WASHINGTON, D.C.—The American Hotel & Lodging Assn. (AH&LA) announced the winners of the AH&LA Stars of the Industry Awards for outstanding hotel properties. Awarded annually since 1966, these awards distinguish individual hotels that have developed outstanding programs, events, and campaigns. Winners were chosen in the categories of Community Service, Special Events, Guest Relations, and Good Earthkeeping. In the Good Earthkeeping category, the small property award winner is the Golden Arrow Lakeside Resort in Lake Placid, N.Y. In the large property category the winner is the Lake Lawn Resort & Spa in Delavan, Wis.
“These properties represent the best of the hotel industry,” said Katherine Lugar, President and CEO of the American Hotel and Lodging Assn. “From unforgettable guest experiences to being good stewards of the environment to serving as a refuge in the midst of a national crisis, our hotels enrich tourists’ experience and serve our local communities. The men and women who work in these very special properties should be recognized for their outstanding leadership and success. We are proud to do so today with the Stars of the Industry Awards.”
About the Golden Arrow Lakeside Resort
The Adirondack Park, approximately 6 million acres, is the largest protected area in the contiguous United States, and is constitutionally protected to remain “forever wild” forest preserve. Some of the many sustainable programs Golden Arrow Lakeside Resort have established are green roof installation, CFL light bulbs, low flow toilets and showerheads, complete renovation of the pool area, reusing materials during renovation, and solar thermal panels installed. In addition, Golden Arrow Lakeside Resort gets the community involved with Earth Day celebrations and village cleanups, as well as guest participation in these green initiatives with in-room recycling and sheet/towel reusing programs.
About the Lake Lawn Resort & Spa
When the resort reopened in 2011, the lakeside property wanted to position itself within the community as a gathering location and as an environmental leader. The resort ensured to prioritize environmental sustainability in the selection of construction materials during refurbishment while minimizing construction and demolition waste through reuse and recycling. Regular staff meetings are held to discuss progress toward the resort’s environmental goals and improving communication with their guests on what steps the hotel is taking. Their sustainability efforts and how they play a large role with these goals is imperative to maintaining their sustainable practices.
Additional Award Winners
Outstanding Community Service, small property: The Montage in Laguna Beach, Calif. Hearts of Montage is a volunteer philanthropic organization founded and led by the employees of Montage Hotels and Resorts and was established in 2003, six months after the opening of Montage Laguna Beach. The program’s mission of enriching lives of the community has been brought to life by the employees’ dedication to supporting organizations that provide empowerment opportunities to those in need. Some of the organization’s many events include blood drives, beach cleanups, and food and clothing drives. Participation in Hearts of Montage events grows significantly each year, and the organization has become an integral component of the Montage culture and a well-respected asset to the community of Laguna Beach.
Outstanding Community Service, large property: The InterContinental Hotel in Miami. When it comes to service, the InterContinental Miami is passionate and devotes extraordinary efforts in supporting several ongoing projects that impact the surrounding community. The InterContinental Miami takes pride in supporting impactful causes and providing service to others in need, which is why throughout the years they have made commitments to give time, money and service to the community in which they live. One of the many efforts this hotel is dedicated to is hospitality education.
The award recipients were chosen from a talented pool of nominees. Judges included special media guests including Nancy Trejos of USA Today, Elaine Alimonti of Travel Budget, and representatives from Lodging Magazine.
Many of AH&LA’s partner state associations choose their own employee award winners, which are submitted to the association for national judging. The awards ceremony was sponsored by American Express, HCareers, and HD Supply. For more information on AH&LA’s Stars of the Industry Awards program and a complete list of employee and property winners, visit www.ahla.com/stars.
