Hunt Valley, MD Hotel Named 2012 Residence Inn Hotel of the Year

HUNT VALLEY, MD--(Marketwired - Jun 24, 2013) - On May 31, 2013, general managers from Marriott's five CFRST brands gathered in Orlando for the General Managers Conference. The weekend-long event brought 2,700 leaders from the various brands together to not only share ideas but recognize top performers. It was the latter that found the Residence Inn Baltimore Hunt Valley walking away with its second consecutive award for Residence Inn Hotel of the Year.

This Timonium, MD hotel's win was based on its Guest Satisfaction Survey scores, quality assurance and market share. While numbers were behind the final decision, it takes the right people to get there. Everyone from the general manager to the front-desk associates is part of the success at the Residence Inn Baltimore Hunt Valley.

"Everyone strives to create memorable moments for every guest," Eli Adams, general manager of this hotel near Towson University, said. From fresh flowers to a 12-pack of Pepsi, the staff notices details and anticipates guests' need to "facilitate these emotional connections with our travelers."

The award was presented by Christine Miles of Marriott International, who drew on the hotel's numbers but focused on its staff. She noted that "this team has FUN while getting the job done. In the morning, you can often find associates playing a game of water-balloon toss or musical chairs to kick off the daily huddle." She also pointed out that everybody at these suites outside Baltimore sells, and that even hourly associates have learned to give site tours. "It is not uncommon to see the maintenance supervisor or a houseman touring a potential guest," she said, "and enthusiastically telling them why this hotel perfectly meets their needs."

The hotel seems to meet the needs of its team members, too, as it has retained 50% of the staff since its pre-opening. "Making work fun and emphasizing the power of teamwork is an important part of the culture that we have created at our property," Adams said. The strong bond between associates helped the hotel achieve a lot, from second place in the brand's 2012 Guest Overall Satisfaction to tug-of-war champions 3 years in a row at the annual franchise company picnic. "Teamwork is synonymous with our staff," Adams says. "The thing that always amazes and astonishes the management here is that our associates never say no."

About the Residence Inn Baltimore Hunt Valley
There are many reasons for an extended stay, from relocation and long-term projects to temporary housing and vacation; no matter what brings one to the area, the Residence Inn Baltimore Hunt Valley is the perfect place to call home. Only 17 miles north of Baltimore and a block from the Baltimore Light Rail, this business-friendly hotel offers easy access to everything. If sightseeing is on the agenda, visit nearby Oregon Ridge Park, NCR Trail, Hunt Valley Towne Center, Pimlico Race Track (home of the Preakness), Timonium Fairgrounds, Hayfields Country Club and Hunt Valley Country Club. On the clock? Corporate headquarters for McCormick & Company, PHH, Sinclair Communications, Verizon, Bank of America, Fila, BD Diagnostic Systems, AAI Corporation, Proctor & Gamble, Tesco Technologies, Pall Corporation and Trans Healthcare are all close by. Spacious suites are just like home, featuring separate areas for living, sleeping, working and dining. Focus on work with a large desk, high-speed Internet access and coffeemaker. When it's time to clock out, cook up a healthy meal in the fully equipped kitchen and settle in for a night of TV with the 32-inch flat-screen. Vacationing families will have room for everyone with a pullout sofa and additional vanity/sink area. Mornings start with a complimentary hot breakfast, a workout in the fitness center or a few laps in the indoor pool. In the evening, enjoy complimentary drinks and food, plus an opportunity to meet other guests. A meeting space near Baltimore with room for up to 30 guests can host small meetings, interviews and more, and group accommodations are also available.