Marriott's the Best — Again

MetroTech hotel wins 2nd award

DAILY NEWS
April 22, 2001
City Beat

By BILL FARRELL

When the Marriott Hotel in MetroTech first opened its doors in July 1998, supporters of the project and Marriott officials predicted great things.

But not even the most optimistic supporter could have predicted just how great things have gone at what was Brooklyn's first major new hotel in 70 years.

Last year alone, the hotel maintained an occupancy rate of 90%, served more than 200,000 meals, and — for the second year in a row — received Marriott's National "Hotel of the Year" award.

With the fourth-largest ballroom in New York City, a full health club with a 75-foot pool, a 200-seat restaurant which features brunch every Sunday and a short walk separating the hotel from the world famous Brooklyn Heights Promenade, what's not to like?

According to management, it's the people who work at the hotel that make it a winner.

"We are very proud of our staff," said Sam Ibrahim, who took over as general manager of the hotel five months ago. "To win that award two years in a row is special."

The award is based on how the hotel scored in several categories, such as guest and employee evaluations and overall performance, including financial results.

In an industry where the employee turnover rate nationwide is above 50%, the rate is 5% at the Marriott Brooklyn, according to resident manager Ray Falcone.

"It's an unheard-of number," said Falcone, who has a background in human resources. "We have a great mix of people who like it here and our guests can recognize that."

Last week, the hotel and staff hosted a thank-you reception for guests and clients who have stayed or held events at the hotel.

"The thank-you event is one of the types of things that make working here special," said chef Nunzio Cassara. "It was the guests who rated us best; not many places take the time to say thank you."

Ibrahim is under more than a little pressure to keep the winning tradition alive and take the honor three years in a row.

"The pressure will be to maintain and go beyond what our staff has already done," said Ibrahim. "We are also confident we can continue to be successful.

"Our goal is to three-peat and win the award next year, which coincides with Marriott's 75th anniversary. Our staff is looking forward to the challenge."

Even as the staff takes on the challenge, their landlord, Joshua Muss, continues his efforts to add 280 rooms to the hotel.

Muss has been in talks with the city to obtain a piece of property on the opposite side of the plaza alongside the hotel. A 24-story tower would be built on the site and would be connected to the hotel by a bridge above the plaza.

"We are in talks with the city and are very hopeful we will be moving ahead very soon," said Harvey Schultz, an official with Muss Development.

"The Marriott wants it, we want it. We think it will be done."