Cross, 72 years old, is from Ashabuela, Ohio via the U.S. Navy.  He originally applied for a bellman�s position but the only job available at the time was an elevator operator. He was told that �you have to work your way up� to bellman. Over the next 54 years, he did just that and gained a lifetime of friends and memories from the staff and guests he has worked with at The St. Francis.
 

In 1946, at age 20, George began his career at The St. Francis as an elevator operator where he earned $6.15 per day. A year later, he received a promotion and became a page, a position which no longer exists in most hotels today. He transferred departments to become a bellman in 1948 where he earned $9.30 per day. Then he was appointed shift captain in 1968 where he received a daily rate increase to $10.50.  In 1971, George was appointed superintendent of services. For the past several years, he has enjoyed the title of head bell captain and is responsible for overseeing a staff of twenty-seven bellmen and seven doormen. All current Bell Desk operating procedures were created by George over thirty years ago.

The royal treatment was bestowed onto Westin St. Francis veteran bellman George Cross, age 72, affectionately known as "King George" by Area Managing Director Michael Cassidy who gave a royal push to Cross for 54 years of dedication to the historic St. Francis Hotel. San Francisco Mayor Willie L. Brown, Jr. proclaimed Friday, October 20, 2000 as George Cross Day. Photo Credit: Scotty Morris

One of George�s most memorable occasions was being selected in 1951 to join Dan London, legendary St. Francis hotel manager, in welcoming General Douglas MacArthur back from Korea, at a victorious celebration at the Powell Street entrance.

In addition, some of the memorable guests George has assisted include President Richard Nixon, Chief Justice Earl Warren, Louis B. Mayer, Mary Costa, Edwin Pauley, Jim Farley, Lee Marvin, Tony Randall, Tula Bankhead, Hilo Hattie, Jimmy Durante, Freddie Martin, Harry Owens, Lefty O�Doul, Bette Davis, Merv Griffin and Angie Dickinson.

In 1996, George was honored by Westin Hotels and Resorts and received the Thruston-Dupar Inspirational Award in recognition of his outstanding service to hotel guests, to the hotel and to fellow employees. The award was established in 1958 throughout Westin Hotels and Resorts, to honor Mr.  S.W. Thurston and Mr. F. Dupar, founders of Westin Hotels and Resorts.

George spends his days off golfing with his buddies. He is also an avid reader and has an extensive collection of red wines.

Westin Hotels and Resorts with more than 115 hotels and resorts in 23 countries, is owned by Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide, Inc.