Crowne Plaza

This week our class went to the Crowne Plaza in down town Albany. This is a very large business hotel with 384 guest rooms, and 2 room suits. When we first got their we went into the Capital room. In the room they provided water, cookies, and soda. After every one got their snack we talked to the General Manager Todd. He told us that the hotel first opended as a Hilton and changed over time. After Todd talked to us about the hotel Trudy started talking about her job. She is in charge of security. Once we heard every one talk we went on a tour of the hotel. the class split into two groups one with Todd one with Trudy. My group was with Trudy and she first showed us the lobby. The she showed us the bid restaurant. After the restaurant we went into the kitchen. She explained to us that there are certain elevators just for staff, and the elevators in the lobby are just for customers. She also showed us the pool and the work out room. We didn't have time to see a guest room. Over all going to the Crowne Plaza was a a good experience.

homewood suits

This week the class went to the Homewood suits. This hotel is specificaly for poeple who have a long stay. We talked to Erin and Chip who work at the hotel. Erin talked about the rooms that they have. then we got a tour. The rooms have a full kitchen, a living room, and one or two bedrooms, and a bathroom. after she showed us all the different types of rooms they have she showed us the pool area, and the fitness center. I really enjoyed seeing this hotel.

Albany Visitors center

This week the class went to the Albany Visitors center. When the class got there we all signed in the guest book. We waited in the lobby for someone to direct us where to go. When she got there we went into the auditoruim, and she talked about what her job is. Her job is to get as many "heads in beds" in the albany capital region. she explained us to us that there are many job oppertunities in this industry. The next lady that came in showed us a video of the history of albany, then she showed us the star planitaruim which was really interesting. The next lady that came in was from the Albany aqua ducks. She told us that her job is really fun and interesting. She sometimes helps plan weddings, and parties, or large events. Going on the aqua ducks is something i would really like to do sometime.

Mansion Hill Inn

This week instead of going to the Albany Marriott, we went to Mansion Hill Inn. Mansion Hill Inn is owned and operated by my teacher of the Lodging program Mr.S. When we first got there we went into the dinning room and split into groups. One group was asked to clean up the tables that has dishes left from the group the went there earlier. The other group went into the kitchen and started making pasta with Alfredo sauce, and garlic bread. I was in the group that was to clear the tables. Once we cleared the tables we reset them for when it was time to eat. After most of the food was made the whole class went for a for of the Inn. Mr.s showed us most of the rooms and the office. I had fun going some where besides the Albany Marriott, it was a good change and we got to eat.

Empire State plaza

This week instead of going to the Albany Marriott for our internship, we we went to the Empire State Plaza. The reason we went there was for the Tourism Showcase, and even they only have once a year. We got to meet Trish who is the person who planned the whole event. When we got there, their wasn't very many people there because it didn't start until 2 o'clock so after we talked to Trish, we took a class picture and left.

AYS

This week at the Albany Marriott the class was introduced to a new department. The new department we are in is the front desk which included front desk, at your service, concierge, and bell men. When we first got there the class stayed together and Micheal the front desk manager expained to us what each job does. The front desk checks in and checks out all of the guest. At your service answers any telephone calls that come to the hotel. They answer any questions or transfer the phone calls to another department. Concierge is for any members or the hotel. and the bell men carry your bags to you room, drive you anywhere you need to go, or get you anything you need. After Micheal explained what everyone did at the different jobs we split up into groups. My group went to AYS ( at your service) in that room was Ryan and Stephanie. Their job is to answer any phone calls that come to the hotel. Most calls have to be transferred to another department, or it could be a guest calling to complain or ask question. Their job is pretty much to do what ever will make the guest happy. If they cant help the guest directly, they will contact the right person that can help the guest. Even though all they do is answer phones their job can be hard because they get alot of screaming guest yelling at them for something they have no control over at all. But their job is to do what they can to help the guest.

Market server

This week at the Marriott I worked as a market server. I worked with Dan the restaurant manager, Ginny, and Mary-Anne. This week was very busy for the market, not only was it open to the public but there was a reservation for a party of 12, and a reservation for a party of 9. When I first got there they had some tables moved around so the parties could sit together. They had me make sure that tables settings were right. The party of 12 was coming first, so the next thing they had me do was fill all of their water glasses up with water. Then Mary-Anne showed me that there are two different types of glasses for different types of beverages. One glass was for soda only, and the glass was for iced tea and lemonade. For iced tea, lemonade, and diet soda you put a lemon on the side of the glass. When that party of 12 came in things got very busy and it got harder for me to help the employees because they had to move as quickly as possible. When ever I would see one of the servers come back with dishes I would offer to take them to the dish washer to help things go faster. once more customers came to eat I watched how quickly and efficiently they had to move to make sure that all the customers were happy. When ever I saw that a glass was empty I would ask them if they wanted more to drink then go get it for them. I would say this is one of the best experiences that I had at the Marriott because I got to see everyone hard at work, and I helped as much as I could.