International Guests, Local Foodies All Part of The Hotel at Kirkwood Center’s First Year
The Hotel at Kirkwood Center officially opened for business in late summer 2010. Nationally, it's the first teaching hotel-and-gourmet-restaurant duo of its kind at a community college. Because Kirkwood blazed new trails with the concept, administrators decided to dream big, and it paid off.
Kirkwood dared to be great. With innovative spirit and sights set on excellence, Kirkwood made a groundbreaking concept reality, forever changing the way the college teaches.
The Hotel at Kirkwood Center officially opened for business in late summer 2010. Nationally, it's the first teaching hotel-and-gourmet-restaurant duo of its kind at a community college. Because Kirkwood blazed new trails with the concept, administrators decided to dream big, and it paid off.
"We came very close to hitting our exact target this first year, which is a great accomplishment," said Lee Belfield, general manager of The Hotel. "We lived up to what we said we would, and achieved the goal."
All the planning and hard work showed results, and the proof lies in the numbers. In just 365 days, The Hotel noted 48 Hospitality program graduates, 63 weddings, hundreds of business-related meetings in the conference center, 10,785 paid room reservations and 39,960 guests served in The Hotel's Class Act Restaurant.
Not to mention the overwhelming positive responses, both from guests and students. Guests enjoy the boutique atmosphere and unmatched service, while students benefit from professional experience in a controlled atmosphere.
"We've received outstanding reviews," Belfield said. "Many are aware of our attractive venue, so they come in the door with a certain level of enthusiasm. However, once they experience The Hotel, that enthusiasm doubles."
Big ticket events aren't the only specialty. The Hotel and Class Act host monthly dinner gatherings, an initiative aimed at enticing local foodies into The Hotel to experience the grandeur themselves.
Events such as unique food and wine pairings, which featured a question-and-answer session with a boutique California winemaker, a couples New Year's Eve soirée, and a spirits night devoted to pairing gourmet foods with specialty cocktails, had Corridor connoisseurs wining and dining all year long.
The conference center welcomed thousands of business people from 42 different states and around the world. Companies large and small utilized the center's accommodations, ranging from a ballroom with a standing capacity of 924, down to small classrooms for intensive sessions. Essential business technology, including the Corridor's only HD video conferencing site, is available, along with free tech support.
Announced just this September, The Hotel at Kirkwood Center joined Summit Hotels & Resorts, a global collection of more than 150 internationally acclaimed hotels and resorts that celebrate local luxury. Ranging from historic urban hotels to exclusive beach resorts, Summit's distinctive accommodations are found in many of the world's most famous destinations.
Going forward, Belfield said The Hotel will focus on integrating opportunities the Summit brand provides, which includes exposing The Hotel to a global clientele. Additionally, staff at The Hotel seek continuous improvement, which means ongoing academic program modifications and new service ideas.
More information on The Hotel at Kirkwood Center is available at (319) 848-8700; or via the Web:
www.thehotelatkirkwood.com http://www.thehotelatkirkwood.com
A MEMBER OF PREFERRED HOTELS & RESORTS | AAA FOUR DIAMOND AWARD
Lee Belfield
General Manager
319-848-8701
The Hotel at Kirkwood Center
