#United States #LBA Hospitality #Marriott Chairman's Award #Renaissance St. Augustine #St. Augustine, Ashland

Recognition for Excellence in Hospitality

LBA Hospitality has recently achieved an impressive milestone by having two of its managed properties, the Renaissance St. Augustine Historic Downtown in Florida and the Delta Hotels by Marriott Ashland Downtown in Kentucky, honored with the prestigious Marriott Chairman's Award. This award is a mark of distinction awarded to a select hotel from each brand, highlighting their commitment to operational excellence, guest satisfaction, and service quality that aligns with Marriott's esteemed reputation.

The Renaissance St. Augustine, known for its historical significance and charm, was recognized for its embodiment of the Renaissance brand's ethos, coupled with exceptional guest experiences. Similarly, the Delta Hotels by Marriott Ashland Downtown's recognition showcases its dedication to providing seamless and meaningful travel experiences to guests.

Both awards are particularly notable considering the Marriott Chairman's Award is granted to only one hotel per brand each year, making this dual achievement a rare accomplishment.

Metrics for Success

The Marriott Chairman's Award evaluates properties based on key performance indicators, including the Intent to Recommend, which measures guests' likelihood to suggest the hotel to others. This reflects not just guest satisfaction but a deeper level of personal endorsement. Farrah Adams, Chief Operating Officer of LBA Hospitality, states, "A recommendation is personal... it indicates a guest experienced something noteworthy enough to tell others, 'You should stay here.'"

To have both hotels earn this accolade showcases the remarkable consistency and dedication exhibited by their teams in delivering exceptional hospitality.

Leadership Excellence

The success of both hotels is also attributed to their outstanding General Managers. Meredith Klindtworth, of Renaissance St. Augustine, was awarded the 2024 Marriott Mustang Award, which honors leaders for innovation and excellence. Under her direction, the hotel has crafted experiences that highlight the area's rich history and charm.

Meanwhile, Jackie Hymel, the General Manager of Delta Hotels by Marriott Ashland Downtown, has been recognized as the Delta Brand General Manager of the Year in 2022 and received the Hotel Hero Award in 2024. Her leadership fosters a culture of accountability and service among staff, enhancing guest experiences in alignment with Delta's brand values.

Impact on Hospitality Industry

The significance of these awards transcends performance metrics alone. They signify the collective voice of satisfied guests who affirmatively recommend these hotels based on quality experiences across various departments from front desk to housekeeping. LBA Hospitality emphasizes that hospitality fundamentally revolves around its people, a sentiment echoed by Adams.

She elaborates, "These awards validate what we see daily in our hotels: talented leaders building positive cultures, associates taking pride in their work, and teams finding meaningful ways to care for guests."

This dual recognition not only highlights LBA Hospitality's commitment to quality management but also reinforces its reputation within the Marriott system, as the company is recognized as a leading, award-winning management firm. Currently, LBA oversees 106 hotels, 45 of which are affiliated with Marriott, showcasing their robust presence and expertise in hospitality management.

LBA Hospitality: A Legacy of Excellence

Founded in 1973, LBA Hospitality has established itself as a prominent player in hotel management and development, boasting a portfolio of award-winning properties across various regions. Their sustained commitment to guest satisfaction and operational excellence allows them to set high standards in hotel management.

In Conclusion, both the Renaissance St. Augustine Historic Downtown and Delta Hotels by Marriott Ashland Downtown serve as exemplary models of hospitality and customer service, reflecting the enduring brand values of Marriott and the exceptional management ethos of LBA Hospitality. With the balanced pursuit of quality service and guest satisfaction, LBA continues to elevate the standard in the competitive hotel industry.