The Stonewall Jackson Hotel and Conference Center was named hotel of the year by Crestline Hotels this month. The property beat out 46 sister properties to win the award. The property was selected based on a combination of achieving financial goals, community involvement, guest satisfaction, employee longevity and success in fostering community growth. “Winning is a result of teamwork”, says General Manager Carol Simon. “Most of our staff has been with us for awhile. It really makes a difference. They are committed to guest satisfaction and work well as a team.”

Senior management has fostered innovative ideas that set them apart from the competitive set. In 2010, the property opened a rooftop garden to grow fresh herbs and vegetables for their own special version of ‘farm to table’. The staff worked with a local landscape company to select indigenous plants and utilized the air conditioning run-off water for irrigation. The hotel is a Virginia Green participant and adheres to the Virginia Tourism Corporation’s guidelines on green best practices.

General Manger Carol Simon has taught a hospitality courses at James Madison University and is active in college recruitment. As part of this initiative, the property annually hosts interns to provide practical work experience affording students a springboard from college life to career life.

About Crestline Hotels & Resorts, Inc.
Crestline Hotels & Resorts, Inc. is one of the nation’s largest independent hospitality management companies. Founded in 2000, the company presently manages 47 hotels, resorts and conference and convention centers with nearly 8,400 rooms in 11 states and the District of Columbia. Crestline Hotels & Resorts manages 9 independent properties in major US markets including Atlanta, Houston, Los Angeles and Washington D.C. Crestline also manages properties under such well-regarded brands as Marriott, Hilton, Westin, Sheraton, and Crowne Plaza. For more information visit: www.crestlinehotels.com.

About the Stonewall Jackson Hotel & Conference Center
The 124-room Stonewall Jackson Hotel and Conference Center in Staunton, VA was originally built in 1924. The hotel underwent a $22 million expansion and restoration and reopened in 2005. The property, managed by Crestline Hotels and Resorts, is a member of Historic Hotels of American and features a fitness center, indoor pool, indoor parking garage, dining, bar and 8,500 sq. ft. of elegant meeting and banquet space. For reservations or more information visit www.StonewallJacksonHotel.com