Hotel Griffon, Inn at Union Square & King George Hotel Holiday Party

On Friday, December 20th, the employees of the Hotel Griffon, Inn at Union Square, and the King George Hotel celebrated the holidays with a casino-themed Holiday Party hosted at the King George Hotel. The Royal Casino Holiday Celebration featured food, beverages and casino games including a Craps Table, three Blackjack Tables, a Roulette Table and a Texas Hold'em Poker Table. Holiday fun was had by all and prizes were awarded to party-goers based on the number of chips earned. All employees who attended were encouraged to bring an item to donate to the Toys for Tots program. 

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from the Greystone Accounting Team!

The Greystone Hotels Accounting Team would like to wish each one of you and your families a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! 

Élan Hotel Holiday Luncheon

The Élan Hotel recently held their Annual Holiday Luncheon and had 100% employee 

attendance for the first time ever!  The staff enjoyed a luncheon catered by El Pollo Loco with New York cheesecake for desert. A good time was had by all and it was much appreciated,  especially when everyone received their Holiday Gift Cards! 

Bristol Hotel Employee Holiday Party!

Greg Rizzi (GM), Zayde Pelayo (2013 Employee of the Year Winner), Deb Sanderlin (Admin Mgr), and SANTA!

What a fun night we had at the Bristol Hotel's Annual Employee Holiday Party, held on Tuesday evening, December 17th!

We had a wonderful turnout, with almost 100% of our employees attending the event with their dates.  Everyone enjoyed a lovely evening in the Starlight Room, on the top floor of the Bristol Hotel.  The food was delicious, and there was even a surprise visit from Santa, who helped pass out prizes and award the Employee of the Year on stage!

 

 

Greg thanked all employees for all of their efforts in making 2013 a success for the Bristol Hotel.

We also recognized our four 2013 Employee of the Quarter winners during this event:

Rosie Hernandez, Housekeeping

Zayde Firman, Front Desk

Arnel Santos, Engineering

Maria Resendiz, Laundry

All four of these employees are highly respected and deserve accolades and appreciation for the pride they have in doing such exemplary jobs in all of their respective departments.

This year's 2013 Employee of the Year award receipient is Zayde Pelayo.  Zayde started at the Bristol as a Room Attendant in the Housekeeping Department.  She showed an interest in learning the Front Desk Agent position as well, and once she started there she really loved it and excelled in her new position.  She has been a wonderful example of a person who isn't afraid to learn and put in the hard work to make it happen. She receives numerous guest comments complimenting her, and is very flexible in her availability to work any shift needed at the front desk as well.

Congratulations, Zayde!!!  

And a BIG "thank you!" to Greystone Hotels for letting us have this wonderful celebration for all employees of the Bristol Hotel!

Way to Go Nina Straub & Paula Delesbore!

On Thanksgiving Day, Greystone Hotels' Corporate Controller, Nina Straub, and Best Western Seven Seas' Night Auditor, Paula Delesbore, participated in a 5K race in San Diego. Nina also competed in another 5K race this past weekend on her birthday. Way to go Nina and Paula on completing your races! 

Nina Straub & Paula Delesbore - Thanksgiving Day 5K Race

Nina Straub - Iron Girl 5K Race

"Real Giving" at the TownePlace Suites

In the spirit of giving, the TownePlace Suites Marriott in Bend, Oregon committed to making 10 blankets to benefit the children at the KIDS Center. The TownePlace brand runs the "Real Giving" promotion each year to blanket the local community with warm wishes. This year, the ladies at the front desk each made one or more of the blankets pictured below. The TownePlace Suites hopes to increase their donation next year. 

The KIDS Center is a child abuse intervention center serving Central Oregon. They are dedicated to the prevention, evaluation and treatment of child abuse. The management and staff at the TownePlace Suites look forward to continuing to support this charity.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ARLENE & TRACEY!

We have two birthdays to celebrate at the Bristol today...

Arlene Laucis, Director of Sales, and Tracey Wood, Sales Manager.

