Courtyard at UD wins Platinum Award for Service 

12:46 p.m., April 5, 2011--The Courtyard Newark-University of Delaware is again the recipient of kudos for its outstanding guest service. The hotel was honored at the recent Marriott Courtyard General Managers Conference with a Platinum Award for excellence in guest service.

Awards for guest service are based on direct feedback from hotel guests, and with an overall “guest service score” of above 90 percent, there is no question why the hotel continues to receive top honors.

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“This is a tribute to every team member and student that assists in our operations,” said William Sullivan, managing director of the Courtyard Newark. “It is an honor to be part of this team of hospitality professionals,” 

Since the hotel opened in November 2004, it has consistently earned recognition for its high levels of guest service.

In 2008, the Courtyard Newark-University of Delaware was one of seven globally recognized with the Diamond Award for excellence in guest service, with a score of above 95 percent. The Diamond Award is reserved to honor hotels with number one rankings in at least two survey question topics.

That same year, the UD hotel also received the Highest Guest Satisfaction Award for rankings in staff service, breakfast service and intent to recommend.

Owned and operated by UD and managed by Shaner Hotels, the hotel also is home to the University's Department of Hotel, Restaurant and Institutional Management (HRIM) practicum, in which 50 students each semester gain first-hand experience by participating in the hotel operations. 

“My congratulations go out to our Courtyard by Marriott team on this deserved recognition,” said Robert Nelson, chair of HRIM. “Their sustained record of excellence as demonstrated by this unbroken string of Platinum Awards is truly remarkable. We are fortunate to have such great examples for our HRIM students, and I consider the team our valued partners in education.”

Article by Kathryn A. Marrone