April 2013 - Strong joins NewcrestImage LLC, who will be operating the property, to spearhead the management of the new Marriott Courtyard and TownePlace Suites dual brand concept, in Grapevine, DFW, slated to open on Labor Day 2013.

 

The hotel market within the Dallas-Fort Worth region as a whole has recovered well, and future growth is anticipated for 2013/2014. A fact borne out by the important levels of investment being seen, both in terms of new properties entering the market—with nearly sixty new properties in the pipeline at this time—and in terms of the renovation, refurbishment, or expansion of existing properties.

 

One of the new properties is the Courtyard and TownePlace Suites dual brand concept, which will bring an impressive range of services to the DFW/Grapevine market later this year. With a combined 301 guest rooms, 10,600 square feet of banquet space, and an additional 2,500 square feet of modular meeting space, the property will combine services ideally suited to both short and long term stay travelers, under one roof.

 

Strong will lead the management of this dual property, her second dual general management role, bringing with her over fourteen years of experience with Marriott International, and a deep understanding of the regional market.

 

“I am excited to join NewcrestImage and open the amazing Courtyard/TownePlace Suites – DFW Airport North/Grapevine as the Dual General Manager,” said Strong, “Having been with Marriott International for the past 14 years, I am excited to bring my knowledge and experience with these wonderful brands to NewcrestImage and build a very successful and strong presence in the Grapevine community.”

 

With a background that has seen her increase RevPAR year on year in every property she has managed, regardless of the economical climate, and extensive sales and training experience—including being the key sales trainer for the Western Region for Marriott International—Strong brings a versatile, and valuable, skill set to her role. Strong’s ability to combine a clear fiscal vision with a thorough understanding of the needs of successful hotel operations can be seen in her most recent achievements, the highlights of which include increasing RevPAR by 7.2% in 2012, over 2011, at the Courtyard Dallas Plano, while increasing their associate engagement scores by 19 points.

 

This versatility will serve her, and this new property well, in an ever more competitive market.

 

“The Courtyard and TownePlace Suites is going to be a showcase for NewcrestImage and Marriott International,” says Strong of this development, “Having two great brands with Courtyard by Marriott and TownePlace Suites by Marriott under one roof gives us the unique ability to meet the needs of many different types of guest. The hotel will also have approximately 13,000 square feet of meeting space which is another unique feature that will allow us to host a variety of meetings and functions for this great area. I am so excited to bring this amazing and exceptional property to life in the wonderful Grapevine community.”