Crescent Hotels and Resorts – Mission: Hospitality
The process of building something incredible can be a daunting pursuit. Yet, if built with strength and vision, the process, with its seemingly impossible goals, can create a solidly beautiful, functional and inspired organization. Built by hospitality professionals where hospitality is truly understood and applied in all they do, Crescent Hotels and Resorts has steadily become a leader in the hospitality and property management industry. Crescent was founded by industry veteran Michael George, President and CEO . The path taken by George and his experienced team to create the Fairfax, VA based Crescent Hotels and Resorts began with a few smaller hotel properties to its current roster of 95 properties. This incredible growth has happened for Crescent in just 14 years. The path and the growth of the company have practice of hospitality and idea of pleasing their client at the forefront of all that the Crescent organization does.
When you look at the journey of this impressive company, you see many lessons in perseverance, drive, smarts and vision. Crescent got their start in the midst of a difficult economic time in the U.S. having launched soon after 9/11. Every step climbed by this company is stamped with hard work and dedication to the organization’s mission, where hospitality is just the beginning. Integrity, service, diversity, communication, transparency and accountability play a major role in the “everyday” of this growing company. Besides their dedication to their mission, Crescent sets themselves apart from their competitors by creating their culture with a different attitude than most in the industry. Their unique differentiator is that they position their entire company as their clients’ employee. Yes, they see themselves and everyone in their organization as an employee of their client. The entire team from chefs to maintenance staff to the executive team work every day at Crescent to please their clients. This attitude, coupled with their transparent business practices are the driving forces in the Crescent success story according to Ariel Freeman Sanett, Vice President of Business Development at Crescent Hotels and Resorts.
Putting hospitality in the Executive team
Crescent is an organization that prides itself on the selection of employees with a strong base in the hospitality industry. From senior management through their entire team, this company is jam-packed with the brightest from the industry. The Crescent team is built on the belief that hotel and resort management is not just any business. They understand that the hospitality business has specific needs. They believe that their clients deserve management that understands hospitality first and foremost.
Greg Griffie, Vice President of Culinary Operations at Crescent Hotels and Resorts, understands hospitality intimately, as he comes to his role with Crescent as an executive chef. This makes him uniquely qualified to be an executive member of the Crescent team. Greg’s work as a chef gives him insights into the business that other management executives wouldn’t have when making important decisions related to the challenges a restaurant within a Crescent property may face. Greg’s personal path to his position at Crescent also speaks to the exciting possibilities that food industry professional can take in the hospitality industry. There are so many options to follow related to a career in the hospitality industry. No longer is a chef set in one direction to only be focused within the kitchen. Diversion, from what may seem like a traditional path, is everywhere in the industry. Companies like Crescent Hotels and Resorts are welcoming recipients of hospitality professionals that are fueled by a passion for hospitality and those folks come from all areas related to it.
Food brings it all together
There are many things that go into creating a successful property but the on-property restaurants tend to be where the hospitality of a hotel or resort is showcased. Food, done well, makes people feel like a company cares about what they are doing. It is not a surprise that the Crescent-run restaurants excel in this area.
A shining example of the thoughtful hard work and dedication at Crescent is evident in the unique and sophisticated, Vinifera Wine Bar & Bistro at the the Westin Reston Heights in Reston, VA. The atmosphere exudes a comfortable elegance, the service is warm and professional but the menu, under direction of Chef John- Michael Hamlet brings it all together.
Vinifera boasts a sommelier on staff and an incredibly talented culinary staff creating delightful experiences for guests. Chef Hamlet keeps things fresh as he pulls his inspiration from his on-premise garden. Close to DC, Vinifera is worth the stop for a stellar meal and a taste of something from the well-planned wine list. Vinifera is just one offering by the Crescent Hotels and Resorts team but a common thread of dedication to excellence proudly connects all 95 properties. The Crescent organization heavily pairs every moment of a guests experience with authentic hospitality and professionalism. This is the corner stone of the company, brought to you by the best in the industry.
Learn more about Chefs Greg Griffie and John-Michael Hamlet on their Chef’s Roll profiles.
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