The Donal A. Dermody White Glove Award origin

White Glove Award

by Donal A. Dermody on March 5, 2012

Some years ago The Property Review Program established the Donal A. Dermody White Glove Award. This is an annual award that selected properties receive when our inspection indicates outstanding housekeeping.  These facilities are PRP’s Top “White Glove Award” recipients:

Elizabeth Point Lodge, Amelia Island, FL
800-772-3359      http://www.elizabethpointelodge.com/ 

St. Francis Inn, St. Augustine, FL
800-824-6062      http://www.stfrancisinn.com/

Night Swann B&B, New Smyrna Beach, FL
386-423-4940      http://www.nightswan.com/

Tropical Manor, Daytona Beach, FL
800-253-4920    http://www.tropicalmanor.com/

Bokeelia Tarpon Inn, Bokeelia, FL
866-827-7662      http://www.tarponinn.com/

The Grand Guest House, Key West, FL
888-947-2630      http://www.thegrandguesthouse.com/

Estoril Paradise Inn , Fort Lauderdale, FL
888 385-2322      http://www.estorilparadiseinn.com/

Island Paradise Cottages,  Madeira Beach, FL
727 395-9751       http://www.islandparadise.com/

The plaque awarded for this distinction is displayed prominently in the “lobby” area of the establishment. Of course, I was flattered that this prestigious award carried my name. However, I must admit that I often wondered why my name should be attached to this honor. [click to continue…]

Hotel Return on Investment

by Catherine Arthur-Hirschenfang on March 19, 2012

The Return on Investment is the Return of the Guest 

The Superior Small Lodging (SSL) program, launched inFort Lauderdale, Florida some 20 years ago was a natural extension of a concern that small lodgings would see a decline in business when the city decided to shed its image as a haven for Spring Break party-seekers.  Since that time, SSL has evolved into a robust, member-owned, non-profit association and a guardian of its brand name. 

Don and Cay Dermody at the start of SSL

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Spring Break Yields Quality Lodging Program

March 12, 2012

Fort Lauderdale (Broward County) had to do something for the ‘Mom and Pop’ small hotels, lodgings, and bed & breakfasts, when they clamped down on “Spring Break”.  The county was going through a transition period wherein Spring Break, signaled by the arrival of 300,000 to over 400,000 college students in February and March, was no longer promoted.  [...]

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Press Release: Five Inns Rated As “Outstanding” in Audit

March 5, 2012

  StAugNews St Augustine Florida News ST.  AUGUSTINE INNS RECEIVE TOP HOUSEKEEPING RATINGS  ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. (March 5) – Five St. Augustine inns have received the Donal A. Dermody White Glove Award in recognition of their outstanding performance in housekeeping.  The awards were presented as a result of an annual quality-assurance audit performed by The [...]

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Attracting and Retaining Quality Hotel Guests

February 25, 2012

One of the most overlooked things a hotel owner can do to attract high quality guests is to have high-quality, attractive bed-linens and towels.  Quality Control in hotels can be applied to focus on small, low cost, changes that will increase revenues.  Admit it, guys, when you and your spouse go into a property to [...]

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How to see your hotel from a guest perspective

February 14, 2012

How often do you really look at what your guests see when they walk up to your hotel, bed and breakfast, or condo?  Do you look with a hotel Quality Inspection perspective?  You may say, “Well, I walk in the front door every day, so I look at it all the time.”  But do you [...]

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Risk Management and Costa Concordia – Lessons Learned

January 28, 2012

The immediate objective of risk management is early identification of risks and preparing risk mitigation plans towards the achievement of business objectives – from short-term and long-term standpoints. New requirements and associated risks could emanate from the regulatory or business environment, strategic business choices, or internal corporate cultural factors. Risk Management came to the US [...]

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Cruise Ship Mystery Shopping – Why?

January 27, 2012

Mystery Shopping, as a formal appraisal process, has its origins in the hotel industry. Today, it is used by the best hospitality organizations and world-class service providers, and is applicable to cruise ship mystery shopping.  With its foundation in revenue management, Mystery Shopping is an analysis tool that processes, interprets, and internalizes guest expectations and satisfaction – [...]

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Condo Hotel quality standards and ratings

January 27, 2012

A vacation in someone’s condo hotel can be risky business for both the guest and the Condo Hotel’s bottom line.  Management companies lacking quality standards and strict supervision of housekeeping, furnishing, and grounds maintenance create lasting negative memories with guests.  Real estate companies initially sell a top-shelf condominium hotel product of a stunningly decorated unit with fabulous views, [...]

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Decorating tips to attract and retain lodging guests

January 27, 2012

When decorating and furnishing lodging facilities, both hotel and cruise, the needs and demands of the modern guest are of the utmost importance.   The first things to consider are: Cheerful colors Quality beds and bedding Comfortable seating Good lighting Your investment in these items should come after careful consideration regarding quality, durability, functionality, serviceability, and [...]

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