I had the pleasure of visiting The Hermitage Hotel in Nashville, TN, and sincerely, it was truly a remarkable experience. As a businesswoman, I was immediately keyed into the elevated dedication to customer care, authenticity and their disciplined focus on outstanding proficiency. I was enveloped in an atmosphere of elegance and sophistication. The hotel's historic charm combined with modern luxury and attention to detail sent my business focused mind into blissful overdrive.
On my three-hour drive from Maryville to The Hermitage Hotel in Nashville, I was listening to an audio book that was expressing the decline of professionalism in America today. The author cited common examples such as the way we dress, the way we treat our clients and the desire to do the very least amount possible. It was a bit disheartening as I know that the author was correct. We bag our own groceries and yet we are paying astronomical prices for them. Where we once found a friendly face to help execute a project in a hardware store there are less employees, and the cost of materials has skyrocketed. Tips are requested when no additional services are performed while picking up takeout food. Everyone wants to do the bare minimum while charging top dollar.
The Hermitage Hotel, on the other hand, is the exception. A business model we should all strive for with an emphasis on serving far beyond the expectations of their guests. My visit to this wonderful hotel restored my faith in American business and in my short stay, I learned some valuable lessons about how the exceptional set the bar we should all be striving for.
1. LESSON ONE: Precise Processes: The moment I depressed the brake on my SUV and began to pull up to the front door of the first “Million Dollar Hotel in Nashville,” a handsome young man quickly made his way to my vehicle to open my door. He greeted me warmly with a smile and welcomed me to The Hermitage Hotel. The valet took care of my car while another gentleman loaded my bags onto a luggage cart and yet another awaited my arrival at the front door as he opened it with a smile. It was a lovely ballet of set processes they had clearly done hundreds, maybe thousands of times. They moved with purpose, precision and charm as I watched in awe. Each one was so familiar with their role, it was second nature. Each wearing a perfectly groomed suit, each with a smile and each shared a common thread of class and calmness. All three men took the time to greet me, to take a moment to connect and ensure that I felt welcome in their beautiful hotel. All of this, in what must have been under three minutes, to ensure they give the same attention to the next guest, and I was safely inside the grand lobby. In business, having precise processes in place allows us to do what is necessary without much thought. In turn, we can use that automation to allow our minds the freedom to connect with the people that make our businesses thrive because we can offer quality, time and interaction with others. This is the very cornerstone for which we build trust and relationship with our treasured clients!
2. ATTENTION TO DETAIL: The attention to detail was evident in every corner—from the plush furnishings to the exquisite artwork that adorned the walls. It was a space that felt both welcoming and opulent, making it the ideal treat for relaxation. Everything was in its place, spotlessly clean and refreshed. The attention to detail had been carefully evaluated and executed. Every item that could be folded or branded was done so with perfection. A few of my favorite details included the TV in my bathroom mirror, the oversized bathtub, the turn down service with bottled water and a cookie by my bedside. The warm hotel rooms where class meets the timeless decor of clean lines, artistic flavor and simplicity melt away the stress of the day and invite you into a restful environment! The display of yellow roses in the lobby that reminded guests of the role this historic hotel played in the War of the Roses and the 19th Amendment that gave women the right to vote was spectacular! You can read about it here; the ending will give you all the good feels! https://thehermitagehotel.com/historic-hotel-nashville/womens-suffrage/. The Hermitage Hotel reminded me that the big wins in life and business are always a result of paying careful attention to the details. Although The Hermitage Hotel has mastered this, they remain in pursuit of perfection in every detail, making each guest feel valued beyond measure.
3. ATTITUDE MATTERS: Every single person I spoke to during my stay was polite, joy-filled, calm, and happy to help. No matter the silly question or outrageous request they received from a guest, they remained consistently dedicated to helping and making their guests feel valued. They made sure that each little need was the most important thing they could be working on. It was a wonderful reminder that regardless of how we feel, the foundation of our careers, of mankind, is a service to others. It is what sets the civilized apart. Those who consistently seek ways to serve others break the chains of mediocrity.
In conclusion, my visit to The Hermitage Hotel was nothing short of extraordinary. With its stunning suites, top-notch customer service, and a welcoming ambiance, it's a destination I would highly recommend to anyone seeking a luxurious experience while visiting Nashville. Additionally, anyone with a business should consider staying a night or two, simply to refresh your excitement for your business and revive your service to others! That is truly what matters most and The Hermitage Hotel preserves American professionalism with these three keys to success!
