Driftwood Hospitality Hotels

Crowne Plaza Fort Lauderdale

noreply@blogger.com (Driftwood Hospitality Management) — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 15:20:00 +0000

Sunrise, Florida, October, 2008 – Crowne Plaza Ft. Lauderdale at Sawgrass Mills has been awarded the “Torchbearer Award” for the 2nd consecutive year by Intercontinental Hotel Group, Inc. Both in 2007 and 2008, the Crowne Plaza Sawgrass Mills met and exceeded the criteria for Intercontinental Hotels’ more prestigious award. The Torchbearer Award is only given to hotels that have achieved the highest levels of excellence in all aspects of operations – from quality to customer satisfaction. Along with only 4 other Crowne Plaza’s from the North American region, the Award was given for service and quality achievement during the 12-month period ending June 30, 2008, using the hotel’s June 12-month Overall Satisfaction Score. Other qualifications that must be met include:

• The hotel must be open 2+ years to qualify.
• Compliance with all brand standards and hallmarks.
• Hotels must also be at or above the June 30, 2008 brand average Crowne-o-meter score.

The Crowne Plaza Ft. Lauderdale Sawgrass Mills is one of the crowned–favorite choices of Fort Lauderdale hotels, located just beyond the downtown area in Sunrise, convenient to the area’s many attractions, sports venues, entertainment, and beaches. Designed for complete comfort and relaxation, the luxurious hotel provides a welcomed retreat for business and leisure travelers alike. Located just minutes from downtown Fort Lauderdale and within 12 miles of the Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport, the hotel offers 250 rooms, 14 suites, 10,000 square feet of meeting space, a newly renovated restaurant and lounge, and complimentary hotel van transportation within a 3-mile radius.

The Crowne Plaza Ft. Lauderdale at Sawgrass Mills is owned and operated by Driftwood Hospitality Management based out of North Palm Beach, Florida. The General Manager for the property is Howard Reines, and the Director of Sales is Robin A. Orrell. For more information, please contact the hotel directly at (954) 851-1020.

Hotel Indigo Houston survives Hurricane IKE!

noreply@blogger.com (Driftwood Hospitality Management) — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 17:51:00 +0000

Article from "THE WALLSTREET JOURNAL".

HOUSTON -- The nation's energy capital is, for now, anything but.

Four days after Hurricane Ike roared through Houston, at least 1.8 million households and businesses coped without electricity. Gasoline and diesel supplies were scarce, and many had no running water.

Which explains the odd spectacle of the Hotel Indigo bucket brigade. No water means no sanitation -- a quickly deteriorating situation for the posh west Houston hotel. In desperation, hotel General Manager Joseph Zaffuta sent his staff on a pool raid.

They dunked the Indigo's fleet of hotel-room trash cans into a neighboring swimming pool and carted the water back to their hotel -- where they trudged from room to room each day, flushing stagnant toilets.

The devastated Gulf Coast has begun to shift from search-and-rescue mode to a mammoth cleanup job. President George W. Bush flew in Tuesday to survey the damage and promise federal aid, including coverage of hotel costs for evacuees who can't return home. Mr. Bush promised a "better tomorrow."
[Jesus Molina, working for an independent power contractor, works to restore power to a traffic light in the aftermath of Hurricane Ike in Houston.] Associated Press

Jesus Molina, working for an independent power contractor, works to restore power to a traffic light in the aftermath of Hurricane Ike in Houston.

But brighter days may be some time coming. The major regional utility, CenterPoint Energy Inc., said that 1.4 million customers are still in the dark and warned it may be two weeks or longer before power is fully restored to metro Houston, the nation's fourth-largest city. Entergy Texas Inc., which covers other parts of east Texas, said it may not restore service to all 370,000 disrupted accounts until Oct. 6.

All across this city, executives and managers and clerks and pizzeria owners have had to figure out how to make do.

At the Mint Cafe, a Mediterranean restaurant getting minimal electricity, owner Salem Dergham brought in some portable coolers and opened for lunch offering only a couple of salads and sandwiches he could prepare using a gas grill. Customers were sparse.