Yummy sprinkle donuts make a great start to a birthday weekend for both!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

Tracey Wood, Sales Manager (left) & Arlene Laucis (Director of Sales)

Congratulations to Benjamin Valencia and Guillermo Dolores on Winning Employee of the Quarter at the Creekside Inn!

On Tuesday November 12, 2013, the employees of the Creekside Inn participated in an Associate Appreciation Lunch provided by their General Manager, Luis Carreno. During the luncheon all new employees were introduced to the entire staff, prizes were awarded, and the Employee of the Quarter was announced. There were two employees that were selected for doing an exceptional job with the hotel guests, as well as with the hotel itself. The Creekside Inn Employees of the Quarter are: Benjamin Valencia and Guillermo Dolores. 

Benjamin Valencia

Guillermo Dolores

CONGRATULATIONS TO MARIA RESENDIZ - THE BRISTOL HOTEL'S EMPLOYEE OF THE 4TH QUARTER!

Vicky Keeling, Executive Housekeeper, with Maria Resendiz

Debra Sanderlin, Admin Manager, with Maria Resendiz

CONGRATULATIONS, MARIA!

Maria is a member of the Bristol Hotel's Housekeeping team, and is our full-time Laundry Attendant.  Maria has been with the Bristol for almost 15 years!  This summer was a true testament of her dedication and commitment when the weather turned brutally hot, and the laundry area was very uncomfortable.  When we would check on Maria to ensure she was drinking enough water and taking breaks, she would assure us she was perfectly fine and capable and never complained once!  Step inside the laundry room and you will see it is neat, organized, efficient and spic and span.  Maria takes enormous pride in her work, and is a previous Employee of the Year winner as well.  We congratulate Maria on her many years of service and thank her for everything she does!

THE BRISTOL HOTEL CONGRATULATES JOSE ORTIZ ON HIS BIG AWARD!

Jose Ortiz is an exemplary Valet Parking Attendant with ABM Parking Management, which operates valet parking at the Bristol Hotel.

Jose was recently nominated by his manager, Adam Kellner, for the "Shining Star of the Year" award.  Well, it is no surprise to any of us who know him, that Jose WON!  Jose will be attending the ABM Annual Employee Holiday Party with Adam and the ABM management team in Los Angeles this December, where he will be recognized for receiving this prestigious award.

Read the below nomination, which was submitted by Adam on Jose's behalf, and you will see why we are so proud to say Jose is part of our Bristol Team!

Branch 30

Shining Star of the Year Recipient

Jose Ortiz

Bristol Hotel

I would like to nominate Jose Ortiz for this year’s Shining Star Award.  Jose began working with Five Star Parking in November 2006.  He was initially hired to work in the surface lot division as a lot checker.  Throughout this time he became a “jack of all trades” and the “go to guy” for Brian Mamas, Randy Dick, and myself.  He was able to run any of the staffed surface lots, direct traffic, cite vehicles, and assist in events. His ability to fill in at all times of the day and work extra hours made him stand out as dependable and eager to please.  It is through his hard work and attitude that he was considered for a Supervisor position in the surface lot division.  Jose being the humble guy he is declined the opportunity preferring to work among his peers. 

Shortly after this decision he was offered a position at the Bristol Hotel as a valet.  He accepted this new role and has not looked back.  Sorry Brian!!  Jose was able to learn the details of the job quickly and execute them so well that he is now the Shift Mentor for new employees.  As a valet he epitomizes the core values of ABM Parking Services.

His specialty is customer service.  He has received more customer comment cards than any other employee on my staff.  Not only do the Hotel guests recognize his outstanding service but the Hotel Staff also greatly appreciates the image he represents.

I feel that Jose is more deserving of this award than the other nominations for the following reasons.  He has been a loyal employee for over 7 years.  He has a better understanding of parking operations from his duties in multiple locations.  Throughout his service he has received only positive comments from customers, clients, employees, and managers.  Other managers can attest to the exemplary employee his is.

Congratulations to Julia Umyarova on Winning Employee of the 3rd Quarter at the Hotel Griffon!

