Garolyn Chandler, room attendant at The Hotel Group’s Hampton Inn in Troy, was recently awarded the Hospitality Employee of the Year award by The Alabama Hospitality Association! Twelve finalists from Alabama were nominated for the prestigious award, recognizing performance above and beyond normal job responsibilities, and outstanding service to the business and guests. "One of the things that the Hampton stresses is guest relations," Stan Rutter, general manager of the Troy Hampton Inn said. "We try to find employees that are easily approachable and we encourage the staff to stop and actually talk to the guests." Rutter nominated Chandler for the award because she is an exemplary employee. "The positive way she goes about her daily routines is actually fun to watch," Rutter said. "She goes out of her way to get to know the occupants she cares for, and receives numerous guest comment cards and compliments from our guests. Rarely does a day go by that a guest in or near her section stops by at the front desk to let us know how she has brightened someone's experience here." For a Hampton Inn to be officially graded it needs to have been open for at least a year. "Hypothetically if we were to get our rank today we would be ranked third out of 1,277 Hampton Inns," Rutter said. The ranks are based on feedback submitted by guests of the hotel. Undoubtedly, Garolyn plays a role in giving the hotel such a high ranking! Other Hospitality Employee of the Year finalists from The Hotel Group included David Austin and Patricia Maull of Hilton Garden Inn - Montgomery. Homewood Suites General Manager, Carol Bevans, was also selected as a finalist for Outstanding Hotelier of the Year!

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