With only one working refrigerator, he had already lost $2,500 of ingredients and had to shoo away passersby who hoped to make dinner out of the spoiled items he had discarded. Choosing optimism over despair, Mr. Dergham kept busy Tuesday making hummus in the hopes that power, and customers, would return by morning.

Those coping without electricity are well-aware that their woes seem trivial in the wake of the largest storm to hit Texas in a quarter century. Hurricane Ike has been blamed for at least 40 deaths in several U.S. states; in Texas, 3,540 people were rescued from flooded or wind-shredded homes on the coast, and 29,800 evacuees remain in shelters. As Mr. Dergham put it: "There are always people in worse situations, so I can't complain."

But across the city, tempers were still fraying, especially in gasoline lines, which stretched for three hours or longer at the few stations open. Scuffles broke out in some lines, and some station managers handed out free snacks to try to keep the peace.

For Houstonians, whose city is the hub of the nation's domestic energy production and oil refining, it is a painful irony to contemplate power outages and fuel shortages that may last weeks. "It's pretty frustrating and aggravating," said Mike Niblett, who said he drove around for hours looking for an open gas station before getting in a line that stretched around the block.

Fuel to keep generators humming is especially prized; to conserve, residents and businesses with backup power are trying to use as little as possible.

Jess Stuart said he hasn't taken a shower since 10:30 p.m. Friday, just before the hurricane roared in. He is using a generator to keep his refrigerator going, but not the pump for the water well that supplies his ranch in Richmond, Texas.

"I put Speed Stick [deodorant] on every two hours," he said. "I haven't had anyone tell me I smell bad. But I'm sure I do."

Thirty-five H-E-B grocery stores had reopened in the area by Tuesday with the help of small generators, but portable toilets were the best they could offer for sanitation. Scott McClelland, president of the H-E-B chain, is glad to have those. "One thing I can tell you about hurricanes," he said, "is that experience breeds competence."

As Ike drew near, Mr. McClelland reserved the portable toilets and parked refrigerated trailers outside his stores to save some of his dairy products.

Mr. McClelland advised his employees to "follow their noses" to ferret out spoiling meat, fish and other perishables. He hired 50 dump trucks to come to his stores as soon as the wind and rain lifted so employees could toss out the spoilage.

And he is looking the other way when employees show up in shorts in the muggy heat. "I don't think we're going to write anyone up for missing their uniform," he said. "We're just so happy to have them."

For other business owners, adjusting has been more difficult. Shannon Chapman, a real-estate agent specializing in apartment leasing, has been taking calls on her cellphone from desperate residents whose homes were destroyed in the storm. She is working to find them places to stay -- but with the power out at her office, she can't print out the leasing contracts used by her agency, In the Loop Properties.

She is hoping landlords will accept a good-faith security deposit, assuming her clients can find a working ATM to get cash.

At the Hotel Indigo, the staff remained wearily polite as the fourth day without power dragged on. The kitchen wasn't open. The rooms were so dark, guests had to prop doors open as daylight faded to get a dim glow from the emergency lighting in the halls. The carpets were damp in some areas, the air was slightly musty, and a clerk at the front desk smiled under tousled hair that testified to the lack of showers.

The general manager, Mr. Zaffuta, procured a huge generator just after the storm, at a price of $25,000 a week, but had no diesel fuel to run it and no electrician to connect it. "So it's sitting there teasing me," he said.

At 2:30 p.m., he finally got the generator going, though the hotel isn't taking new reservations until full power is restored.

Along with its oil, Houston is famed for its strip clubs -- one business venue where a dim, sweaty ambiance might not hurt. Yet most awaited the restoration of electricity to reopen.

Rick's Cabaret in North Houston will begin welcoming customers at 11 a.m. Wednesday. "We just want to get our people working again. Let them make some money," said Chief Executive Officer Eric Langan. "
—Rebecca Smith contributed to this article.

