The Mason Inn Conference Center and Hotel has provided conference space for a myriad of businesses, rooms for visiting parents and a space for campus-sponsored events since its opening on July 22.
“October has been one of our busiest months,” said Vicki Galindo, director of sales and marketing at the Mason Inn. Alumni Week and George Mason University’s Family Weekend spurred bookings to near-capacity.
“During Family Weekend, we had 100 rooms booked and were at 80 percent occupancy,” said Stephanie Morehead, sales manager at the Inn and a Mason alumna. “The Well, which is the Mason Inn’s lounge, served brunch for over 641 individuals during that weekend.”
The Mason Inn is set apart from other hotel facilities by its close connection to the university.
“Here at the Inn, we are a part of the International Association of Conference Centers, meaning we have to meet specific criteria,” Galindo said.
The IACC is a not-for-profit organization, the mission of which is to assist members with providing exceptional services and meeting facilities. The conference rooms at the Inn serve as a meeting place for many local organizations and businesses, especially those on campus.
The Mason School of Management and School of Law are two organizations which regularly book conference rooms.
“And of course, we have smaller conference rooms which are booked by smaller businesses like the Office of Admissions at Mason,” Galindo said.
Different packages are offered at the Inn. Dinner, daily refreshments and tickets to Mason events are a few amenities that guests can add to their stay.
“Our most popular package is the Day Meeting Package, which includes a meeting room, refreshment breaks and complimentary parking among other things,” Galindo said.
The Mason Inn offers wedding packages as well. So far, more than five weddings have been held at the hotel, none of which have been student weddings.
Through June of 2011, the Mason Inn has already booked over 40 weddings.
The Inn seems to be exceeding expectations and although it has been open only for a few months, business is steady.
“In the future, we hope to get parents in here every time they are visiting,” Morehead said.
Morehead works closely with many organizations to inform the public of events occurring at the Mason Inn.
“I work with the Information Network Committee and the Event Committee,” she said. “We keep people updated through Mason E-Files.”
The Mason Inn’s location has provided a great opportunity for student jobs. Full-time employees receive both health and dental insurance. They also receive discounts for other Aramark properties throughout the country. In addition, free lunch, dinner and parking are a few perks of being an Inn employee.
Carla Naejh was hired as a front desk supervisor in June.
“I enjoy working here because I don’t really spend a lot of time on campus so working here keeps me updated with what goes on,” Naejh said. “I meet a lot of people from different departments of the university and it’s so convenient for me since I can walk to class right after work.”
Because she mostly works mornings, Naejh gets a lot of feedback from guests.
“I think most of our guests enjoy their stay and we receive positive guest comment cards all the time.”
The Inn is a “green” hotel. Recycling bins can be found throughout the building and employee uniforms are made from recycled material.
“Some guests have commented about the water pressure in the showers not being strong enough, but that’s because we have water-conserving showerheads,” Naejh said.
The hotel’s lobby features natural stone and cedar wood-paneled walls. Guests staying in one of the 148 rooms can relax in the lobby where classical music and a variety of reading material provide a spa-like atmosphere. In addition, a wall display of black and white photographs documents the developments on campus over the decades.
Individual room prices can be found online or by contacting the Mason Inn at 703-865-5705
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