The lobby of the SpringHill Suites Vero Beach offers an inviting space for guests to work eat or relax — Photo by Hotel Equities
Springhill Suites Marriott

VERO BEACH – Marriott International named SpringHill Suites by Marriott in Vero Beach, Florida the 2011 Hotel of the Year for the entire brand. The hotel also earned the Chairman’s Award by finishing number one for 2011 in guest satisfaction topping all of the 288 Marriott SpringHill Suites hotels in the country.

Atlanta-based Hotel Equities serves as the management company and shares ownership with Vero Beach-based Keith Kite, Kite Properties, Partner/Developer of the 83-room property. Brenda Celano serves as the hotel’s General Manager and Amy Selby is the Director of Sales.

“Winning comes only as a result of teamwork!” said Callette Nielsen, VP, Global Brand Management, SHS, Marriott International. “The associates at the Vero Beach SpringHill Suites exhibit an incredible sense of loyalty. Everyone contributes to get the job done, whenever and wherever help is needed.”

The winning Hotel of the Year must meet financial goals as well as excel in service to its three key stakeholders, its guests, its associates and its investors.

"It's a terrific accomplishment for the SpringHill Suites Vero Beach to be recognized as our Hotel of the Year for the SpringHill Suites brand,” said Glenn Lewis, Marriott International VP Franchise Operations. “The entire team has that true ‘spirit to serve’ attitude and loves taking care of our guests. Marriott International is extremely proud of this hotel and its exceptional team."

Marriott surveys guests regularly and provides a monthly scorecard to all hotels in the brand so that they can review, evaluate and improve their guest service performance. Competition among the hotels in the SpringHill Suites brand is keen. It takes the combined efforts of all hotel associates, from the manager and front desk team to the housekeepers and maintenance staff, to deliver a well-rounded, memorable, top-notch guest experience.

“With these multiple wins, our team proved they are extraordinary,” said Fred Cerrone, President and CEO of Hotel Equities. “They came together with character and heart to make a difference. Because they love what they do, they do it with a commitment that is special.”

Since its opening in 2009, the hotel has earned numerous performance and service accolades from Marriott International. Dedicated to giving back to its community, the hotel has sent volunteers and made donations to dozens of local charities in Vero Beach. The hotel recently won the 2011 Mid-Size Company of the Year award for Indian River County in a competition held by the Indian River County Chamber of Commerce.

The SpringHill Suites by Marriott is located at 5115 Indian River Boulevard in Vero Beach. For more information or to make reservations, call 772.978.9292 or visit .

Hotel Equities (HE) is an Atlanta-based full-scale hotel management, development and consulting firm with more than 40 properties presently in its portfolio. Frederick W. Cerrone, CHA, serves as President and CEO. For more information, visit .

Kite Properties, LLC is a fully integrated real estate company engaged in the ownership, investment and development of hospitality properties located throughout the Southeastern United States. Keith D. Kite is the Founder and Managing Member. For more information, visit

Margaret M. Jones
770.934.2170
Hotel Equities