SI (Shave Ice) ventured into the hallowed halls of Marriott International Worldwide Headquarters located in Bethesda, Maryland.
Upon arrival, SI registered with Debbie who was friendly and cheerful. What a face with “the spirit to serve.”
SI couldn’t wait for a tour conducted by the most gracious hostessess --- Elizabeth Caminiti, Nina Herrera-Davila and Sara Steffenauer of International Public Relations.
Marriott International is a global company. It is a leading lodging company with more than 3,100 lodging properties in 66 countries and territories, including some of the best hotels in Hawaii. See these flags that represent all the countries.
Marriott International operates and franchises hotels under the Marriott, JW Marriott, The Ritz-Carlton, Renaissance, Residence Inn, Courtyard, TownePlace Suites, Fairfield Inn, SpringHill Suites and Bulgari brand names; develops and operates vacation ownership resorts under the Marriott Vacation Club, Horizons by Marriott Vacation Club, The Ritz-Carlton Club and Grand Residences by Marriott brands; operates Marriott Executive Apartments; provides furnished corporate housing through its Marriott ExecuStay division; and operates conference centers.
Now to fun factoids. SI meets A&W. When J. Willard and Alice S. Marriott set up their nine-stool A&W root beer stand in Washington, D.C., in 1927, little did they know that their fledgling business would develop into the vanguard of the hospitality industry. This stand was later named "The Hot Shoppe." Hmm...an A&W root beer float anyone? SI wants one!
But wait, no dessert yet because it’s lunch break now at the associate cafeteria serving an array of hot and cold foods and a variety of beverages.
So many choices to select but SI couldn’t resist the special pizza of the day: fresh baked sun dried tomato and goat cheese pizza and on the side, a refreshing organic green tea drink.
What a treat. But keeping fit and healthy are top of mind among Marriott associates. There’s a fitness facility available and SI jumped right into a bench press and leg curl machines.
After a few reps, SI wasted no time and shopped in the Marriott Gift Shop for logo items. Omiyage shopping for our family and friends back home in Hawaii.
SI caught a glimpse of several keiki (children) all bundled up in wagons going out for some sunshine and fresh air. The company has a Child Development Center where day care services are available for associates. How wonderful for working parents to be within proximity from their precious little ones.
SI also saw a break room with a foosball table. Hey, Elizabeth, hit me with your best shot...fire away!
After that, we ventured to Global Communications and Public Affairs to say aloha to our public relations team that whole heartedly supports all what we do in Hawaii. Mahalo to you all!
Along the way, SI also met Michael in Marriott's shipping department. He used to live in Kailua on Oahu and just had to take a picture with SI (his favorite flavor is orange)! SI loved Michael's cool aloha shirt.
There’s much history to be seen in the displayed archive photos of the Marriott family and memorabilia such as the Marriott star. This very red star once dotted the “I” in the Marriott signage that appeared on the façade of the Saddle Brook Marriott in New Jersey from 1966 – 95.
For SI, a turn around each corner at Marriott International brings you to a recycling station --- a constant reminder that the company’s green initiative begins at headquarters and extends to every Marriott property. It’s all part of the fundamental ideals of service to associates, customers, and community which serve as the cornerstone for all Marriott associates and is exemplified by Marriott's "Spirit to Serve" philosophy. It’s no wonder that the company has been recognized by BusinessWeek as one of the 100 best global brands, by FORTUNE® as one of the best companies to work for, and by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as Partner of the Year since 2004. In fiscal year 2008, Marriott International reported sales from continuing operations of nearly $13 billion.
What a fabulous tour with such spirit of aloha demonstrated by all the associates at Marriott International Headquarters. It makes SI heartened to learn that the philosophy expounded in 1927 by company founder J.W. Marriott, Senior is instilled in each associate: “If you take care of your associates, they will take care of your customers.” Mahalo nui loa for your hospitality, MI HQ!
-- Marriott's Spirit of Aloha Tour team
Hotels in Honolulu really know how to pamper their guests. Luxury hotels in Hawaii offer some of the best accommodations you'll ever find at luxury resorts. You get a complete dinner menu of elegant island food to tempt your palate. If a beach side barbecue is more your flavor, that can be arranged. The staff at the Marriott Hotel, one of the best hotels in Hawaii, goes out of their way to accommodate their guests with ocean side dining, poolside cocktails and some of the tastiest Hawaiian food on the island. If you're concerned about your waist line, most Hawaii hotels offer a complete gym to tone down. The Marriott features weights and exercise equipment to tone down after the salad bar.
