THG's Crowne Plaza Anchorage Named 'Outstanding Member Property of the Year' by AHLA
Alaska's first Crowne Plaza hotel is recognized by the AKH&LA for its quality customer service; The three-year-young property is the eighth hotel managed by The Hotel Group in Alaska and the ninth IHG hotel in the THG portfolio
Edmonds, WA - February 7, 2012 — The Hotel Group (THG) is proud to announce that the Crowne Plaza Anchorage-Midtown hotel, located at 109 W. International Airport Road, was named "Outstanding Member Property of the Year" (more than 150 rooms) by the Alaska Hotel & Lodging Assn. during its annual "Stars of the Industry" Award Ceremony held last month. The 165-room, six-story full-service hotel, which is owned by Anchorage Hospitality LLC and managed by THG, was chosen by the association from all hotels with more than 150 rooms that were nominated throughout the state. The property opened its doors in July 2009.
The Stars of the Industry Awards program was created to honor and celebrate outstanding service and achievements in hospitality. It recognizes employees, managers, properties and businesses that best symbolize the highest quality service of the industry. The "Outstanding Member Property of the Year Award" recognizes those that have demonstrated professionalism in operating a member property and have taken a leadership role in the industry by actively participating in association, community or industry programs. State winners in each category will go on to compete nationally in the American Hotel & Lodging Association's Stars of the Industry Program.
General manager John Ewing accepted the Outstanding Member Property of the Year award January 14, on behalf of his associates and team members. The event was attended by nearly 400 industry and local dignitaries.
"The judges chose the Crowne Plaza Anchorage-Midtown based on its community-service involvement and Good Neighbor Program," said Gretchen Kenney, AKH&LA Executive Director. "The Crowne Plaza family and guests helped raise money for the Make a Wish Foundation and the Food Bank of Alaska, plus General Manager John Ewing is a key participant in the Pro Start Program for up-and-coming chefs in our community. The Crowne Plaza also hosts numerous functions for their employees, such as: Celebrate Service Week, Cultural Potluck and the Red Carpet Lunch."
The Crowne Plaza Anchorage-Midtown will be nominated in the Community Program Award this year with the American Hotel & Lodging Assn.
"Being the 'new kid on the block' and earning this award is truly an honor," Ewing said. "When we opened our doors nearly three years ago, we were the first Crowne Plaza hotel in Alaska -- and today we remain the only Crowne Plaza in Alaska. This award is proof that visitors to this state, along with local patrons, really love the services and amenities that the Crowne Plaza brand has to offer. This hotel not only boasts outstanding accommodations with breathtaking mountain views, but our casual-dining Juno restaurant and lounge has become extremely popular among the community. The Crowne Plaza Sleep Advantage® program, our Priority Club® Rewards guest-loyalty program, and the brand's comprehensive meetings program also are big draws to travelers and meeting planners.
"But I would be remiss if I didn't recognize the efforts of our outstanding team here at the Crowne Plaza Anchorage-Midtown without whom this award would not be possible," Ewing said. "My staff goes above and beyond the call of duty each and every day, and it's their dedication to hospitality that is the No. 1 reason why we are Alaska's Outstanding Member Property of the Year. Bravo team on a job well done."
The Crowne Plaza Anchorage-Midtown is one of eight hotels in Alaska to be managed by THG, and one of four in the IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) family. Additional hotels in Alaska managed by THG include: The Holiday Inn Express Anchorage Airport, Holiday Inn Express Seward, Holiday Inn Express & Suites Fairbanks, Microtel Inn & Suites Anchorage Airport, Comfort Inn Ship Creek Anchorage, Motel 6 Anchorage, and the Fairfield Inn & Suites Anchorage. Of the 25 properties owned or managed by THG, nine are among the IHG brand.
IHG, THG Pay Tribute
Tim Genovese, VP operations upscale urands, InterContinental Hotels Group, acknowledged THG and the Crowne Plaza Anchorage-Midtown: "Congratulations to The Hotel Group and its local managers on earning such a prestigious award. To be recognized for such an achievement and to earn this designation takes a large commitment to providing a quality asset by executing the highest level of service on a daily basis. A hearty 'well done' to all responsible for such an honor."
Lara Latture, THG executive vice president and principal, also shared her congratulations: "We've been saying since before the property opened that the Crowne Plaza Anchorage-Midtown was going to be 'The Place To Meet' and we were right. The Crowne Plaza Anchorage team has done a tremendous job creating an environment where everyone feels welcome and wants to come back time and again. By earning this award, we are hopeful that demand for this brand will increase across the state, as the need for premium full-service hotels continues to grow. Kudos to everyone at the Crowne Plaza Anchorage-Midtown for their enthusiasm and determination to making your hotel No. 1 not only in Anchorage, but also in Alaska."
The Crowne Plaza Anchorage-Midtown features a library with mountain views, business center, indoor Saline pool with spa, complimentary local airport shuttle service, guest laundry, sundry and gift shop. All guestrooms are designated as non-smoking and include generously sized work desks, along with free wireless and wired high-speed Internet access (HSIA), 37-inch flat screen TV's with more than 100 channel selections including High Def options, coffee makers, hair dryers, two-line phone with voice mail, mini refrigerators and microwave ovens. An Executive Club level with Concierge Lounge features complimentary continental breakfast, cocktail hour, dinner snacks, and newspaper. Guestrooms on the concierge floor feature I-Pod docking stations in the lamps along with extra power outlets throughout the room to accommodate the modern traveler. The hotel has 4,000 square feet of meeting space for business functions or special events.
For more information on the Crowne Plaza Anchorage-Midtown, visit www.crowneplaza.com/anchorageak or direct at 907-443-4100. For more information on THG and the services it offers, visit www.thehotelgroup.com.
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