May the peace, blessings, and mercy of God be upon you,
My friends and family are at the Intercontinental Hotel Jeddah. I describe you as "my friends" because of the long-standing relationship between us, which has lasted for years and continues to this day. Years have only increased your brilliance and success; in every stay I say that this time is the best, then I am surprised that the stay after it is even better!
The reason for this is primarily due to the reception staff, who I believe are the main reason this edifice has remained standing until now. I have stayed at IHG hotels around the world as a Platinum member, but each time no one has impressed me as much as your reception team.
And here I would like to mention some employees by name in particular:
The employee, Mutaib bin Mansour: He was always there to welcome me during every stay, and the truth is that he surpasses the level of sophistication, ethics, and professionalism in dealing with people. The question is always: What does a receptionist need to succeed? The answer is: The smile and self-confidence are fully present in “Mutaib” and in the way he is received, which represents the utmost warmth, morals, and Saudi hospitality at its best.
The distinguished employee, Firas: I would like to say to him in particular: “You are of great character.” His cheerfulness, patience, and manner of dealing with others are very exceptional, and his high standard is extraordinary.
This raises a fundamental question: What differentiates one receptionist from another in the IHG group?
The difference lies in the "standard" and the details; I notice every movement and it makes a difference to me as a guest at IHG: The employee should hand me the papers or keys with both hands, or stand and listen to me with his hands open, or gesture respectfully without any connotations that might be understood in an unacceptable way in other cultures, and not interrupt the conversation. All these high qualities were present in “Firas”; extraordinary refinement, a high standard, and a true representative of IHG values. Thank you, Firas, and I will never forget your excellent treatment as long as I live.
The distinguished and outstanding employee, Wissam Kaaki: He welcomed me during my stay this time, and also last month. I would like to thank him first and foremost for his honesty and trustworthiness. Some employees make promises to the guest before making sure and then let you down, but what I noticed about “Wissam” is that he makes absolutely sure, before he utters a single word, of his ability to deliver what he will promise the guest, and I was very impressed by his great respect.
We all know that a person who loves his work gives it his best, and that is exactly what I noticed in “Wissam” whether in his dealings with me or with the other guests while I was waiting for him; great openness, a confident smile throughout the conversation, and asking about all preferences verbatim. He also gave me information about the hotel's public facilities that I didn't know about after asking about my preferences, and that is precisely what distinguishes a successful receptionist.
In conclusion...
Mut'eb / Firas / Wissam: Thank you from the bottom of my heart; because you are the reason why the Intercontinental remains my favorite place and destination always and forever, and thank you for your high morals and professionalism in the literal sense. You are a real asset to the place, may God grant you success.
Your brother, Youssef Ahmed
(July 30 - August 2)
