Tag Archives: guest services inc

Guest Services Inc. to Join Globally Influential Organizations Committed to Eliminating Plastic Straw Pollution

Guest Services Inc. today announced that the organization will entirely abandon the use of plastic straws at its owned and managed properties by the end of 2018 to significantly reduce its environmental footprint.

FAIRFAX, VA. (PRWEB) JULY 30, 2018

Guest Services Inc. today announced that the organization will entirely abandon the use of plastic straws at its owned and managed properties by the end of 2018 to significantly reduce its environmental footprint.

This multi-faceted campaign, “Skip the Straw,” will be executed in several phases throughout the remainder of the year – ultimately eliminating millions of straws a year while bringing awareness to an important issue for the hospitality industry to address.

Over the past several decades, plastic straws have become an expected amenity in purchased beverages and have subsequently grown into a major source of pollution. Straws are often disposed of incorrectly, and even if recycled appropriately, the sorting machines at waste processing facilities are often ill-equipped to identify these small plastic tubes. Unfortunately, plastic straws frequently end up in the ocean where they have been effectively killing marine life all over the globe.

The new Guest Services initiative will begin with the #NoStrawChallenge in which Guest Services locations will only offer single-use disposable straws upon request. This program is effective immediately and is a springboard for the transition to a new paper biodegradable straw alternative that will also be available by request only. By the end of the year, the organization looks to completely eliminate the use of plastic straws at all dining facilities, communities, eateries, lodging and other Guest Services properties across the nation.

“This is a historic moment for our organization, our clients, and our valued customers. ‘Skip the Straw’ is the latest policy of our ongoing sustainability campaign designed in the interests of global environmental preservation,” says Gerry Gabrys, chief executive officer of Guest Services, Inc. “The impact of such a small utility may seem negligible, but the reality is that straws pose an incredible danger to marine life that would be wrong to ignore. Guest Services looks forward to being a meaningful part of the positive wave of industry influencers who are leading the charge in the elimination of plastic straws.”

The company’s sustainability strategies work to reduce consumption, to reuse items, and to recycle or compost items, and are a significant component of overall executive planning. At many Guest Services properties, vehicle charging stations are available; compressed gas vehicles are utilized; LED lighting is installed; non-carbon dioxide electricity sources make up almost half of total energy consumption; an electronic records system vastly reduces paper consumption; environmentally friendly purchasing strategies are implemented to reduce waste, fossil fuel emissions, and harmful gas production; sustainable food and cooking efforts utilize local and healthier sources through their programs such as Dolphin Safe and Go Local; hydration stations are available to encourage the use of reusable bottles; unused amenities as well as gently used furniture and linens are donated to local charities; regular recycling of paper, glass, cardboard, plastic, aluminum, and cooking oil is practiced company-wide; fluorescent lights, batteries, and other possibly hazardous items are recycled and tracked through their Lamptracker System.

Guest Services has also been recognized for its outstanding sustainability efforts by the National Park Service ISO Certification at Mount Rainier National Park and in the National Capital Region.

For more information about Guest Services, Inc. and their environmental initiatives, please visit https://www.guestservices.com/about-us/sustainability.

About Guest Services, Inc.

Since 1917, Guest Services has worked tirelessly to earn our reputation as the premier hospitality management company in the United States. We are proud to provide a wide range of customized hospitality management solutions for clients involved in dining services, resorts and hotels, state and national parks, senior living communities, unique retail outlets, special events, condominium management and fresh produce distribution. Today, we stand at the forefront of the hospitality management industry, providing the highest quality food, lodging and leisure services for our valued clients and guests. Guest Services is proud to serve more than 35 million guests annually at over 350 properties nationwide.

National Plan For Vacation Day Deals & Special Offers

Studies consistently show that utilizing paid time off is a practice that will help you maintain work-life balance, reduce stress and allow you to recharge. But, the benefits don’t stop there. Upon returning from vacation, employees show higher productivity, stronger workplace morale and it leads to greater employee retention. Learn more from Forbes →

Unfortunately, encouragement of PTO usage is not the current business trend. The US Travel Association and its subsidiary, Project: Time Off, estimate that 662 million vacation days go unused annually by American employees. On January 30th, National Plan for Vacation Day, Americans are invited to turn the tide by planning their vacation time for the rest of the year.

Several of our properties are offering flash deals for 24 hours on January 30th in order to encourage the use of ALL vacation days by Americans by the end of 2018 and to support the Project: Time Off campaign. We hope you take advantage of this wonderful opportunity to plan out a healthier year and have an unforgettable vacation to look forward to at one of our renowned locations.

The following deals are all subject to availability and will only be offered for 24 hours on January 30th, 2018 (with the exception of the Big Sur Lodge).

Big Sur Lodge

47225 CA-1, Big Sur, CA 93920

Take a trip to the gorgeous west coast for a remarkable experience in one of California’s most celebrated vacation destinations, Big Sur. The Big Sur Lodge will be offering up to 35% off their cozy accommodations nestled deep in the Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. Spend your time off basking in the tranquility of this beautiful redwood cathedral. PLAN YOUR VACATION ⟶

[foogallery id=”3257″]

Echo Bluff State Park

34489 Echo Bluff Drive, Eminence, MO 65466

Escape the pressures and stresses of the workplace, retreat to the serenity of Echo Bluff State Park and the beauty of the internationally admired Ozarks. For all of Plan for Vacation day, reserve two or more nights and get 20% offPLAN YOUR VACATION ⟶

[foogallery id=”3263″]

National Park Inn and Paradise Inn at Mount Rainier National Park

National Park Inn – 47009 Paradise Rd E, Ashford, WA 98304
Paradise Inn – 52807 Paradise Rd E, Ashford, WA 98304

