Inn on D-M voted ACC’s best lodging operation

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Kariena May
  • 355th Force Support Squadron
DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  The Inn on D-M has done it again. They have been voted Air Combat Command's Best Lodging Operation seven out of the past nine years, and will be competing for back-to-back wins as the 2012 Air Force Innkeeper of the Year Award, large-base category.

Davis-Monthan Lodging's training program is the number one key to the Air Force Inn operation's success. The program was created by Nancy Santasiere, guest relations manager, has been recognized by the Air Force Services Agency as one of the best in the Air Force. This resulted in her win of the 2011 Innkeeper Traveler's Award, which she received at the Lodging Worldwide Conference in New York City, November of 2011.

There are multiple sections within the lodging operation that play a crucial part in making sure that D-M stays on top. The operations side of the house includes their laborers, maintenance and supply. Davis-Monthan's lodging crew maintains 90 percent of their own grounds and internally maintains 85 percent of their maintenance work orders. The Laborer of the Year for 2011 was Ricardo Guerrero.

The housekeeping side of the house is of the utmost importance in the lodging operation. D-M lodging manages 295 rooms and provides exceptional guest and housekeeping services. The Housekeeper of the Year for 2011 was Nodira Bayturaveva.

Let's not forget the exceptional guest service operation, which are those hard working military and civilian employees working the front desk 24 hours per day, 365 days a year. Their exceptional customer service played an important role in their selection as ACC's Best Lodging Operation.

"Our employees, whether they are military or civilians, play a crucial part in making our lodging operation a success," said David Ruiz, Air Force Inn's assistant manager. "They are motivated and dedicated to provide the best service possible to our guests. I am very proud and honored to be part of such a wonderful team."

As D-M Lodging's team prepares for yet another innkeeper evaluation this coming summer of 2012, the constant upkeep never lets up. They are currently undergoing maintenance in 36 of their visitor quarters rooms with newly renovated bathrooms as well as multiple small projects to help maintain the wear and tear of such old buildings.

"Our two VQ buildings were originally built in 1968 and 1969," said Tech. Sgt. Kariena May, Air Force Inn's lodging operations manager. "I am very proud of what our employees do, day in and day out to maintain our facilities. They truly deserve to be the best lodging operation in ACC."

What does the future hold for D-M's lodging operation? They are currently reviewing 95 percent of their building plans and hope to break ground on a new visiting quarters and distinguished visiting quarters in 2013.

So if you see those military and civilians who work at The Inn on D-M, congratulate them on their achievements and wish them luck for a back-to-back win for the 2012 Innkeeper Evaluation.