Courtyard Hershey Chocolate Avenue – Opening Hotel of the Year

The 2017 Marriott Opening Hotel of the Year is an award that can be earned for any Courtyard hotel opened between September 2016 and October 2017.  There are many factors that contribute to earning this prestigious title to include:

  • Hotel Leadership
  • Financial Management
  • Overcoming Obstacles
  • Sales Leadership
  • Service Leadership
  • Community Service
  • Hotel’s opening performance (RevPAR Index, Occupancy, GSS and opening “readiness”

2017 has been an amazing year for the Courtyard Hershey Chocolate Avenue.  Opening its doors on May 5, 2017 in a tough labor market, at the same time as a major employer was staffing for the summer, didn’t deter the leaders.  Separating themselves to the candidates using the power of the “Marriott Core Values” and how taking care of associates is their number one priority worked.  Building culture during the opening process engaged team members new to hospitality and energized them as Charter Members.  General Manager, Elias Thompson, not only displayed the knowledge and hard work required to achieve a successful opening, his passion was contagious.  With his proactive approach combined with the aggressive strategies of the sales team, the hotel was able to exceed the expected NOI from Year 2 of the Hotel Pre-Opening Proforma in only 8 months of operations and achieve #1 in their comp set.  Congratulations Courtyard Hershey Chocolate Avenue team!

This honor is very special to Elias and the Courtyard team. When asked about his feelings about earning this award, Elias stated, “Having a successful hotel opening, it is always key to have the right staff in place.  I could say that we achieved that goal more in this hotel as we had some phenomenal leaders and hourly associates that work tirelessly at achieving an outstanding opening.”

Congratulations Courtyard Hershey Chocolate Avenue team!

Courtyard Hershey Opening Team

More About Courtyard Hershey Chocolate Avenue

Explore what Hershey, PA has to offer from the new Courtyard Hershey Chocolate Avenue. Our new state of the art hotel is just steps away from the Giant Center, Hersheypark and Hershey’s Chocolate World, and just a short drive to other area attractions like Indian Echo Caverns, Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course and ZooAmerica North American Wildlife Park. Each of our spacious hotel rooms feature free Wi-Fi, plush bedding, and flat-screen TV’s. Our guest can enjoy additional amenities like a 24-hour business center, well-equipment fitness center and indoor pool. Stop by our signature restaurant and bar, The Bistro, for breakfast or dinner. Whether in town for business or pleasure, we look forward to making you feel welcome here at the Courtyard Hershey Chocolate Avenue!

Written by Samantha Bergantine