A Hospitality Hero is someone who goes above and beyond the call of duty to help guests feel at home during their stay on them for their hard work on behalf of this beautiful island that we all love.

Cindy Smith is the Hospitality Hero at The Beachview Club. As a front desk agent for the past two years, Cindy routinely goes out of her way to make guests of The Beachview Club feel right at home. Guests often write letters or praising Cindy’s work.”She is extremely friendly, and our guests love her,” said Jimmy Dunn, general manager. “Anything that is asked of her she’ll do.” Cindy has even been known to bring home baked goods from her own kitchen to celebrate a regular guest’s anniversary or birthday. For more information on The Beachview Club, visit www.beachviewclub.com. Also, see page 2 of Beachscape for an in-depth look at the hotel.

Celeste George is a front desk clerk at the Quality Inn and Suites. Guests love her in part because it’s obvious that she loves what she’s doing. “She is great with our guests,” said Heidi Cook, general manager. “She always jumps right in to help, and she has the ability to calm a situation and keep our guests happy.” Celeste is relatively new to the hotel, having started work in December 2007, but her charm and presence are strongly felt at the Quality Inn and Suites. The Quality Inn and Suites is situated in the middle of Jekyll Island and is the closest hotel to the Island’s three 18-hole golf courses and the Tennis Center. The Quality Inn specializes in golf packages year round. The property bedroom apartments. Beach access is directly across the street. The Quality Inn is currently undergoing major improvements which include replacing most of the furniture. Please visit their website at www.jekyllislandquality.com.

Felicia Savage, who works in engineering maintenance at the Jekyll Oceanfront Hotel, can do just about anything, according to General Manager Michelle Blackstone. “In a predominately male department, Felicia has proven she can do anything anybody else can do,” Blackstone said. “We count on her quite a bit.” From patching a wall to replacing a toilet, Felicia jumps right in. Felicia has been with Jekyll Oceanfront Hotel for the past three years, and during that time she has been chosen as employee of the month several times. During the hotel’s major renovations, Felicia took the lead by planning and directing the work. But most of all, Felicia has earned the respect of her colleagues. And, Blackstone adds, “She’s always smiling.” This spring the hotel is undergoing massive changes in a multi-million dollar re novation project. Fourteen buildings will have a complete overhaul from the electricity to the roof and everything in between. With 260 guest rooms and villas on 15 beautifully landscaped acres, plus 14,000 square feet of event space, the Jekyll Oceanfront Hotel is the island’s largest oceanfront hotel. Check out their website at www.jekyllinn.com.

Rose Meixsel, front desk clerk at the Oceanfront Inn and Suites, receives an extreme amount of favorable guest comments according to General Manager Jason Smith. “She receives no less than three positive guest comments in any given week,” Smith said. “People hunt me down to tell me about the quality of her service.” Rose makes it a point to warmly greet everyone who visits the Oceanside Inn. She makes the registration process painless. The Oceanside has many winter guests who visit annually and children who visit the hotel, and she even keeps dog treats for visiting canine guests. Rose is an extremely loyal employee and has been with the Oceanside Inn and Suites for the past eight years. The Oceanside Inn and Suites has recently completed $1.6 million in renovations, including the new Sand Bar Grill, the island’s only true sports bar. This sports bar is a true multi-pool tables. The Inn offers 178 guest rooms with views of the ocean including 26 suites. The Inn has updated all guest rooms and expanded its meeting space for a total of 7,500 square feet. Check out their website at www.oceansideinnandsuites.com.

Assistant Front Office Manager Tammy Young works tirelessly for the benefit of guests at Villas by the Sea. Tammy is a very dedicated employee having worked at Villas by the Sea
for many years. In addition to her front desk duties of scheduling and handling guests’ requests, Tammy is in charge of planning activities for the many winter guests who visit the Villas each year. “She took on the task of managing our winter guest activities and she does a great job,” said Ryan Merritt, sales manager for Villas by the Sea. “She works tirelessly and she goes above and beyond every day.” Villas by the Sea offers hotel suites or one-, two- or three bedroom vacation rentals. Situated on 17 acres, guests will find nature trails that meander through the property. Having completed nearly $3 million in renovations since 2003, work continues to constantly upgrade and improve the property. A larger beach deck is being added, as well as new landscaping on the grounds. New outdoor lighting fixtures adorn the property. And five boardwalks are being connected to for a better walking experience. Please visit them online at www.jekyllislanda.com

Barbara Williams, executive housekeeper for the Days Inn and Suites, is an excellent employee and supervisor. Not only is she recognized as a Jekyll Island hospitality hero, she has in the past won national recognition as the Days Inn Housekeeper of the year from a pool of 1,800 applicants. Barbara has been with Days Inn since 1999. During that time she and her staff have always earned great quality assurance scores. In her position, Barbara supervises a staff of 20 employees and deals deftly with the language barriers that she routinely encounters with her staff.“She is an example of what all executive housekeepers should be,” said Shirley Rayhon, general manager. “She is dedicated to her staff, the company and especially the guest by going the extra mile whenever it is required of her.” This AAA-rated beachside hotel offers 124 rooms and suites and a convenient location right next to the convention center. the highest rating that Days Inn can bestow. The Schooner’s Landing breakfast area has been renovated with new carpet and furniture so that guests may enjoy their complimentary breakfast in comfort and style. Check out their website at www.daysinnjekyll.com.

Ken May, housekeeping department, who recently received the Jekyll Island Club Employee of the Year award is also recognized as the hotel’s hospitality hero. Ken has worked with the hotel for just that time, his work has been excellent and his attitude exemplary. Ken has also been recognized as “Employee of the Month” several times during his tenure. Ken was commended for his work by General Manager Kevin Runner at the club’s annual awards banquet.”Ken’s dedication to his job, this hotel, our guest and his fellow employees does not go unnoticed. Please accept my personal thanks for a job well done.” settings: The Clubhouse, the Annex, Sans Souci, or one of the cottages - Crane or Cherokee. This historic hotel launched a $4.2 million renovation earlier this year. The project will completely refurbish the public areas and guest rooms in the hotel’s Clubhouse, Annex and Sans 32-inch television. The Jekyll Island Club is now a smoke free facility. Outdoor courtyard areas and verandas are still available for smoking. The hotel has also added 5,000 square feet of conference space to the existing ballroom. The Jekyll Island Club Hotel, constructed in 1886-1902 has been designated a Historic Hotel of America by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Please visit their website at www.jekyllclub.com

Tags: Jekyll Island April Beachscape, jekyll island beach vacation, jekyll island georgia, jekyll island hospitality heroes

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