Some candid thoughts from a director of rooms
#31
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Join Date: Jun 2005
Programs: Delta Diamond, Marriott Ambassador & Lifetime Titanium, Hertz President's Circle, United Silver
Posts: 6,334
In some locales, certain family businesses own a variety of smaller highway/airport properties under different flags/brands, as such they can demonstrate bona fide hotel management experience and insist that their own family members/relatives get hired as the general manager.
#32
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: New York, NY
Programs: Marriott Bonvoy Lifetime Tit, Hilton Diamond, BA Gold, Carlson Gold, UA*S,
Posts: 1,363
I'm not aware of many properties where a general manager allows the owner to work in any capacity. To my knowledge, Marriott doesn't allow a property to be operated by the owner or a third-party company unless they have demonstrated and bona fida hotel management experience. I'm not sure an owner who is also the part-time hotel shuttle bus driver would meet these qualifications.
The property is a small one - and the staff are great. Their heart appears to be in the right place... which means yes - sometimes the front desk agent will also drive the shuttle bus. Everyone chips in.
Someone else stated it was unlikely the hotel ever reached capacity... but like I say, it's a smallish property... they may have contacts with other companies also... and special events also take place in the city too - so several times a year they are at capacity (although you won't be able to use your points if you book last minute!)
#33
Join Date: Oct 2000
Programs: UA Gold 1MM, Marriott Ambassador/Lifetime Titanium, Accor Silver, Club Carlson Gold, BW Diamond
Posts: 2,432
This doesn't add to to the credibility of your initial post. Unless you recorded and then transcribed the conversation, or are a trained stenographer with proper tools while riding on the shuttle bus, you have not reported anyone's conversation "verbatim".
#34
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: BNA
Programs: Hyatt Explorist, Bonvoy Plat, HHonors Diamond, DL Gold
Posts: 383
https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/28141055-post2842.html
In order for properties to reward repeat guests, previous stay information is necessary. Other hotels also offer benefits to repeat guests.