Sonia Melendes, Executive Housekeeper, Harbor Court Hotel
Each day she starts her staff with the same ritual: stretches and exercises while grooving to “Greased Lightening,” followed by a training topic and ending by asking what can be done to improve guest loyalty. A powerhouse of energy, passionate about guest satisfaction, and respected throughout her company throughout her 21 years of service, Sonia has been tapped to train teams at new Kimpton properties across the country. One of the early pioneers of the hotel community in donating excess goods and supplies for re-use to non-profit agencies, she currently heads the “Earthcare initiative at her hotel. In addition Sonia volunteers for a number of local organizations and still has time to invite the entire hotel staff to her home several times a year for a feast of Puerto Rican specialties. Her commitment to family, friends and community is awe inspiring.