The Winners' Circle for May 2009

Chateau Beauvallon ranks tops with Expedia users

MONT TREMBLANT, QC—Expedia travellers have ranked Chateau Beauvallon as the world’s best hotel on this year’s Expedia Insiders’ Select list. The boutique hotel received an almost perfect score of 99.99 out of a possible 100 on the list that recognizes individual hotels worldwide that consistently deliver excellent service, a great overall experience and a notable value.
 
To celebrate its achievement, Chateau Beauvallon is offering clients the chance to experience the hotel at a fraction of the cost.  A special Expedia rate of $99.99 is now available for new bookings until June.

“We are thrilled to be ranked so highly by Expedia travellers,’”says Anne Larcade, president and COO of Sequel Lifestyle Hotels and Resorts, the management company that operates Chateau Beauvallon.

“As a lifestyle company, this recognition strengthens our commitment to offering our guests an experience that appeals to all six senses. It is our intuitive service and commitment to a balanced lifestyle that our guests say bring them back to our properties—guests feel this vibe and appreciate the great value,” she adds.

Executive chef Christopher Marz from The Crowne Plaza Ottawa

Chef Christopher Marz is SilverBirch leader of the year

OTTAWA, ON—The Crowne Plaza Ottawa’s executive chef Christopher Marz has received the “2008 Leader of the  Year” award from SilverBirch Hotels & Resorts. This award is given to an  individual who is in a leadership role, has been recognized as a Coach of the  Quarter under the SilverBirch Champions in Action recognition program, and  has made significant contributions in the spirit of the SilverBirch  championship philosophy.

 Marz joined the culinary  team as executive chef at 101 Café & Bar four years ago. In addition to excelling as a leader in the hotel, chef Marz has been actively involved in the Ottawa community, as part of Toques Blanches, Chefs Association as well as teaching future culinary teams at Algonquin College.

Marz also donates  his time to the Chef’s Charity Café, an initiative that supports families with sick children and provides supplies to the homeless, as well as offers  scholarships to local hospitality and tourism students.  His volunteer  efforts have had a positive impact on the other associates at the hotel,  encouraging them to become more involved in their community as well.
 
Chef Marz is originally from Montréal and spent seven years learning about the culinary arts in Lindau, Germany and Cork, Ireland.

The renovated lobby at the Sheraton Gateway Toronto Airport

YYZ Sheraton Gateway is the chain’s hotel of the year

TORONTO—Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. presented the Sheraton Gateway Hotel Toronto International Airport with the coveted “Sheraton Hotel of the Year” award at a recent celebration held at the St. Regis Hotel in New York City.
 
Joumana Ghandour, general manager of the 474-room Gateway property received the award in person at the evening ceremony in Manhattan.
 
Award criteria included guest satisfaction index rating, quality assurance ranking, revenue management and overall brand experience metrics for the hotel’s guests and clients.
“I was thrilled to accept the award on behalf of my entire team at the Sheraton Gateway”, said Ghandour. “I would like to thank our dedicated associates and all our loyal guests and clients, without whom this honour would not have been possible.”

The newly renovated Sheraton Gateway Hotel in Toronto International Airport offers 474 whisper-quiet guest rooms and is the only hotel located directly within the airport grounds.
Convenient airport meetings are easily accommodated with a selection of function room offerings from executive boardrooms to break out rooms, as well as ballrooms for plenary sessions and catered celebrations.

Guest rooms feature Sheraton’s signature Sweet Sleeper Bed. Sheraton Club Level rooms offer upgraded amenities and exclusive access to the penthouse Club Lounge for complimentary breakfast and evening hors d’oeuvres. 

Directly connected to Terminal 3 by climate controlled walkway and with a dedicated stop on the Automated People Mover system to Terminal 1, the hotel offers a variety of stopover, getaway and meeting packages.