Just as in football, “You can’t take a play off,” says Lee Belfield, general manager of The Hotel at Kirkwood, explaining the facility’s second consecutive win as Best Place for a Corporate Event or Party. He said the nature of the hotel as a teaching institution makes the quality of the service better than most expect. “It doesn’t make any sense to teach anything besides the best practices,” he said. “We want alignment with what’s taught in the classroom.” That learning emphasis, coupled with recent enhancements to the hotel, such as new carpet and a check-in system that allows guests to completely bypass the front desk, makes it a popular place for events and overnight guests alike. Mr. Belfield says all the success is owed to his staff. “I’ve been in the hospitality industry for 45 years, and this is the most hospitable group of people to work with. They have a sincere desire and pleasure in serving other people.”
– Claire Kramer
TIMES ON LIST:
2 Times on Best of List
RUNNERS UP:
DoubleTree by Hilton Cedar Rapids Convention Complex, National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library
