A CHAT WITH... tara rothberg
The Virginia’s new General Manager fills in the blanks about some of her favorite things... My greatest adventure was: Traveling around the world when I was a teenager. My parents worked in the hospitality industry, and when a couple of their businesses closed they got into importing and exporting restaurant equipment. I lived with them in 11 countries. My parents expected me to be
self-sufficient; they would give me a budget for the week for food and transportation and hand me a map. It was great. My favorite hobby is: Collecting etiquette books. My biggest pet peeve is: When people don’t show up for their reservations and don’t call to cancel. The last time I laughed until I cried was: Oh, that happens probably weekly because my fiancé is always doing stuff that is silly and funny and out of the ordinary so that I can’t help but laugh any time I’m with him. That’s such a cheesy answer! The most surprising thing about me is: When I’m at work you see a big personality, but when I’m not working I’m a quiet person — no phone calls, no email. I’m a homebody and I love my own personal space. The most underrated thing about Cape May is: That it really is a year-round tourist destination. I can’t live without my: Coffee. I’m an addict. And I love Downton Abbey… being on the porch of the Jackson Room in The Virginia on a warm summer evening when the horses are clopping by, transports you to that time period. The best advice I’ve heard is: Stay true to yourself — from my father.
The most beautiful I remember seeing Cape May was: During the snow storm in January I walked outside of The Virginia, where all of the Christmas decorations were up. It was trippy to be in the middle of a Victorian street covered in snow at the beach — silent, gorgeous and picture perfect. My proudest moment has been: Being appointed General Manager, which happened last January. I am excited every day. My coworkers and I are: A family. I work really hard to make sure that everyone has the tools they need. A piece of Virginia Hotel trivia is: Our napkins and our linens come from Italy and are hand-embroidered. I can’t help but smile when: A guest is happy and they mention an employee’s name or a memory they created here. My favorite one so far was a proposal for which the gentleman wanted to put his girlfriend through a scavenger hunt. There were seven envelopes hidden all over the hotel and I got to lead this woman to each one. For the final envelope she was standing in front of the Red Cottage and he was on the porch with a ring. How special it was to see that amount of love and energy put into something. I’m most looking forward to: My wedding at Congress Hall in November.
concierge 2014
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