Employee Interview Series - Justin Walsh, General Manager

Employee Interview Series 

Justin Walsh, General Manager

What is your favorite thing about working at the Conwell Inn?

My favorite thing about working at any hotel has always been the guests. I'm a huge fan of quality customer service in general, and I've always appreciated being in an industry where I can pass that on to others. Specifically at the Conwell Inn, I would have to say being a part of beautiful Temple University and our central location takes the cake.

What is your favorite room and why?

My favorite room is 209. It's basically the "face" of the Conwell Inn in all of our marketing and promotional materials. It's set up differently than many of our other rooms, and just looks like something out of a movie or fairy tale. The bed is set into a giant bay window that looks out onto campus, and is just breathtaking.

What is the number one reason you would recommend a guest to stay at the Conwell Inn?

Family, hands down! We might not offer every little thing you can expect from the bigger chains, but for all intents and purposes we have what they bring to the table AND the personal attention we are able to give each of our guests to enhance their experience.

What is your favorite thing to do in Philadelphia?

I'm actually rarely in the city for fun, believe it or not, but as a partial season ticket holder I would have to say catching a Phils game at Citizens Bank Park.

If you could choose one person in the world to have visit the Conwell Inn, who would it be and why?

Starbucks CEO Howard Schulz. I spent six years with Starbucks, and much of what I learned about management, I learned from my experience there. The company has an ability to cultivate learning among their "partners" like none other I've seen. I'd like to pay him back and show him how his efforts and investment have the ability to carry on long after you take off that green apron for the last time.

Meet our Staff- Joyce

Meet our Staff – One Star at a Time…

Joyce

Joyce has been working at the Conwell Inn as a Housekeeping Agent for nearly a year, having started in September of 2011. She was born and raised in Philadelphia and especially loves the convenience of living in the city. She is always courteous to our guests and does whatever she can to make their stay extra special. Aside from work she is a dedicated mother of three children. In her spare time Joyce likes to spend time with her children, visit Penn’s Landing, see a movie at the theater, go out to dinner, or take a trip to an amusement park with the kids.

Look forward to more posts about the rest of our stellar staff!

Joel- Employee of the Quarter

Employee of the Quarter

Joel

We would like to take a moment to recognize our top Employee of the Quarter- Joel Nellis! After over a year of service and dedication to the Conwell Inn, Joel has been our top night auditor for quite some time. While the list goes on and on as to why he deserves this honor, this blog is dedicated to Joel and the top 3 reasons he is named our Employee of the Quarter!

Reason #1- Joel always leaves his shift with everything in order. The hotel lobby looks pristine, nothing is ever out of place, his pass down notes for the following shift are always very orderly, and he always has a solution to any issue that crosses his eye. He pays close attention to detail and his reservations are always flawless. These are just a few of the many reasons why everyone loves coming in to work after one of Joel’s shifts.

Reason #2- Joel shows much respect for his fellow employees and guests alike. Since he has started at the Conwell Inn, we have consistently been blown away with his respect and courtesy to others. He shows this through a steadfast job well done and offering to help his fellow employees when we need him.

Reason #3- I don’t think we have ever seen Joel without a smile on his face or a happy tone in his voice. Even if things aren’t going smoothly, you’d never be able to tell because of Joel’s constant pleasant demeanor. It is his general attitude and enjoyable company that make us very grateful to have Joel with us at the Conwell Inn.

Thank you again, Joel, for an exceptional job well done and always putting a smile on our faces. Congratulations on being our new Employee of the Quarter!



Meet our Staff – One Star at a Time -- Gwen

Meet our Staff – One Star at a Time…

Gwen

Gwen has been working at the Conwell Inn as a Housekeeper since February of 2009. This makes her our head housekeeper as she has been here longer than any of our current housekeepers. Gwen’s work with us here reflects our high standards of courtesy, professionalism, and a job consistently well done. Gwen grew up in Philadelphia and has established herself as a published writer aside from working at the Conwell Inn. She goes by “Essence Blaque” for her author’s name and is currently working on three new pieces to be published. Gwen is also a dedicated mother of five children. She spends as much time with them as possible, despite her busy schedule. Gwen has certainly been an asset to our team at the Conwell Inn and we really appreciate all of her hard work!

