Are you asking yourself, how Sting, a British-born musician, activist, and actor, landed the honor of meeting Aruba’s VIPs, Luigi & Shareska, in Las Vegas, at a private meet & greet for only fifty of the superstar singer’s concert goers?
The answer is simple, the two hotel executives were in Las Vegas for the Choice Convention, a mega three-day event attracting more than 6,500 hotel owners and directors, culminating in the brand’s annual Award Ceremony, where they received a royal welcome, including Sting show tickets and a photo opportunity.
General Manager, Luigi Wix, and Commercial Director, Shareksa Gutierrez, didn’t only experience a live Sting concert, they also won an award, the 2024, Best of Choice, for running a #1 hotel, from among 7,500 others, the Radisson Blu, on Palm Beach Aruba, rated in the upscale category.
The hospitality award, explains Shareska, is granted to the top hotels within the company’s domestic and international portfolio, and it is a tremendous accomplishment for the island’s Radisson Blu. For many reasons, she adds.
Mostly, because the property was salvaged from quagmire. It stood empty, abandoned under-construction for years, at the mercy of different management teams, lingering in ownership uncertainty, until an investor showed up on the scene and literally saved it, turning it into a successful Palm Beach beauty, under the direction of a local leadership team.
For an island with a growing negative sentiment against new construction, the repurposing of the unfinished condo building, preserving its architectural appeal, and rejuvenating the entire area, served the needs of the tourist market nicely.
The resort is today one of the top-tier properties running under the Radisson Blu flag, putting an exceptional focus on guest satisfaction and dedication to superior service.
Which is why the 2024 Best of Choice award was granted, evaluated by Choice Hotels through its official property ranking reports.
The team is especially proud that as a franchise hotel, without corporate support granted by other resort giants, they managed to get an award within 36 months of operation, competing with other full-service giants with fabulous beaches. The Radisson Blu achieved success off the beach and kept its promise to employ an all-local leadership team.
As a privately held business, ownership concocted its own magic formula to keep an engaged and engaging work force with higher-than-average salaries, and a monthly bonus, on top. The amount reflects the associate’s role impact on hotel revenue, and often doubles the take home amount, acknowledging effort and incentivizing performance. The resort has also introduced a five-day workweek for all departments, besides educational opportunities, active encouragement of work-life balance, superior labor conditions, and most importantly in Aruba, an extra off day on birthdays!
As said by Choice Hotels, at the elegant 68th corporate award ceremony: Radisson Blu Aruba has quickly become a beloved destination for travelers seeking modern luxury, relaxation, and authentic service. Led by a resolute all-local leadership team, the resort has earned a reputation for delivering unforgettable experiences that showcase the beauty and charm of Aruba. From its stunning accommodations and amenities to its breathtaking surroundings and commitment to sustainability, guests are treated to a tranquil and rejuvenating stay in Palm Beach.
A recent welcome addition to the resort amenities is a modest strip of beach, with 58 beach chairs, next to Moomba where guests may refresh themselves in the sparkling blu. A free shuttle ride is available from the lobby, down to the beach, where shade is available. The team is hopeful that the Government of Aruba will fulfil its original promise and grant the resort an expanded beach allocation. Meanwhile guests spend time on the roof top of the lobby building, in the inviting pool, with stunning ocean views, ordering cocktails from the Acqua Breeze bar, or having lunch at the Sunset Bistro.
We’re aiming at Choice’s Premier Award, for next year, remarks Luigi Wix with a big smile, which we will collect, hopefully, during Choice Hotels International 69th Annual Convention. For the coming year, he adds, we will continue to capitalize on our competitive position to capture the growing demand for travel and bring home to Aruba another most-coveted accolade.
Additional information: The Radisson Blu Aruba Wins Prestigious “Best of Choice” 2024 Award by Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH). The Radisson Blu Aruba is proud to be part of Choice Privileges, the award-winning rewards program where members earn points on eligible charges during their stay, which can be redeemed for reward nights at nearly 7,500 hotels across 22 brands located in 47 countries and territories worldwide. With the Choice Privileges Mastercard and Choice Privileges Select Mastercard, members can earn more points faster, including on everyday purchases.
For more information or to make a reservation at this award-winning hotel, visit www.bluaruba.com or https://www.choicehotels.com/aruba/oranjestad/hotels.
About Radisson Blu Aruba
Located in Palm Beach, Radisson Blu Aruba embodies the essence of Caribbean luxury with a boutique hotel feel. With its prime location overlooking the Caribbean Sea, the 156-room hotel offers guests an unparalleled tropical experience. The resort offers one-, two- and three-bedroom suites with separate living areas, world-class dining options and a host of upscale amenities including an on-site spa, fully equipped gym and two pristine pools. As the only LEED Certified resort in Aruba, Radisson Blu Aruba’s accommodations prioritize the environment, featuring energy-efficient lighting, low-flow water fixtures and eco-friendly amenities. For more information, visit bluaruba.com.
About Choice Hotels®
Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH) is one of the largest lodging franchisors in the world. The challenger in upscale and a leader in midscale and extended stay, Choice® has over 7,500 hotels, standing for more than 630,000 rooms, in 46 countries and territories. A diverse portfolio of 22 brands that range from full-service upper upscale properties to midscale, extended stay and economy enables Choice® to meet travelers’ needs in more places and for more occasions while driving more value for franchise owners and shareholders. The award-winning Choice Privileges® rewards program and co-brand credit card options provide members with a fast and easy way to earn reward nights and personalized perks. For more information, visit www.choicehotels.com.
