Norman Thomas of the Honored with 2009 Best of the Best Award
WILLIAMSBURG, VA, March 3, 2010 - Williamsburg native Norman Thomas was recently named "Best of the Best" Maintenance Engineer of the Year by the InterContinental Hotels Group for his superior service to the Holiday Inn Gateway Hotel and Suites, 515 Bypass Road.
Thomas was nominated by Hitesh M. Patel, CEO of HMP properties for expertly maintaining the newly constructed property and consistently providing superior guest service. "There is nothing that Norman will not do to make sure that our promise to our guests is kept," Patel said. "He is responsible for maintaining the highest-ranking hotel in a town of over 100 hotels, and this is no easy task."
"It is an honor to receive this award," remarked Thomas. "I strive to uphold the high standards of our team and do my best to treat each of our customers like a guest in my home."
Thomas also serves as steward to the community, continuing a tradition he began with a career in the military. He frequently volunteers with the Salvation Army, Big Brothers and Big Sisters, and represents HMP Properties at charity fundraising events and golf tournaments.
As Maintenance Engineer, Thomas's efforts allow the hotel to receive high guest satisfaction scores, which have helped the Holiday Inn Gateway Hotel & Suites consistently rank in the top 10% of all InterContinental Hotels Group brand properties since its opening.
An Award-Winning History
The Holiday Inn Gateway Hotel & Suites has been accorded many honors by InterContinental Hotels Group, including:
* 2007 Region Top Overall Satisfaction Score
* 2008 Newcomer of the Year Award
* 2008 Region Top Overall Satisfaction Score
* 2008 Region Top Year-Over-Year RevPAR Improvement
* 2009 Torchbearer Award
The hotel is also ranked #1 of 95 Williamsburg Hotels on the TripAdvisor.com Popularity Index.
About HMP Properties
HMP Properties, LLC (www.hmphotels.com) is an award-winning hotel development and management company headquartered in Williamsburg, VA. Since its inception in 1998, HMP Properties has built on reputable brands, upholding the standards of franchises such as Marriott, InterContinental, Hilton, Choice and Carlson. HMP Properties owns and operates five hotels in strong markets throughout Virginia, with three new properties scheduled to open in the near future.
Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) is a global leading lodging company based in Bethesda,Maryland, USA, with more than 4,200 properties in 80 countries and territories. Marriott International reported revenues of nearly $14 billion in fiscal year 2014. The company operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts under 19 brands, including: The Ritz-Carlton®, BVlgari®, EDITION®, JW Marriott®, Autograph Collection® Hotels, Renaissance® Hotels, Marriott Hotels®, Delta Hotels and Resorts®, Marriott Executive Apartments®, Marriott Vacation Club®, Gaylord Hotels®, AC Hotels by Marriott®, Courtyard®, Residence Inn®, SpringHill Suites®, Fairfield Inn & Suites®, TownePlace Suites®, Protea Hotels® and MoxyHotels®. Marriott has been consistently recognized as a top employer and for its superior business ethics. The company also manages the award-winning guest loyalty program, Marriott Rewards® and The Ritz-Carlton Rewards® program, which together surpass 50 million members. For more information or reservations, please visit our website at 
