Upscale Arizona Biltmore Resort and Spa Supercharges Concierge Services

Agoura Hills, CA (PRWEB) August 13, 2008 -- Springing impressively upward from the Sonoran desert, the Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa in Phoenix is a priceless jewel amid an oasis of natural beauty and man-made artistry. Part of the renowned Waldorf Astoria Collection, the Biltmore is considered the "Grande Dame" of Arizona resorts, having continuously attracted stars, statesmen and sophisticated travelers from around the world since its opening nearly 80 years ago.

The Biltmore was originally designed by Frank Lloyd Wright protégé Albert Chase McArthur. Wright was actually the Consulting Architect and oversaw the design; McArthur, whose brothers financed the project, was the official architect. However, through the years, the luxurious destination has upgraded and renovated, but never strayed from its historically inspired architectural roots that consistently earn it awards and accolades. The resort now boasts more than 750 guest accommodations, including 78 one- and two-bedroom villas artistically nestled among its 39 acres. With such an abundance of lodging, it is no wonder that the Biltmore finds itself serving the needs of an increasing number of guests each year.

Turning Service into Art

Until recently, the Biltmore's highly trained Concierge staff coordinated guest services (http://www.goldkeysolutions.com/Features.asp?campaign=PRWebArizonaBiltmoreAug132008) and activities by phone, a laborious process that often necessitated putting people on hold and generating numerous follow-up calls. With its focus on elevated service, the Biltmore began looking for ways to "revolutionize" concierge operations and ultimately turned to Concierge Assistant® (http://www.goldkeysolutions.com/Integrations.asp#PMS?campaign=PRWebArizonaBiltmoreAug132008) (CA) software from Gold Key Solutions. The results were nothing short of spectacular, according to Biltmore Concierge Keri Christian. The system not only enhanced guest service (http://goldkeysolutions.com/Clients.asp?campaign=PRWebArizonaBiltmoreAug132008), but provided much-needed individualized guest preference tracking and stay histories that are easily accessible.

"Since installing The Concierge Assistant, we have achieved a level of organization, efficiency and implementation that was not possible before," Christian said. "We have raised personalized guest services to a new level." According to Christian, that includes being able to keep a secured, password protected record of each guest's personal itinerary that appropriate staff can view from any terminal on the network. Additionally, the concierge staff can use CA's many features to:

?    Track requests

?    Quickly print professional guest itineraries on hotel letterhead

?    Automatically post reminders to ensure guest requests are fulfilled

?    Send welcome and confirmation letters

The Key to Golden Service

Providing highly individualized service is one of the Arizona Biltmore's hallmarks and Christian says CA is very reassuring to their guests. "Now they can communicate with any contact at the resort to have their requests recorded and executed, and that enhances their knowledge that their requests are being handled personally." Additionally, Christian notes, if requests extend across shift changes, CA provides 24-hour communication with automated event message reminders that keep staff aware of guests' needs so requests are always fulfilled on time.

Another benefit Christian points to is her team's ability to track guest request trends and preferences, including the types of restaurants they frequent, the types of tours they book, favorite foods, spa visits and more. "By utilizing this tracking activities software (http://www.goldkeysolutions.com/Integrations.asp#TouchScreen?campaign=PRWebArizonaBiltmoreAug132008)," Christian said, "we are able to determine the best product options to recommend to guests."

After initial pre-arrival contact with guests, most often conducted by telephone but also by email, all requests are logged into the Concierge Assistant system. Arrangements and confirmations are then completed by the concierge. During this process, the software records each request to ensure that all are fulfilled. "The Gold Key system has literally revolutionized the Arizona Biltmore's guest service operations," Christian said.

About the Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa

Known throughout the world as the "Jewel of the Desert," the Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa provides a restful oasis of 39 acres covered with lush gardens, glistening swimming pools, and Frank Lloyd Wright-influenced architecture. Set in the heart of Phoenix, the Arizona Biltmore has been a favorite of celebrities and U.S. presidents throughout its colorful history.

About Gold Key Solutions

Gold Key Solutions' (http://www.goldkeysolutions.com/Default.asp?campaign=PRWebArizonaBiltmoreAug132008) The Concierge Assistant improves guest services and staff communication by creating orderliness and accuracy throughout the entire concierge process for hotels of all types. The Windows-based software application increases staff efficiency and reduces expenses by automating all guest service activities and reporting, allowing managers to put in place a standard of excellence that may be continually refined. The Concierge Assistant is used by over 400 full-service Ritz-Carlton, Marriott, Hyatt, Starwood, St. Regis, Four Seasons and other quality properties. The Concierge Assistant is also employed by many residential living properties and by personal assistant and professional concierge companies to optimize services to each client.

Contact:

Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa

2400 East Missouri Avenue

Phoenix, AZ 85016

Phone: (602) 955-6600

Email: reservations @ arizonabiltmore.com

http://www.arizonabiltmore.com/

Gold Key Solutions

Newton Gore

Phone: (818) 865-0006

Email: newt @ goldkeysolutions.com

www.goldkeysolutions.com/?campaign=PRWebArizonaBiltmoreAug132008

28720 Roadside Drive

Suite 276

Agoura Hills, CA 91301

Media Contact:

Julie Keyser-Squires, APR

Softscribe Inc.

Phone: 404-256-5512

Email: Julie @ softscribeinc.com

www.softscribeinc.com

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