Julia Umyarova has been named Employee of the 3rd Quarter at the Hotel Griffon. Julia has been a dedicated front desk agent since May 2009. Julia has provided exceptional service to our diverse clientele with professionalism and enthusiasm. 

Congratulations Julia! 

Perry's Restaurant Celebrates 5 Years at the Hotel Griffon!

This week marks the 5th Anniversary of Perry's Restaurant at the Hotel Griffon! Perry's on the Embarcadero is an updated version of the original Perry's on Union Street. From breakfast to dinner, Perry's Restaurant is a constant crowd-pleaser among the guests of the Hotel Griffon.

 Happy 5th Anniversary to Perry's Restaurant at the Hotel Griffon!

Congratulations to the Winners of the Inn At Union Square's 1st Annual Pumpkin Carving Contest!

This year, the Inn at Union Square celebrated Halloween with their first annual pumpkin carving contest. Guests of the Inn were invited to take part in the fun as they voted for scariest, most original and funniest pumpkin. Below are the three winners of the Inn at Union Square's first annual pumpkin carving contest as selected by the guests!

Scariest Pumpkin - Salvador

Most Original Pumpkin - Kevin

Funniest Pumpkin -Paola

Congratulations to Consuelo Flores on Winning Employee of the Quarter at the Inn at Union Square!

Consuelo Flores has been at the Inn at Union Square since November 2012 as a breakfast attendant and does a superior job of ensuring our guests are well taken care of in the mornings. Her infectious smile and helpful demeanor are a big hit with all who encounter her. Consuelo cares so much about being here in the mornings that she has spent many nights at the hotel when BART was on strike to ensure she could take care of our guests.  Congratulations to Consuelo Flores on this well-deserved award! 

Congratulations to John Cardoza on Winning the Employee of the 3rd Quarter Award at the Élan Hotel

We are very happy to announce that John Cardoza has won our Employee of the 3^rd Quarter Award.  John has worked at the Élan Hotel for five years in our Valet Parking Department and has shown great customer service over the years.  Congratulation John on a job well done!  Featured in the photo are Dennis Hofilena, John Cardoza, and William Rabanalez.   

Congratulations to 'Team Running Rocks!' on Completing the 2013 Bridge to Bridge Run!

Congratulations to the 25 team members of Greystone Hotels San Francisco Collection "team running rocks!'on participating in the annual Bridge to Bridge run on Sunday, October 6th! It was a great day in the city and fun was had by all participants, many of which were first timers completing their inaugural event. Although the original 7K course was shortened to a 5K due to the Government shutdown, this did not dampen anyone's spirits and many team members opted to complete the longer 10k distance instead.

Participants included:

- From the Inn at Union Square: Ken Chan, Aurora Montero, Shanilla Bendidito, Joseph Gerona, Maribel Garcia, Paola Castillo, Salvador Garcia, Maria Enriquez 

- From the King George Hotel: Kirk Spaseff, Luis Medina, Cristy Flores, Marcel Guadalupe 

- From the Hotel Griffon: Matt Swenson, John Judan, Ofelia Cruz, Dorothy Deguzman, Abnet Teferi, Noel Enriquez, Larry Jimenez, Oliva Milan, Maria Garcia 

- From the Sales Team: Cathy Estelle, Allison Ondriska, Kevin McHale

-Norbert Mede

The event was a part of Greystone Hotels commitment to employee health and well being, encouraging exercise and proper diet among the staff members and their families.  

Way to go Nina!

Nina Straub, our Corporate Controller, was exited to complete her first mud run at the Del Mar Mud Run on Saturday, October 5^th. Congratulations Nina! 

BRISTOL BABIES!!!

WE ARE SO EXCITED TO ANNOUNCE THE RECENT ARRIVALS OF

TWO BEAUTIFUL BRISTOL BABIES!

It's a baby girl for BIANCA MONTERROSA (Front Desk)!

BAYLEE ~ Born on August 26th at 1:30pm, weighing 8lbs 15oz

AND...

