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From Wags to Riches

Former Shelter Dog Lands Top Spot as Director of Pet Relations
at Kimpton’s Oceanfront Vero Beach Hotel & Spa

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VERO BEACH, Fla., July 31, 2009 – What do Oprah Winfrey, J.K. Rowling, Jim Carrey, Chris Gardner and Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants’ newly appointed director of pet relations have in common?  They have all beaten the odds with far-fetched rags to riches stories.  Oliver, a 17-pound, three-year-old Lhasa Apso, has become the first director of pet relations at Kimpton’s 113-room Vero Beach Hotel & Spa.  Once an orphan at a Miami animal shelter and later rescued by the Have a Heart organization , Oliver was recently adopted by the Vero Beach Hotel & Spa’s general manager Marco Scherer, landing him a job at this luxurious oceanfront hotel and one of FORTUNE’S 2009 “100 Best Companies to Work For,” Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants.

“I am extremely grateful to the Have a Heart Association for saving me from my ruff beginnings and to Kimpton for giving me the opportunity to bow-wow pet patrons at the Vero Beach Hotel & Spa,” said Oliver, director of pet relations at Kimpton’s Vero Beach Hotel & Spa.

As the director of pet relations for the AAA Four Diamond hotel, Oliver reports to the general manager, lays-in on executive meetings, and oversees the hotel’s pet perks program. Responsibilities include developing amenities, promotions and packages for four-legged travelers and hand-selecting his favorite treats to surprise furry friends with upon arrival.  Oliver enjoys laying in his giraffe bed, having his belly rubbed, playing with his chewy bone, and shaking paws with the hotel guests. He will also co-hosts the hotel’s complimentary wine hour every evening in the lobby from 5:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m.

“We had many qualified canine-dates apply for this job through our Facebook page, however, after an exhaustive interview process, we determined Oliver’s friendly spirit and outgoing attitude made him the perfect pet for the position,” said Marco Scherer, general manager at Kimpton’s Vero Beach Hotel & Spa.  “We are delighted to welcome Oliver as part of the executive team and top dog representing our hotel’s pet-friendly personality.”

As an employee of Kimpton, Oliver’s compensation package includes free healthcare, unlimited grooming, complimentary dog walks, treats, and a joint office with the General Manager and Director of Sales.  Periodic bonuses will include treats and toys throughout the month.

To contact Oliver, guests can e-mail him at [email protected].  For more information on the Vero Beach Hotel & Spa, visit www.verobeachhotelandspa.com or call 1-866-602-VERO. Facebook users can additionally check-out Oliver and the hotel on our Fan page on facebook.
 
ABOUT VERO BEACH HOTEL & SPA
Located on one of the country’s most exclusive and pristine beaches in Vero Beach, Florida – less than two hours from Palm Beach and Orlando International Airports – the AAA four diamond Vero Beach Hotel & Spa offers 113 West-Indies-style designer guest rooms appointed with dark mahogany woods, Jerusalem stone flooring, granite countertops, flat screen televisions, sumptuous bedding and spacious balconies overlooking the spectacular Atlantic Ocean.  Popular with guests are the adjacent oceanfront Cobalt restaurant and Heaton’s Reef Bar & Grill.  Favorite hotel amenities include a private beach, heated ocean view pool, complimentary evening wine hour for overnight guests, fitness center, golf privileges at private clubs, an executive boardroom and private event room, concierge, laundry, valet parking and business center services.  A full-service onsite spa is scheduled for completion in the fall of 2010.  Until then, guests can enjoy Kimpton’s signature in-room spa services including massage, body and facial treatments.  For more information call 1-866-602-VERO or visit the www.verobeachhotelandspa.com.

ABOUT KIMPTON
San Francisco-based Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants, a collection of boutique hotels and chef-driven restaurants in the US and Canada, is an acknowledged industry pioneer and was the first to bring the boutique hotel concept to America. Founded in 1981 by Bill Kimpton, the company is well-known for making travelers feel welcomed and comfortable while away from home through intuitive and unscripted customer care, stylish ambience and having a certain playfulness in its approach to programs and amenities. Each hotel provides a range of exciting culinary experiences through locally-loved, top-rated, destination, chef-driven restaurants.  Kimpton leads the hospitality industry in ecological practices through its innovative EarthCare programs that span all hotels and restaurants. Privately held Kimpton has consistently earned high customer satisfaction scores by the Market Metrix Hospitality Index, exceeding other hotel companies including those in luxury and upscale segments. Among the company’s newest properties are Hotel Palomar Atlanta and restaurants Pacci Ristorante by Chef Keira Moritz and AltoRex lounge in Atlanta, GA, which opened in May 2009. Currently, projects are underway in New York City, Philadelphia, Baltimore and Chicago. For more information, please visit www.KimptonHotels.com or call 1-800-KIMPTON.
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Contact:

Kreps De Maria
Sissy De Maria
305-663-3543
[email protected]
Cindi Perantoni
305-663-3543
[email protected]
 
Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants
Jamie Law
415-955-5495
[email protected]


 

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Also See: Marco Eduar Scherer Appointed General Manager of the 113-room Vero Beach Hotel & Spa in Vero Beach, Florida / January 2009

Kimpton Set to Open the 411 room EPIC Hotel in Downtown Miami / November 2008

Gloria & Emilio Estefan and Benchmark Hospitality International Open the The $50 million Costa d'Este Beach Resort in Vero Beach, Florida / June 2008
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