Every year, at the annual hotel Christmas Party, each hotel from across the Elite Hotels Group celebrates the hard work and dedication of their teams, from maintenance to event teams and everyone in between. This award recognises the member of staff who has gone above and beyond to ensure guests receive the best possible experience in the past year. Now that the awards have been presented, here are the winners of Employee of the Year 2019.
Ashdown Park Hotel and Country Club announced Louis Young as Employee of the Year 2019. The four-red-star hotel’s General Manager Ben Booker presented the award to Louis Young, from the Concierge team, who became the second Concierge to be awarded the accolade in the past three years. Louis has been part of the concierge team, at Ashdown Park Hotel for a little over 15 months, however he has already made a huge impact to be recognised by his peers and mangers alike.
Joe McGinn, Head Concierge said: “I am absolutely ecstatic that Louis won employee of the year. During his time with us here at Ashdown Park, he has become a fantastic concierge, and a vital part of the team. Louis always provides a high level of customer service, and is determined that every guest he interacts with has their best possible experience while staying with us.”
The Grand Hotel in Eastbourne announced Wian-Marie Quimintan as the Employee of the Year 2019 and was presented her accolade by The Grand’s General Manager, Mr Jonathan Webley. Joining the hotel in 2017, Wian-Marie moved to the Conference and Banqueting team in 2018 and has since progressed to her current role, as Conference and Banqueting Supervisor. She is described by her colleagues as always having a smile on her face as well as being a pleasure to work with.
Jonathan Webley, General Manager at The Grand Hotel, Eastbourne said: “I am delighted to announce Wian-Marie as The Grand’s Employee of the Year for 2019. Wian-Marie is very deserving of this award, with her excellent, hard-working attitude and supportive nature; she really knows how to bring out the best in her team.”
Tylney Hall Hotel & Gardens announced Mercedes Beltre Ramirez (known as Wendy) and Richard Suero Diaz as its Employee’s of the Year, with the awards being presented by General Manager, Sam Aziz. Both began their journey at Tylney Hall Hotel as Kitchen Porters, but have since branched out to include Housekeeping. Their dedication, hard work and resilience have impressed managers and co-workers. Always ready to lend a hand and ensure the job is done, in any department that needs them! Richard now works full time in Housekeeping and Wendy remains in the Kitchen.
Mike Lloyd, Executive Head Chef said; “Wendy and Richard are the most positive people I have ever had the pleasure to work with and they work constantly to find a solution. Even when the dishwasher broke down, they remained cheerful and got the job done!”
Eddy, Head of Housekeeping echoed these sentiments, saying they were always willing to help and ensured the rooms were ready for guests when housekeeping was very busy in the run up to Christmas.
Luton Hoo Hotel, Golf and Spa announced Marek Masiar as Employee of the Year 2019, with the award being presented by General Manager, Matthew Long. Marek started working at Luton Hoo Hotel, Golf & Spa in banqueting and then moved across to become part of the night team, where he currently works as a Night Auditor. He has been with the hotel for over 7 years.
A number of colleagues and managers contributed to feedback which included: “He genuinely cares about the success of Luton Hoo and delivering amazing service at all times to our guests”; “The first to step in and help other departments when they are in need of help.” And “He is focused, reliable and flexible at all times and never expects recognition or thanks as he believes that helping others is just part of their job”