It's a baby boy for SILVIA SALGADO (Housekeeping)!

JONATHAN ~ Born on September 17th at 12:00pm, weighing 6lbs 13oz

(baby picture coming soon!)

CONGRATULATIONS!

BRISTOL HOTEL EMPLOYEE ANNOUNCEMENTS

LONG TERM EMPLOYEE RECOGNITION

Rosa Perales (right) pictured with Executive Housekeeper Vicky Keeling (left)

The Bristol would like to recognize ROSA PERALES in the month of October.  Rosa has been a part of our team for 11 years now, and is an irreplaceable member of the Housekeeping Department!  Rosa is the "right-hand" to Vicky Keeling, Executive Housekeeper, and is always ready to step in at any time to assist.  Rosa can handle anything; from servicing guest rooms, to the laundry, to supplies and scheduling.  Thank you, Rosa, for your many years of continuous employment and dedication to the Bristol.

EMPLOYEE OF THE THIRD QUARTER AWARD

Arnel Santos

Congratulations to ARNEL SANTOS, who was recently awarded the title of Employee of the Quarter!

Arnel joined the Bristol Team in 2009, and knows the property inside and out!  Sal and the Engineering staff are proud to have Arnel as part of  their department, and everyone at the Bristol knows they can count on him anytime.  Arnel continues to provide consistent, skilled and efficient work in all areas.  Thank you and congratulations!
 

Dennis Hofilena & fiance Ella at Dodgers Stadium

On September 10, 2013 Dennis Hofilena DOS at the Elan Hotel took his

fiancé Ella to see the Dodgers play against Arizona!  Go Dodgers!

GBTA in San Diego - Hillary Clinton was a speaker at this event!

Hillary Clinton on the big screen - she's on stage as well, but wearing white so she blended into the globe's background light in this picture!

GBTA (GLOBAL BUSINESS TRAVEL ASSOCIATION) CONVENTION 2013

Hillary Clinton, former Secretary of State, U.S. Senator and First Lady, spoke as the final keynote speaker at the annual GBTA Convention 2013 in San Diego.  Tracey Wood, Sales Manager at the Bristol Hotel, attended the conference this week and also heard former First Lady Laura Bush and Singer/Songwriter Jewel speak as well.  

Monday’s general session keynote featured acclaimed singer/songwriter Jewel, who entertained attendees with her humorous stories of her past interspersed with performing her some of her greatest hits like “Hands”, “Who Will Save Your Soul” and “You Were Meant For Me.”

Mrs. Bush who visited all 50 states and nearly 80 countries during her husband’s presidency, spoke openly about her passion for literacy and education, her time in the White House including experiences during the September 11 tragedy and life back in Texas.

Finally, on the last day, attendees listened to Mrs. Clinton discuss the increasing global interdependence in our world today, the importance of travel and face-to-face connections, the State Department’s recent global terror alert and her experiences as Secretary of State and First Lady.

Tracey said it was a good conference and she's looking forward to next year's annual convention in LA!

BRISTOL HOTEL - AUGUST LONG TERM EMPLOYEE RECOGNITION

The Bristol would like to recognize the following employees for their many years of service:

Claudia Lira—13 years

Arnel Santos—4 years

Claudia Lira

Claudia works in our Housekeeping Department, and was the recipient of the 2012 Employee of the Year award. She is a dedicated and hard working member of our team, and helps keep the Housekeeping Department running smoothly each and every day.

Arnel Santos

Arnel works in our Engineering Department.  He is the Chief Engineer's right-hand-man and can power through service calls like no one else.  In fact, he has recently noted the quantity of completed work orders total over 1,000 - and those are just the ones he completed by himself!

UCLA GRAD PRIDE!

The Bristol Family would like to congratulate Sulema Felix-Perales, daughter of Wilfredo Felix and Rosa Perales (both work in the Housekeeping department at The Bristol Hotel).  Sulema is now a UCLA graduate!  Sulema received her BA in Sociology and we couldn't be more proud!