New York (February 2, 2010): On February 1, 2010, MVP/NY hosted the 2009 Hotel Excellence Awards (HEA), the hospitality industry’s most prestigious awards, at the grand and luxurious Cipriani Wall Street. More than 500 guests and honorees gathered to recognize the hospitality industry’s service to New York City, which became the top domestic tourist destination in 2009. In addition to the Hotel Experience and Silver Plume Awards, which honor the top hotels and individuals (and the only industry awards sanctioned by the Hotel Association of New York City), New York City’s “top cop” Ray Kelly was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award.
Hotel Experience Awards winners among hotels with 500 rooms or more were: The New York Palace Hotel for Best Concierge Service, The Westin New York at Times Square for Best Room Amenities, The Waldorf=Astoria for Best Hotel Restaurant, New York Marriott Marquis for Best Family-Friendly Hotel and Sheraton New York Hotel & Towers for Best Business Services. The Best Overall Hotel Experience award went to The Westin New York at Times Square. In the 500 rooms or less category, The Plaza won for Best Concierge Service, The St. Regis New York won for Best Room Amenities, The Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park received the Best Hotel Restaurant award, Renaissance New York Hotel Times Square and Omni Berkshire Place tied for Best Family-Friendly Hotel, Millennium Broadway Hotel New York won for Best Business Services and The Plaza won for Best Overall Hotel Experience. In addition, the venerated Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to New York City Police Commissioner Ray Kelly.
Silver Plume Awards winners included David Moreno of Gramercy Park Hotel for Chef Concierge of the Year, while The Trump International Hotel & Tower New York had a big night with Loida Diaz taking home the Concierge of the Year award and Suzie Mills named Best Supporting Manager of the Year
A hugely successful Silent Auction featuring over 100 donated items was held benefiting four charities: Les Clefs d’Or Foundation, the New York City Association of Hotel Concierges’ Charitable Fund, the Hotel Association of New York City Scholarship Fund and the ITM Hospitality Fund.
Composer Andrew Lippa joined cast members from the brand new Broadway production of THE ADDAMS FAMILY entertained the audience. Manhattan City Music provided music for the gala affair throughout the night.
The 2009 HEA was sponsored by Benjamin Steak House, BICE Ristorante, Bloomingdale’s, CityPass, CitySights NY, Deva Spa, Empire State Building, Harbor Experience Companies, Gray Line New York Sightseeing, John Barrett, Lalique, Loehmann’s, Madame Tussauds, Starbright Floral Design and Wempe Jewelers, and many others.