Write to Kris Hudson at kris.hudson@wsj.com and Stephanie Simon at stephanie.simon@wsj.com

Welcome Hotel Indigo Miami Dadeland!

noreply@blogger.com (Becky Zaffuta) — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 15:13:00 +0000

Driftwood proudly announces the Grand Opening of the new Hotel Indigo Miami Dadeland (formerly the Ramada) on August 19, 2008. Hotel Indigo Miami Dadeland is the third Hotel Indigo in the Driftwood family, joining Hotel Indigo at the Galleria in Houston and Hotel Indigo Scottsdale in Arizona. This 122 room property features standard Indigo over sized beds with over sized pillows, hardwood floors with area rugs and spa inspired showers, all with a Miami flare. Located just 2 miles from the University of Miami and 17 miles from South Beach, Hotel Indigo is a sophisticated new addition to the Miami landscape. You can take a photo tour today of Miami’s newest boutique hotel by visiting the web site at :http://www.miamidadelandhotel.com/ .

Driftwood Gives Back (The Daily Bread Food Bank)

noreply@blogger.com (Becky Zaffuta) — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 18:13:00 +0000

As the saying goes, “It is better to give than to receive”, and during the week of July 21st, associates from the Corporate Office put this saying into action. They took part in July’s Driftwood Gives Back event at the Daily Bread Food Bank in West Palm Beach, Florida. Founded in 1981, the Daily Bread Food Bank is the largest food bank in the state of Florida, distributing one and a half million pounds of food to people within the community each month. Driftwood volunteers Eric Hugo, Jackie Gerstenfeld, Erica Jarvis, Alysia Arrue, Julie Jackson, Tiffany Miller, Cari Swint, Lex Hollender, Tom Sweeney, Tiffany Cahill, Erin Craig, Cleta Rabsatt, Shelah Bozeman, Kevin Heisler, Lori Bacigalup, Mary Gerber, Andrew Jarrett, James Bologna, Ali Etemadi and Marion Bayes donated their time, energy and skills helping out at the Food Bank’s warehouse. While there, they were able to help sort food, pack boxes in the warehouse and even help with some filing. If you’re interested in helping the Daily Bread Food Bank, their web site is located at http://www.dailybread.org/ They have lots of volunteer opportunities and are always looking for financial donations. Did you know that just one dollar helps member agencies save $15 in their food budgets? Just $25.00 feeds seven toddlers twice a day for one week at a children’s services program. For only $35.00 two families of four won’t go hungry for eight days as they can pick up groceries such as milk, bread, pasta, peanut butter, tuna and vegetables at an emergency shelter. $100 gives 300 homeless women and children a hot dinner and breakfast at a shelter. At the Daily Bread Food Bank, 98% of every dollar donated is spent on programs. Thanks to all of the associates who gave of their time and talents to help out in the West Palm Beach community. Pictured are : Top : Lori Bacigalup. Second: Tom Sweeney, Cari Swint and Tiffany Miller, Third : Tiffany Cahill, Bottom: Erin Craig.

posted by: Driftwood Hospitality Management

A new website redesign has been completed for the Crowne Plaza Cleveland City Centre

noreply@blogger.com (Driftwood Hospitality Management) — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 13:39:00 +0000

A new website redesign has been completed for the Crowne Plaza Cleveland City Centre. Located just fifteen minutes from the Cleveland Hopkins International Airport and two blocks away from The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Crowne Plaza Cleveland City Centre is in the heart of downtown; the best location among all downtown Cleveland hotels. Our facility offers exceptionally affordable rates to everyone, from business to leisure.

Our convenient location in downtown Cleveland, has virtually everything to offer to just about everyone. Take in the breathtaking view of Lake Erie from the windows of our 472 newly renovated guest rooms and suites! Crowne Plaza City Centre caters to families, organizations, and newlyweds, and is waiting to afford you comfortable transportation to the full range of numerous and exciting area attractions and destinations. We offer the lowest Internet rate available if you book through our website at: http://www.clevelanddowntownhotel.com/

If you are planning a business trip, you won’t find a more affordable or accommodating facility as the Crown Plaza Cleveland City Centre. We are the hub of downtown Cleveland, adjacent to the Cleveland Convention Center, as well as the legal, financial and government districts. Our hotel offers endless services and amenities such as a fitness facility with 24-hour key-access, fully equipped Business Center with 24-hour key- access, complimentary high speed wireless access in all rooms, dry-cleaning services, valet parking and Self Parking based upon availability, wake-up service, Green Olive Martini lobby bar, Pimentos Restaurant, and we offer handicap-accessible facilities.

