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Holiday Inn Express and Suites in Andalusia received news in February that it was selected as one of its corporate winners for the 2023 Spirit of True Hospitality Excellence Award.

The award is based on a number of factors such as breakfast quality, guest satisfaction ratings, cleanliness standards, its corporate reward members’ approval, and overall love for the hotel experience.

Dianne Inmon is one of three employees who have been with the hotel since it first opened on June 9, 2009. She became the property’s general manager in March 2022 following the departure of the original GM Kim Jenkins, who took another hospitality job in Kentucky.

“This recognition means everything to us as our hotel greets people from all over the world. We take pride in welcoming all of our guests with open arms when they visit Andalusia and Covington County. Our staff works hard to be one of the top hotels in our coverage area with each component of this award,” Inmon said.

Owned and operated by Camellia Hospitality Group of Greenville, Holiday Inn Express is the top-rated hotel in Covington County. Its corporate company, InterContinental Hotels (IHG), passed the hotel with excellent ratings during a yearly quality evaluation that was conducted in February.

Darlene Northup and LuQuita Likely have also been employed at the hotel since day one. Northup serves as the on-site property’s director of operations.

“Our guests and excellent team are what makes our hotel what we are. Without our staff’s hard work, it would be impossible to even be considered for this corporate recognition. Who knows where we would be if it were not for the team we have,” Northup said.

An “Employee of the Month” is awarded monthly based on work skills and voted amongst the hotel’s employees.

“This award is based on many factors. We are blessed to have a staff that takes work very seriously and cares about the jobs they are assigned. From our front-of-the-house operations to those in the back of the house, each employee has a hand in our achievement of this recognition,” Inmon said.

The hotel will celebrate 15 years of operation in June. Current employees are Mike Adams, Amy Aughtman, Tessa Baker, Johnnie Bishop, Rebecca Black, Misty Bond, Deidra Clark, Sue Danford, Dave Hager, Hallie Harrison, Dianne Inmon, Katelyn Johnson, Linda Jordan, LuQuita Likely, Darlene Northup, Amanda Rawls, Paulette Sanders, Debra Spradlin, Mary Stroud, Brittany Tuchten, and Dawn Yates.

“This recognition is a remarkable accomplishment and a true testament to your exceptional commitment to providing a comfortable, clean, and safe environment for your guests. Their positive feedback is a true testament to your success,” IHG officials said.

Holiday Inn Express and Suites is located at 16727 U.S. Highway 84 in Andalusia. For more information call the front desk at 334-427-2740.