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.
