Category Archives: Property Spotlights

‘Travel + Leisure’ Highlights Guest Services Operated Blue Spring State Park, Home to Hundreds of Wintering Manatees

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Each winter, Blue Spring State Park becomes a sanctuary for hundreds of West Indian manatees seeking the warm, crystal-clear waters of the St. Johns River. Recently, Travel + Leisure featured how the park’s constant 72-degree spring welcomes one of the largest seasonal manatee gatherings in Florida. What began in the 1970s with just a few dozen manatees has grown into a thriving refuge where more than 700 visit annually.

Blue Spring Adventures offers visitors the chance to experience this natural wonder through guided tours, kayaking, and eco-friendly recreation. The park’s ongoing conservation efforts continue to protect both the manatees and the pristine habitat that makes Blue Spring one of Florida’s most remarkable destinations.

DoubleTree Naples Wins Quarter 2 2025 Make It Right Award for Excellence in Guest Care

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DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Hotel Naples earned the Q2 2025 DoubleTree Make It Right Award for U.S./Canada hotels under 224 rooms, recognizing excellence in service quality, Hilton Honors appreciation, problem resolution, and cleanliness. The brand’s announcement highlights Naples as the Q2 winner and celebrates teams that lead with heart and ‘CARE’ (Creating A Rewarding Experience).

“We have focused a lot on training and each team member’s role in delivering a great stay to our guests,” said Jennifer Robbins, General Manager. “We work to foster a culture of teamwork balanced with ownership and genuine care. We empower our team members and ensure they have the knowledge and resources to make it right for the guest.”

Guest feedback is central to how the team learns and improves. “We share reviews and feedback, both complimentary and constructive, to celebrate our successes and identify areas of opportunity,” Jennifer said.

The recognition reflects the pride and commitment of the Naples team. “Our team takes great pride in the property and delivering a memorable stay to every guest,” Robbins added. “To be recognized as the Q2 MIR Award winner, 225 rooms and under, celebrates the team’s collective efforts and shows that the work they do every day to make our guests feel welcomed and appreciated makes a real difference.”

Looking ahead, Naples is building on this momentum. “While we have specific goals for property improvements, we will continue to prioritize problem resolution and guest experience,” Robbins said. “Q3 is a slower time for our area, and we have used the time to complete projects and training. We look forward to busier times and increased occupancies. We will be hiring new team members and will focus on harmonized training and building on the strong team that is in place.”

Thank you to the entire DoubleTree Naples team for your dedication to training, heartfelt service, and guest care. Your commitment shines through in every stay.

Giants Ridge Shines with Statewide Wins and Team Member Recognitions

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Giants Ridge has once again proven itself a premier destination in Minnesota, taking home multiple accolades in the Minnesota’s Best reader-choice awards presented by the Star Tribune. This year, Giants Ridge earned:

  • Gold – Best Golf Course
  • Gold – Best Ski Hill
  • Gold – Best Ski Resort
  • Gold – Best Weekend Getaway
  • Silver – Best Fall Fun/Events
  • Silver – Best Day Trip
  • Silver – Best Fall Destination
  • Silver – Best Winter Destination

General Manager Fred Seymour explained that these recognitions are more than just titles, saying they reflect “the hard work, dedication, and hospitality that our team brings to every guest experience.” He emphasized that every role, whether it’s grooming trails, mowing greens, or serving guests in the restaurants, contributed to the wins. Fred noted that with more than 250 employees across golf, ski, Nordic, and food & beverage operations, the property is “a unique operation that takes a dedicated team to keep running smoothly.”

Having led Giants Ridge for eight years, Fred added that its variety of offerings makes it unique, pointing out that “championship golf courses, a ski area, Nordic trails, three restaurants, and year-round operations all come together here.” He also emphasized the property’s importance to the community, noting that it is one of the region’s largest employers.

 

 

Spotlight on Rising Talent

Alongside these statewide honors, Giants Ridge is celebrating lift mechanic Neale Leete, who has been nominated for the 2025 SAM Rise Up Challenge, a contest spotlighting lift maintenance professionals.

In less than two years, Neale advanced from lift operator to mechanic while pursuing technical training to deepen his expertise. Marketing Director Josh Woolery shared that “Neale’s journey and passion make him a standout not just at Giants Ridge, but across the ski industry,” encouraging the community to watch his video submission and vote daily to help him secure an education grant.

Fred added that Neale’s story reflects a broader philosophy at Giants Ridge: “It’s important to believe in your team, give them the tools to succeed, and trust them to make decisions. That’s what allows us to create a culture of excellence in everything we do.”

 

 

Continuing the Tradition of Excellence

From wide recognition in Minnesota’s Best to attention for rising talent, Giants Ridge continues to demonstrate the passion, teamwork, and dedication that define the Guest Services experience. Building on these accomplishments, the team looks forward to welcoming even more guests and strengthening its reputation as one of Minnesota’s premier four-season destinations.