama Hospitality Association, Bowser's award reflects his deep understanding of both the area and the industry. Bowser assumed his position in 2004, which allowed him to oversee the hotel's design and construction and ultimately open ahead of schedule in June 2005.

With the renowned Muscle Shoals golf courses just minutes away, Bowser decided to add a new dimension to the sort of hospitality available among hotels near Wilson Lake. The stunning natural setting is celebrated by this 199-room hotel through guestroom views of the Tennessee River and outdoor attractions like the pool and splash pad. But it's music that ultimately steals the spotlight. Under Bowser's direction, the hotel christened two of its suites after local stars of the music industry -- W.C. Handy and Sam Phillips. He was also instrumental in creating Swampers Bar and Grill, a casual hotspot featuring Southern fare and local sounds, with live music playing daily.

Swampers isn't the property's only culinary attraction, though. Thanks to Bowser's guiding vision, the hotel and its other restaurant, the atmospheric 360 Grille, both received AAA's enviable Four Diamond Award. As the city's only revolving restaurant, 360 Grille affords breathtaking views alongside a fine-dining experience unlike any other in the area.

Thanks to Bowser's creative vision, this University of North Alabama hotel in Florence has become an award-winning destination. Nowhere else can travelers find such an appealing amalgam of nature, music, local charm and luxury, which makes this hotel an ideal location for any Muscle Shoals vacation. Talk about harmonious hospitality.

About Marriott Shoals Hotel & Spa
Luxury meets local charm at the Marriott Shoals Hotel & Spa in Florence, Alabama. Featuring 192 guestrooms and seven suites, a 6,000-square-foot European spa and a music scene that sets the tone for the rest of the city, the hotel provides its guests with experiences not to be found anywhere else. Two Robert Trent Jones championship golf courses are just minutes away, while a fitness center, indoor and outdoor pools, a splash pad and a waterslide appeal to adults and families alike. Meals are made memorable by the hotel's two standout restaurants: 360 Grille, a revolving fine-dining venue that affords 360-degree views; and Swampers Bar and Grille, where local musicians share the spotlight with the Southern dishes. Private balconies overlooking the Tennessee River, down comforters, deep tubs and a range of upgraded amenities make each guestroom a luxurious sanctuary, while the hotel's 30,000 square feet of flexible indoor event space (not to mention its acres of outdoor space) make business meetings and retreats equally stunning.