News for the Hospitality Executive |
Minnesota Lodging Association Names Hilton Minneapolis
Its 2009
"Large Property of the Year" and the AmericInn Lodge
& Suites
North Branch Its 2009 "Small Property of the Year"
St. Paul, Minnesota - January, 2010 - The Hilton Minneapolis in downtown Minneapolis has been honored by the Minnesota Lodging Association with its 2009 "Large Property of the Year" Award. MLA Executive Vice President David Siegel presented the award to General Manager John Luke during the organization's Holiday Party at the Holiday Inn & Suites, Bloomington in December. The Hilton Minneapolis was built in 1992 and features 821 rooms and 51 suites and numerous amenities including a health club, fitness center, business center, restaurant and much more. A $22.8 million renovation was completed in 2007 and the property now boasts 74,000 square feet of meeting space. The Hilton Minneapolis has been recognized by two leading regional magazines with their prestigious annual "Best Of" Awards. Meetings Midamerica's 2007 "Best of' Award recognized Hilton's outstanding meeting facility providing excellence in service, and Minnesota Meetings + Events Magazine's 2007 "Best of" Award recognized Hilton as the Best Hotel Meeting Space in Minnesota. Both awards are selected by readers. The property has also received 11 consecutive Pinnacle Awards. The Hilton contributes to its greater Minneapolis community with charitable contributions to such organizations as Community Health Charities, Feed My Starving Children, People Serving People, Salvation Army and the United Way. The Hilton is owned by 1001 Marquette, LLC and managed by Hilton Hotels Corporation. John Luke has served as general manager since 2003. One person who nominated the property for this award said, "The Downtown Minneapolis Hilton Hotel has long been locally and nationally recognized as a top hotel to host a convention or event.... The Hilton Hotel sets the gold standard for respect and quality of employment by its employees. It boasts an 88% retention rate with many employees who have been there since it opened its doors in 1992." The AmericInn Lodge & Suites North Branch has been honored by the Minnesota Lodging Association with its 2009 "Small Property of the Year" Award. MLA President Kirk Schultz (Madison Hospitality Group, Stillwater) presented the award to owners Jack and Laura Juve, Paul and Pam Devoe and Steve and Sheryl Redmond during the organization's Holiday Party at the Holiday Inn & Suites, Bloomington, in December.
The AmericInn Lodge & Suites North Branch opened its doors in 2000 and offers a variety of room types, including suites with whirlpools and fireplaces. Amenities include an indoor pool, whirlpool, steam room, game room, laundry and free breakfast, as well as meeting facilities for 80. In his remarks, Schultz noted that the property had received a 100 percent positive response from reviewers on Trip Advisor.com...quite a testament to its success. Corporate AmericInn has also acknowledged its high standard of quality, bestowing upon the property the 2008 AmericInn World Class Service Award. The hotel consistently achieves the "Exceptional AmericInn - An Industry Leader" status on the AmericInn Franchise Quality Assurance Inspections. It also achieved a Quality Assurance score that placed the property in the 'Top 10' ranking among all AmericInns. The owners are quick to say that it takes a strong team to be successful. As an example, they point to Housekeeper Bernice Dickinson, who received the AmericInn Housekeeping Employee of the Year Award in 2004. Giving back to the community is also important to the team of owners. They offer a "Room at the Inn" program, providing free lodging on Christmas Eve to travelers who are in town to visit residents of the community nursing home or hospital. Owner/Manager Jack Juve has been in the lodging industry for over 20 years and is an active industry leader. He is a Past President and current Director of the Minnesota Lodging Association. He is also a Director of the Hospitality Minnesota Board and member of the Hospitality Minnesota Education Foundation Board. About the "Large Property of the Year" Award
Honorees for "Property of the Year" may have made an impact on the lodging industry as a new property, made a significant turnaround as an existing property, or simply served as a model of stability for others. The award honors member lodging properties that:
2008: The Depot, Minneapolis
About the "Small Property of the Year" Award
Honorees for "Property of the Year" may have made an impact on the lodging industry as a new property, made a significant turnaround as an existing property, or simply served as a model of stability for others. The award honors member lodging properties that:
2008: The Waller House Inn, Little Falls
About the Minnesota Lodging Association
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Contact:
Ms Yvonne Chua
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