James Long appointed General Manager of Fairfield and TownePlace Suites by Marriott Altoona
Mar 11, 2019
Altoona, Penn. (March 11, 2019) — The dual-branded Fairfield and TownePlace Suites by Marriott Altoona is pleased to announce that James Long has been appointed as the hotel’s new General Manager.
Long has worked in the hospitality industry for over thirty-five years in varying roles. He started as a night auditor, and has worked as a manager, assistant general manager, assistant front office manager and general manager of various hotel brands, resorts and restaurants throughout Pennsylvania. He has also received numerous industry awards, including the Connie Award from Hilton Worldwide, the highest honor given to Hampton Inn-branded hotels. He was also named a Hampton Inn Ambassador, an award given to the top 25 general managers in the Hampton Inn chain.
The Fairfield and TownePlace Suites in Altoona, located off Pleasant Valley Boulevard near the Van Zandt VA Medical Center, is owned and operated by Plamondon Hospitality Partners in Frederick, Md. It opened in February 2017, and is the first of its kind for Marriott. Hotel amenities include an indoor swimming pool, fitness center, outdoor patio and 1,000 square feet of meeting space. The dual brands cater to both extended stays and transient travelers.
“We are confident that James will be an incredible addition to our team, and we’re looking forward to the new perspective he will bring with his many years of experience in various hospitality roles,” said Michael Henningsen, executive vice president of Plamondon Hospitality Partners. “His award-winning customer service skills and industry knowledge will make him a fantastic leader for this hotel.”
Long is a 1980 graduate of Hollidaysburg Area High School and a graduate of the Altoona School of Commerce. As general manager, he will manage and oversee all of the day-to-day operations of the hotel, including staff management, strategic planning, guest services, sales and compliance.
Plamondon Hospitality Partners is a hotel management and business development company located in Frederick, Maryland. Their current portfolio includes Marriott and Hilton properties in Maryland, Pennsylvania and Georgia.