The only thing better than visiting one of the most overwhelming spectacles in the United States, is doing it at a discounted rate. The Paradise Inn and National Park Inn are offering 20% off room rates PLUS a one-day complimentary snowshoe rental at their unbelievably fascinating location in Mount Rainier. PLAN YOUR VACATION ⟶

[foogallery id=”3269″]

The Lodge at Breckenridge

112 Overlook Dr, Breckenridge, CO 80424

Spend your vacation days in awe of the magnificent Rocky Mountains and beauty of its surrounding natural splendor. The Lodge at Breckenridge treats its guests with convenient proximity to the graceful Colorado environment and to the quaint town of Breckenridge. The Lodge will be featuring a 20% off discount for two or more night reservations between April 8th and June 14th, 2018. PLAN YOUR VACATION ⟶

[foogallery id=”3274″]

Bear Mountain Inn

3020 Seven Lakes Drive, Tomkins Cove, NY 10986

With its extraordinary historical background, exceptional views and exciting year-round activities, Bear Mountain Inn is the perfect location to spend your valuable time-off. Flee the city work life and immerse yourself in relaxation with their special Plan for Vacation Day deal: reserve two nights and receive 20% off! PLAN YOUR VACATION ⟶

[foogallery id=”3249″]

Giants Ridge

6329 Wynne Creek Dr, Biwabik, MN 55708

Spend your PTO cooling off on the sleek slopes of Minnesota’s most acclaimed skiing and snowboarding destination. Giants Ridge provides exceptional Iron Range winter adventures for every level of outdoor enthusiast. Exclusive $35 adult and $25 kid lift tickets will be offered to be enjoyed for the remainder of the ski season. PLAN YOUR VACATION ⟶

[foogallery id=”3286″]

Boating In DC

The Wharf Boathouse – 690 Water St SW, Washington, DC 20024
Key Bridge Boathouse – 3500 Water St NW, Washington, DC 20007

Boating in DC activities offers paddlers two captivating experiences renowned throughout the metropolitan area – The Cherry Blossom Paddle at the Wharf Boathouse and the Cherry Blossom Tour at the Key Bridge Boathouse are featuring a free 1-hour kayak rental for every reservation made to these two mesmerizing tours. PLAN YOUR VACATION ⟶

[foogallery id=”3295″]

Unforgettable Thanksgiving Vacation Ideas for 2017

Don’t you just love the tireless cooking and tedious preparation that is required for your incoming Thanksgiving Day guests? You don’t? Maybe it’s time to try something different! Take all the stress out of your Thanksgiving holiday this year and indulge in a beautiful family getaway to one of these five legendary locations for an unforgettable feast.

Giants Ridge

6329 Wynne Creek Dr, Biwabik, MN 55708

Giants Ridge is the number one Minnesota family vacation destination and a super hub for outdoor winter recreation. As the Midwest’s top-rated ski and snowboard hot-spot, Giants Ridge offers 35 downhill ski runs and over 60 KM of the finest-groomed Nordic ski trails and snowboarding parks in Minnesota. Spend Black Friday skiing down these gorgeous slopes and burning off the calories from your festive Giants Ridge dinner the night before.  LEARN MORE ⟶

[foogallery id=”3213″]

 

Echo Bluff State Park

34489 Echo Bluff Drive, Eminence, MO 65466

Echo Bluff State Park is secluded from the distractions of the digital age in the heart of the uniquely beautiful Missouri Ozarks. There are more than 30 total miles of scenic wilderness trails where you can get the full Echo Bluff experience. After spending Thanksgiving Day exploring the stunning local scenery, return to the Betty Lea Lodge for an epic holiday meal at the Creekside Grill before retiring to your acclaimed contemporary accommodations. LEARN MORE ⟶

[foogallery id=”3219″]

 

National Park Inn at Mt. Rainier

47009 Paradise Rd E, Ashford, WA 98304

Mount Rainier is an iconic destination for world class explorers, photographers, hikers, mountain climbers, and adventurers. It’s also an unbelievable location for families to escape 14 thousand feet above sea level and onto an active volcano. The views are extraordinary especially under a blanket of ivory snow. Discover all that Mt. Rainier has to offer and then retreat to National Park Inn for their delicious annual dinner. Treat your family to a once in a lifetime Thanksgiving experience. LEARN MORE ⟶

 

[foogallery id=”3225″]

 

The Lodge at Breckenridge

112 Overlook Dr, Breckenridge, CO 80424

Voted one of the best hotels in Breckenridge by The Daily Summit, this award winning Lodge will treat you and your family to an overindulgent Thanksgiving buffet with an awe inspiring Rocky Mountain view. Breckenridge itself was voted the #1 place to visit in Colorado, #1 Best Ski Destination and #2 Best Small Town to Visit in the USA by usnews.com. You are practically guaranteed an itinerary full of great family activities and never ending Coloradoan fun. Spend the day in an adrenaline-filled state flying through a winter wonderland and then refuel with their beloved Thanksgiving buffet. LEARN MORE ⟶

[foogallery id=”3038″]

 

Bear Mountain Inn

3020 Seven Lakes Drive, Tomkins Cove, NY 10986

Escape the contemporary Thanksgiving of New York’s concrete jungle to the natural fall splendor of Bear Mountain. After you spend the day exploring and indulging in the remarkable, seemingly endless reaching views of the Mountain, retreat to the historic Inn for their annual Thanksgiving buffet in the Perkins Ballroom. Spend the night there and beat the rush to the Woodbury Commons Outlets for the Black Friday deals in the morning or for another day of enjoying the wonderful State Park. LEARN MORE ⟶

[foogallery id=”3029″]