Pumpkin Waffle

Business has taken a slower pace lately allowing us to be a little creative. This week Maryann experimented with pumpkin, and I dutifully sampled her creations.
I wish she hadn't gotten it right so quickly!! The pumpkin waffle mix starts teasing your taste buds as soon as you place it on the iron to cook - if only I could stop with the smell, I'd be several pounds lighter.

Our regular corporate guests really love the pumpkin bread, I am hoping they will be adventurous enough to try the new waffle flavor. YUM - what will she come up with next?

Here4U

Inspired by one of our daily meetings, we held a vanity plate contest a while back.
Come up with a plate that represents Courtyard Service. Tami won the contest, and I procrastinated about actually getting the plate. Well we finally have it and it is on the van!
They all thought I was crazy when I said I wanted a "fun" photo - and proceeded to climb up on the hood of the van. Thank you to Victor for taking the photo of the Management team minus Rob - who must have been out on a sales call - and Tami.

Have a wonderful Fall weekend! the Foliage is beautiful -



Dayna

Facebook - be our Fan

Ok, I have avioded facebook like the plague on a personal level, but not having a presence there kept me from finding out information that I wanted to know! So I finally gave in and joined today. Probably the last person on earth to do so -

Not having a presence on Facebook as a business has become almost like not putting a sign on your building. I know of one business that never had a sign, but was busy from word of mouth and repeat customers. They really worked hard at providing a service that would make people seek them out, and not require them to have a sign. It was a lumber yard of all things!

Well, I don't want to chance people not finding us, so the Courtyard has a page on Facebook, a lens on Squidoo,and this blog.I started writing this blog and realized I don't have the web address for our Facebook page - I'll add that tomorrow, when I figure out how to find it...

Until next time...

Dayna

Housekeeper Appreciation - You Bet!

This past week we celebrated Housekeeper Appreciation week. These hardworking staff members who are mostly behind the scenes,don't often get the recognition they deserve. My first job when I graduated from college and was looking for a teaching position, was as a housekeeper in a hotel on the beach in Kennebunkport.
I am ashamed to say looking back now, that I don't think I was anywhere as good as the people who work here at the Courtyard!

Our room cleanliness scores are exceptional, and it is due to the backbreaking work of these individuals. Cleaning up to 16 rooms a day on a regular basis is not a job for the weak of heart.

Nest time you stay in a hotel, remember to thank your housekeeper. A note, a smile, and yes - a tip, would be very appreciated.

Thank you to Housekeepers everywhere, but especially to those who make the Courtyard in Portland, Maine one of the cleanest places to stay.



www.marriott.com/pwmlo

Travel Well!

Dayna

Check out our lens on Squidoo

I have been exploring Squidoo this past week, and developing a Lens for the Courtyard. It has been and still is an interesting process and site - you can start exploring at our page or "Lens" www.squidoo.com/courtyardportlandmaine

This blog is featured on the page, as well as a quick poll on Hotel Pet Peeves, and area photos-
I would love to have you visit and give feedback -

Thanks for exploring!

Bug Light, Spring Point Ledge & Portland Head Light

White Cedar Inn Today: Bug Light, Spring Point Ledge & Portland Head Light

I though this was well written and something our Courtyard guests would enjoy!
Courtyard by Marriott in South Portland is about a 15 minute drive from these two lighthouses - check them out!

Bake Sale at Courtyard

The staff at the Courtyard by Marriott will be holding a bake sale on Tuesday September 15,to raise funds to contribute to the Muscular Dystrophy Association.
The effort is being spearheaded by Tracy Rickett a guest service agent who has been with us since opening just 2 years ago.

Wanting to help raise bail to help Dayna with her efforts,( see previous blog )
the staff has banned together in this effort. Tuesday's are the peak night of the week, when all of our regular guests will be here. I am hoping the staff doesn't buy all the goodies before our guests arrive! We know how much they look foward to their arrival cookies - maybe they will treat themselves to a special treat this week and help a good cause too.

Stop by if you are in the area, and get a sweet treat to go with your afternoon coffee -

Dayna