Homewood Suites by Hilton, Virginia Beach Earns Brand Recognition for Social Media Excellence

Online, March 26, 2012 (Newswire.com) - VIRGINIA BEACH, VA - Homewood Suites by Hilton Virginia Beach/Norfolk Airport has earned several brand recognitions, including placing among the top five Homewood Suites for recognition of its Social Media efforts. In addition, General Manager Meredith Brinkley and Director of Sales Sandi Stowers each earned an Award of Merit.

At a recent ceremony held in New Orleans, the hotel received the brand's Social Media Award, which recognizes properties with exceptional social media outreach programs. Winners must actively monitor all social profiles, such as Facebook and Twitter, participate on TripAdvisor, and respond appropriately and quickly to all reviews, questions and complaints.

Brinkley, who joined the Homewood Suites in early 2011, earned one of just 10 awards of merit given to brand general managers. Winners are nominated by owners and hotel team members. The award recognizes each manager's excellence in spearheading RevPAR growth at or above 100 percent, guest and employee satisfaction, and focus on key areas of performance.

Stowers received an Award of Merit for excellence in directing the hotel's sales efforts. In addition to meeting brand standards in key performance areas, winners must also demonstrate brand advocacy, sales leadership and participation in all Hilton and Homewood programs.

"These brand awards recognize the outstanding achievements of Meredith, Sandi and the entire team in Virginia Beach," said Gerald P. Chase, president and chief operating officer of New Castle Hotels & Resorts, which operates the 122-unit extended-stay hotel. "We are proud of their accomplishments and their well-deserved recognition."

About Homewood Suites by Hilton, Virginia Beach
The Homewood Suites by Hilton, Virginia Beach opened in August 2008, co-developed by New Castle and George Harwin of VA. Beach Hotel Partners. Located at 5733 Cleveland Street, the 122-suite extended-stay hotel features contemporary decor with vaulted ceilings in public areas, 1,000 square feet of meeting space, an indoor pool, fitness room, complimentary hot breakfast buffet, evening manager's reception Monday through Thursday, and a relaxing outdoor courtyard area. Nearby attractions include the Virginia Beach Oceanfront and Boardwalk, Virginia Beach Aquarium and Marine Science Center, Old Coast Guard Station and the Cape Henry Lighthouse. The hotel is just 6.5 miles from Norfolk International Airport.

About Homewood Suites by Hilton
Launched in 1989, the Homewood Suites by Hilton brand today has more than 300 hotels open with approximately 110 in the development pipeline. Beyond its spacious suites and home-like amenities, additional guest features include an on-site Suite Shop convenience store, complimentary grocery shopping services*, a complete business center, and laundry services at most locations.

About New Castle Hotels & Resorts:
New Castle Hotels & Resorts portfolio includes 30 hotels the company manages, owns or is developing in the United States and Canada. The privately held hotel management company consistently ranks in the country's top 100 hotel management and development companies in hospitality industry trade publications. New Castle celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2010. For more information on New Castle Hotels & Resorts, please contact Gerald P. Chase, president, chief operating officer, at (203) 925-8370, or visit the corporate website at www.newcastlehotels.com.