Look forward to more posts about the rest of our stellar staff!

Summer in the City

Summer in the City

Philadelphia is certainly heating up as we are now fully enjoying the summer months! If you are looking for something to do in Philadelphia while you are visiting and (hopefully) staying with us, please consider a few of the following ten options that make summer in the city the best of times:

1.       Check out a Phillies game at Citizens Bank Park! Grab a hot dog and don’t forget your glove!

2.       Center City Sips- Every Wednesday from 5-7 at select locations, enjoy amazingly discounted drink specials and appetizers! We would recommend Mexican Post and Vango Lounge and Sky Bar with their outdoor seating options.

3.       Franklin Square- Enjoy mini golf, the best milkshakes in Philly, and delight in the endearing carousel ride all in central location.

4.       Independence Day celebrations- On the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, take part in the 4^th of July celebrations with dozens of unique vendors, free concerts, and night time fireworks!

5.       The Barnes Foundation- This recently opened space is so much more than an art gallery! Check out the vast art collections of the Barnes including hundreds of works by Impressionist, post-Impressionist and Early Modern masters, plus African masks and Pennsylvania Dutch decorative arts.

6.       The Dead Sea Scrolls- The largest and most comprehensive display of the Biblical Dead Sea Scrolls ever displayed in the U.S. are now on exhibit at the Franklin Institute until October.

7.       The Frankford Hall Beer Garden, another Stephen Starr success, has recently been reviewed with nothing but kind remarks! “The whole concept is amazing.... Great for the weekend.  Good for friends and family.  Everyone is together having a good time. Food is amazing.”  

8.       Philadelphia Zoo- The zoo is a Philadelphia favorite, for both children and adults!

9.       First Friday- The first Friday of each month is an exciting time in Olde City, especially during the warm summer weather! Art galleries in the area are all accessible free of charge, and restaurants with outdoor seating adapt their menus for the monthly occasion.

10.   Fairmount Park- In Fairmount Park, especially near the Art Museum, Kelly Drive and the Parkway, everyone is out and about soaking in the beautiful weather on their bicycles, with their dogs, or simply taking a stroll with a friend.

Meet our Staff – Dan

Meet our Staff – One Star at a Time…

Dan

Dan has been with us at the Conwell Inn as a Front Desk Agent for nearly a year and a half. Dan is certainly one of our most outgoing and friendly faces here! Aside from working at the Conwell Inn, Dan is a stand-up comedian in Philadelphia, giving him the nickname “Funny Man Dan”.  It is hard to not crack a smile or have a laugh when Dan is around. Even after his long overnight hours, he still maintains his lively personality that we all love! Dan is frequently mentioned in our online reviews by guests who appreciate his extra efforts. Anything Dan can do to help, he will most certainly go that extra mile!  

Look forward to more posts about the rest of our stellar staff!

Building Bridges

Building Bridges

This past week at the Conwell Inn was a genuine reminder of why we do what do in the customer service industry. We are expected to put on a friendly face and help in any way we can, but few people realize the wealth of genuineness and pleasure that comes from our Front Desk Agents in assisting our guests. The guests that stayed with us during graduation last week have been staying with us for nearly four years as their sons and daughters attended Temple University.  In that time, we were not only able to deliver excellent customer service to the guests, but we were able to build long lasting relationships that have brought more happiness and smiles to the Conwell Inn than one could imagine. The guests are truly what make the day worthwhile. I can’t tell you how many times our Front Desk Agents have finished a shift, but will stick around just to see a familiar face check in later that afternoon. These are the kinds of relationships that are frequently found at the boutique Conwell Inn. Our guests know us by name, and we know what brings them to stay with us. I wish we could pass to everyone the warmth that is felt in our small lobby when guests come and go, say hello and goodbye, and exchange the latest details and good news of their lives. There is a unique trust that lies between the Front Desk Agent and the guest, one which we do not take for granted, but one in which we take great pride and drives us to go out of our way to do whatever we can to make our guest’s stay as wonderful as possible.  We appreciate the relationships we have built over the past years, and undoubtedly look forward to what the future holds for the Conwell Inn.