I travel frequently for work and have stayed at several hotels throughout Memphis. I actually bounced around between properties for a while because the level of hospitality and service often left a lot to be desired. That changed when I landed at Staybridge Suites, where I’ve stayed for nearly two months. Two people in particular—Rickey at the front desk and Michael, the Director of Sales—have made this property stand out.
From my very first check-in, Rickey has been exceptionally helpful. My stays are booked through a corporate travel program, which occasionally creates unusual reservation or check-in issues. Rather than making those complications my problem, Rickey immediately worked to find a solution, made a note to follow up with me the next morning, and did exactly that.
That attentiveness has continued throughout my stay. I receive quite a few packages, and they are always accepted and secured, with the hotel often notifying me before I’ve even noticed the carrier notification. On one occasion, I accidentally scheduled a grocery delivery while I was away from the hotel. Rickey called to let me know he had accepted it and, without me asking, put my groceries in the refrigerator so they would stay cold until I returned. He has also helped with everything from late-night requests for linens to room-key and door-lock issues, always promptly and without making an inconvenience feel like an inconvenience.
Michael has been equally instrumental, particularly in managing the complexities that come with a long-term corporate stay. Billing schedules, tax-exempt documentation, detailed folios and reservation changes can get complicated quickly. Michael not only understands those requirements but, over time, has learned what documentation I need and now proactively provides it. When something needs to be adjusted, communication is clear, timely and followed through from beginning to end.
What I appreciate most about Michael, though, is that his hospitality extends well beyond the business side of his role. He remembers my name, always greets me when our paths cross and takes time to have a genuine conversation. He also seems to genuinely care about his team, from the front desk staff to the wonderful employees preparing meals for guests. And despite being in hotel leadership, he is clearly not above doing whatever the property needs—I’ve seen him sweeping floors, helping around the hotel and taking care of the small things right alongside his staff.
After spending as much time in hotels as I do, you notice the difference between a property that simply provides a room and one where people genuinely care about the guest experience. Rickey and Michael create the latter. Their combination of attentiveness, competence, follow-through and genuine hospitality has made an extended work assignment feel considerably less like living out of a hotel and much more like having a home base.
They are both tremendous assets to this property and deserve recognition, and their service is a major reason I have continued choosing this Staybridge for my extended stay.