PEOPLE Special mention needs to be made about the dedication and support from the local Partners of H&S Hospitality and their other businesses whom without this hotel would not have been possible: Carty Holland of Holland and Knapp Construction, Jerry Holland of Holland Realty, Ron Holland of the Holland Ranch wedding/event venue, and Mohan Sohi, the former owner of the Super 8 Motel on Monterey Street. So, what’s next for the Sohi’s and what Jessica calls “our third child” (the hotel)? Perhaps
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managing another, more boutique style hotel in SLO County and maybe an casual upscale restaurant next to the HI/Express. There appears to be no stopping the guy who carried the torch years ago for his capable lady and, just maybe, more Torchbearer awards await down the road. “Success—to be able to spend your life in your own way.” Jessica and Amar would undoubtedly agree. Bob Huttle (Up) can be reached at rhuttle@charter.net. As always, he welcomes your comments.
Amar and Jessica’s Wedding day
Accolades begin; guests write glowing reviews and, little by little, the Atascadero HI/Express gains a glowing reputation. Occupancy rates grow, client surveys rave about the service, the personable staff of twenty, and deluxe wine country accommodations. And then comes the big surprise. In October, 2011, Jessica and Amar’s Holiday Inn Express receives the 2011 Torchbearer Award, the Intercontinental Hotels Group’s most prestigious honor, at the annual Investors and Leadership Conference in Las Vegas. The hotel is one of only 24 properties selected from over 2,000 hotels in Canada, the USA, and Latin America to receive this honor. The Atascadero HI/Express is in the top 1% of hotels in this category that achieve the highest levels of excellence in all aspects of operation—from quality and product to customer satisfaction. HI/Express Atascadero is the first hotel in San Luis Obispo County to receive this distinction. Amar said: “We are honored...Our goal from the beginning was to be one of the best hotels in our brand the country, and I am proud to see we have achieved it. Our staff’s dedication to providing the best service experience to our guests truly shows throughout each department. We are extremely proud.” Kirk Kinsell, President, the Americas IHG, commented: “This hotel embodies the spirit, product, and service that continue to make IHG properties known and admired throughout the world.” (Note: IHG is a global company operating seven hotel brands. It is the world’s largest hotel group and manages or owns over 4,400 hotels in 100 countries and territories.) M A R C H
2012
Journal PLUS