Plan your visit today with Crowne Plaza Cleveland City Centre hotel in the heart of downtown Cleveland, Ohio, and leave the rest to us!
Visit our website for more information on the Crowne Plaza Cleveland City Centre.
http://www.clevelanddowntownhotel.com/

New Website Launched for the Flamingo Beach Resort!

noreply@blogger.com (Driftwood Hospitality Management) — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 19:08:00 +0000

A website redesign has been completed for the Flamingo Beach Resort, showcasing its recently renovated guestrooms, beautifully refurbished pool area and new indoor/outdoor restaurant and lounge. The website also features many of the activities accessible from the Costa Rica beachfront resort, including scuba diving, river rafting, golf, ATV and jungle-canopy tours, and visits to nearby volcanoes and national parks. Destination weddings and honeymoons and other group packages are also highlighted on the site.

The fresh, updated look of the website was completed as a team effort by TIG Global’s Natasha Elisa Deibler, Alison Russell, and Chrissie Dowgielewicz, along with Driftwood’s Teresa Kramer, Ali Etemadi and Pam Rodriguez. The new Flamingo Beach Resort website design was enhanced by images of the renovated resort photographed by Arnut (Kenny) Deeyoo. Additionally, the look and feel of the website integrates with the updated sales and marketing collateral material recently completed by Teresa Kramer to reflect Costa Rica’s ecological, back-to-nature appeal through the use of natural colors and recycled materials.

Please take an opportunity to visit the new Flamingo Beach Resort website at www.resortflamingobeach.com and see it for yourself!

Congratulations to the Crowne Plaza Minneapolis North!

noreply@blogger.com (Driftwood Hospitality Management) — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 19:29:00 +0000

Congratulations! The Crowne Plaza Minneapolis North received the highest 3-month Meetings Overall Satisfaction score out of all Crowne Plaza hotels in North America for the First Quarter, 2008. As a result, your hotel has been awarded the Meetings Service Excellence Hotel of the Quarter!

Please accept this award and showcase it for visiting guests and future customers to recognize your achievements.

Best regards,

Gina LaBarre

Please Extend a Warm Welcome To....

noreply@blogger.com (Driftwood Hospitality Management) — Fri, 09 May 2008 17:45:00 +0000

MARY JO DANIEL, who has joined the Home Office as Purchasing Coordinator, reporting to Tom Sweeney, Purchasing Manager.

Mary Jo recently relocated to North Palm Beach from North Carolina, where she gained experience as a Paralegal and Office Manager, and worked with construction, contracts, billing, and inventory….to name just a few!

Mary Jo can be reached via email: mdaniel@dhmhotels.com or via telephone: 561.207.2783

Please Extend a Warm Welcom to.....

noreply@blogger.com (Driftwood Hospitality Management) — Fri, 09 May 2008 17:43:00 +0000

LATESHA EDWARDS, who has joined the Home Office as Accounts Payable Clerk, reporting to Lori Bacigalup, Accounts Payable Supervisor. Latesha has a background in sales and accounting and is eager to learn and advance within DHM!

Latesha can be reached via email: ledwards@dhmhotels.com or via telephone: 561.713.2226

Change in Driftwood Hospitality Blog Location!

noreply@blogger.com (Driftwood Hospitality Management) — Fri, 09 May 2008 14:43:00 +0000

In an effort to improve Driftwood Hospitality in the Search Engine Optimization (SEO), I have moved the location of Driftwood Hospitality Management Blog to http://driftwoodhospitality.blogspot.com.

The current Blog will be used for Driftwood Hotels Information.

Thanks,

Ali Etemadi