The hotel marks the third time White Lodging won the award in four years.
MERRILLVILLE, IND. – White Lodging announced the JW Marriott Austin has won the Full Service Opening of the Year Award at the 2015 Marriott International National Association and Full Service Owner’s Conference in Miami last week.
White Lodging was the recipient of this award in 2012 for the opening of the JW Marriott Indianapolis and in 2013 for the opening of the Milwaukee Marriott Downtown, making this year’s win the third in four years.
“Years of planning, dedication and hard work went into this development from conception to checking in the first guest,” said Deno Yiankes, President and CEO, Investments and Development Division. “We are honored to accept this recognition as it is a direct result of the countless contributions of White Lodging associates and our project team.”
The 34-story JW Marriott Austin is not only the largest hotel in Austin, but also the largest JW Marriott in North America and the second-largest JW Marriott in the world. The JW Marriott Austin employs approximately 800 associates, has achieved a LEED Silver certification and a two-star Austin Energy Green Building rating. The hotel opened after two and a half years of construction, and was recently named in the Top 10 hotels in Texas by Conde Nast Traveler.
“JW Marriott Austin epitomizes our brand’s globally-renowned service style, providing enriching guest experiences around every corner – from celebrated, locally-inspired restaurants and lounges to a rooftop pool and bar with sweeping views of the city,” said Mitzi Gaskins, Vice President, Luxury Brand Management & Guest Experience at Marriott International. “We are extremely proud that our associates in Austin have been recognized by Marriott International for their commitment to excellence, and we look forward to their continued success in the years to come.”
The hotel boasts of its spectacular fifth-floor pool deck and bar, some of the largest guest rooms in the city with stellar views, a full-service Starbucks and more. The property also features key players in Austin’s burgeoning culinary scene, three restaurants— Osteria Pronto, Corner and Burger Bar.
“Since the hotel opened in February, our associates have hit the ground running, working to provide guests with the best service in the state,” said Scott Blalock, general manager of the JW Marriott Austin. “I’m pleased to share this award with them and congratulate them on a job well done.”
The JW Marriott Austin has a distinct local feel. Key interior design elements were incorporated to celebrate the spirit of Austin and the state of Texas. Unique design features include large columns throughout the hotel and lobby built from Texas limestone; a topographical map of Austin illustrated in the lobby ceiling and floor; illuminated artwork behind the check-in area that resembles a magnified cactus graphic; and a large outline of the state of Texas etched into the bottom of the fifth-floor pool.
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