Homewood Suites by Hilton® Honors Columbia, SC

Brand’s Annual Conference Pays Tribute to Exceptional Service

Columbia, SC – March 2, 2009 – Homewood Suites by Hilton^Ò, the international brand of all-suite, residential-style hotels, announced the list of team members and hotels honored with awards at the brand’s 20^th annual conference in San Diego, Calif. last week. Ninety hotels were recognized in 12 different categories among the brand’s more than 260 hotels for their exemplary customer service, adherence to Homewood Suites values, and leadership within the industry. Homewood Suites by Hilton of Columbia was awarded Complimentary Services Team of the Year, Reservation Team of the Year, and Consistency in Delivery award for 8 “Outstanding” grades for quality assurance evaluations in a row. Last year, this same hotel won Front Desk Team of the Year as well as General Manager of the Year.

The entire staff works diligently to provide friendly and efficient customer service, clean comfortable surroundings, and high-quality accommodations. Our complimentary services staff, lead by Cry Leggett, continues to exceed our customer’s expectations. Her friendly leadership has directed her team to always listen for opportunities to serve our guests.

“In this down economy, top-notch customer service, targeted sales strategies and efficient hotel operations become even more important to the success of our individual hotels and our brand as a whole,” said Bill Duncan, Global Head of Brand Management, Homewood Suites by Hilton. “Homewood Suites takes pride in outrageously pleasing our guests and we congratulate these top performers with our brand’s highest honors.”

The brand’s annual conference gives general managers and sales directors the opportunity to participate in a variety of intensive training programs, including sessions on revenue management, food and beverage, and sales/marketing. Additionally, networking breaks and other team-building activities help to unify the brand voice and allow for individuals to share ideas, express best practices, and learn about unique programs.

Located at 230 Greystone Blvd, Homewood Suites Columbia offers a mix of 81 studio and one bedroom suites designed for the extended-stay traveler. Amenities include complimentary Suite Start hot breakfast buffet daily, Manager’s Welcome Home reception Monday – Thursday, complimentary parking, onsite heated indoor pool and whirlpool, complimentary HSIA, business center, and meeting space for up to 75 people. Nearby attractions include Riverbanks Zoo and Botanical Garden, USC, and Government Offices. For more information about rates and specials, call 803-239-4663.

Hot New Hire at the CVB

the Columbia Metropolitan Convention & Visitors Bureau welcomes Brantley Butler as a new Sales Manager. Simons’ major responsibility will include marketing to the medical, scientific, and engineering markets to host their conventions and events in Columbia. She began her new role on Monday, March 2, 2009.

Butler earned her B.S. in Marketing from Clemson University. She has spent several years in the healthcare industry in the capacity of marketing and development. Her additional studies in biology, chemistry, and anatomy will prove to be beneficial to the scientific market. Butler is member of Alpha Lambda Delta Honors Fraternity and Chi Omega Fraternity and has won many awards including the Helen Brown Service Award in 1998.

On Butler joining the Columbia Metropolitan Convention & Visitors Bureau, President Ric Luber states, “We are very pleased to have Brantley Butler on board. Her proactive approach fits right in with our current staff and her professional background will be useful as our organization taps into new markets.”