Hi Susan,
Many sincere thanks for passing this note along. Our family vacationed at Marriott’s Marco Island Resort March 22 through the 30th. Our experience was so lovely, everyone was so gracious, I’m really at a loss for words and don’t know where to begin to thank all the individuals who made our stay so special.
My husband Ron and I spent our honeymoon at the Resort in 1985. We returned to the property every year thereafter; however, as our family grew to include four daughters, we were left with little choice but to move our annual sojourn to Eagles Nest. Now that the girls are older we returned to Marriott, and while we were there witnessed so much growth and service and product enhancement it took our breath away – the warmth of the Front Desk staff; the courteous Concierge assistants (my eye-glass dependent husband lost his glasses while taking our youngest on a jet ski ride, and the entire desk helped us locate a 24-hour optometrist on the Island – they were amazing). The housekeeper who kept our room straightened away each day was most lovely and thorough (rooms 227 and 229); the chefs who served breakfast were a delight and wonderful cooks (especially the gal who sings her song about the virtues and deliciousness of ham!); the young men and women who so diligently delivered guests their chairs and tents along the beach.
But there is a special story I want to share with you. Ron and I decided to renew our marriage vows on your beach during our stay. The concierge desk recommended contacting Jim Davidson, who I immediately phoned from our room. At the time, two engineers (Harry and Patrick) were fixing a lock on the door. When my conversation with Jim ended so did Harry and Patrick’s handiwork, but before they left they wished my husband all the best on the impending “re-nuptials”.
Later the next day, l met with Jim and Laurie Flynn who were wonderful and filled in all the details – from rings to floral to the Tiki Hut at sunset. That evening, we received a bottle of champagne in our room in honor of the upcoming celebration. My husband and I didn’t want the girls to see the note, so we quickly put it into the safe and didn’t read it until we unpacked in Chicago.
I had assumed the champagne came from the catering sales staff. I had been a regional director of communications for Marriott Corp (under Ed Fuller) for about eight years, so receiving champagne from the staff that sold you an event is both kind and protocol.
Once we read the most thoughtful note back in Chicago, to our surprise, the champagne was a gift from Harry and Patrick. The gift not only emphasized what wonderful, hard-working and caring individuals they are, but their gesture gets to the very core of what Marriott is all about – it exceeds your expectations as it gives you meaningful surprises and experiences along the way.
It was so wonderful to see all the exciting property changes you’ve made. Second-to-none. But it was more gratifying to see that Marriott has retained the simple, loving values and dedication that propelled a nine stool root beer stand into the conglomerate and industry leader it is today.
Mr. Marriott (Sr. - and Bill Marriott) would be so proud.
See you next year.
All the very best to all,
Marion R. and Ron G.