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Motor Manufacturing Canada). “We lived “Technically I’m on call all the time, but “We also host an evening social on
in Kitchener for a brief time and when we I rarely get called because they are very Wednesdays, with a light meal included,”
were looking to buy a house, we both fell capable.” says Bev. “This offers a great chance for
in love with Hespeler,” says Bev, joking the management team to socialize with
that her commute to work is only four She says having a ‘happy team’ our guests.”
minutes. “This hotel was just finished is the best way to keep guests When it comes to working in the hospitality
being built and I always thought, ‘I want content and is the best career sector, she says the best part is the
to work there’.” advice she has received. opportunity to create special memories
Despite not having any experience in the “Having a team you can rely on transmits for both her team and their guests.
industry, she landed a part time gig when to our guests being happy and that “Sometimes it’s a birthday, an anniversary,
her two children (now aged 14 and 20) obviously helps the hotel,” says Bev, noting or a wedding. We love it when there’s a
first started school and worked weekends visitors appreciate the many ‘comforts’ wedding. We all gather around to watch
as the hotel’s night auditor – reconciling Homewood Suites offers, including its the couple leave,” says Bev.
guest accounts and verifying transactions daily hot buffet breakfasts. “We get a lot
– before a full-time position opened on of feedback from our guests that staying “It’s very nice because it’s something
the front desk. here feels like home and that’s kind of different every time. I think the best part
“I was on the front desk for about four what we strive for.” is being part of people’s memories. But
the worst part can be if something goes
years and then became front office Unlike many hotels, Homewood Suites is wrong, so we try very hard to make sure
manager for the next six years until, an all-suite property which means all its that never happens.”
sadly, Vanessa left in January,” says Bev, 108 rooms – including its two- or one-
noting her transition to GM was relatively bedroom suites – come equipped with In terms of the future, she says there are
seamless thanks to the groundwork that kitchenettes, a feature that is ideal for plans in the works to undertake a full
had already been laid. families or long-term guests, some of renovation of the hotel, making it an even
“We have a very good open-door policy whom may have been displaced due to more attractive option for visitors coming
to Cambridge.
here. And when I was front office manager, unforeseen circumstances such as a fire
I kind of sat right in the middle so many or flood. “I’ve never experienced a full renovation
people came to me anyways.” “We try our best to make sure they have here before,” says Bev, adding Homewood
She says the Homewood Suites staff have all the comforts of home,” she says, adding Suites underwent a partial lobby
renovation a few years ago requiring
been empowered to make decisions that the pet-friendly hotel also features the guests to check in through a side door.
will ensure guests always remain satisfied. necessary accoutrements – including food,
bowls, and portable cat scratching posts – “It was interesting, but we made it through.
“If you make a guest wait, they are likely to to make sure guests’ four-legged pals have I think the renovations are going to be
get a bit angry. So, if we can make it right what they need. This includes customized exciting and am looking forward to it.”
immediately, that’s why we make sure we Homewood Suites dog treats.
power our team,” says Bev.

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