August 2, 2024 -- Williamsburg, VA - Cornerstone Hospitality, renowned for its exceptional hotel management and development expertise, has marked another milestone with The Sessions Hotel in Bristol, VA, being named Marriott’s Hotel of the Year for Distinctive Premium Brands.
August 2, 2024 -- Williamsburg, VA - Cornerstone Hospitality, renowned for its exceptional hotel management and development expertise, has marked another milestone with The Sessions Hotel in Bristol, VA, being named Marriott’s Hotel of the Year for Distinctive Premium Brands. This distinguished category includes esteemed brands such as Westin, Le Meridien, Autograph Collection, Design Hotels, Renaissance Hotels, Gaylord Hotels, and Tribute Portfolio. These awards honor properties that exemplify Marriott’s commitment to delivering exceptional guest experiences and operational excellence.
This prestigious award, a testament to Cornerstone Hospitality's visionary leadership and unparalleled guest service, underscores the company’s commitment to excellence in the hospitality industry. The Sessions Hotel has not only garnered this accolade for the current year but was also previously recognized as Marriott Tribute Portfolio’s Hotel of the Year, showcasing Cornerstone Hospitality’s consistency in delivering top-tier experiences.
“This recognition of The Sessions Hotel is a proud moment for Cornerstone Hospitality. It encapsulates the hard work, creativity, and fiscal management that define our hotel management approach. We are driven to continuously elevate the guest experience and forge meaningful connections with our guests in inspired locations like Bristol and beyond,” said Kimberly Christner, President & CEO of Cornerstone Hospitality.
Cornerstone Hospitality’s distinct approach—to breathe new life into historic spaces while preserving their original spirit—sets a high standard for unique, memorable, and bespoke accommodations within the Tribute Portfolio. The Sessions Hotel is a prime example of this vision in action.
“Being named Tribute Portfolio’s Hotel of the Year was an incredible honor, and now receiving Marriott’s Hotel of the Year for Distinctive Premium Brands is a significant achievement that reflects the collective efforts of our dedicated team. Our goal is to offer our guests an experience worth talking about, and this award confirms our success in doing so,” added Catrina Gregoire, General Manager of The Sessions Hotel.
The Sessions Hotel, www.sessionshotel.com, has an ethos that echoes the artistic, musical soul of Bristol and stands out among hotels in large cities across the nation. Its rich history, named after the 1927 Bristol Sessions, showcases Cornerstone Hospitality’s deep connection to cultural heritage. The hotel complex comprises historic buildings, including a 1915 grocery, a 1920 candy factory, and a 1922 granary mill, now transformed into unique accommodations and the Southern Craft BBQ restaurant.
The property offers striking design moments, bold use of color, and noteworthy art throughout, telling the story of the Bristol Sessions. Each guest room features eclectic pieces, distinct room numbers with record labels from the sessions, and musician photos. An outdoor stage on the lawn for concerts pays homage to its namesake, the Godfather of Americana Music, Jim Lauderdale, illustrating Cornerstone’s commitment to integrating cultural narratives into its hotel management practices.
About The Marriott Full Service Awards:
The Marriott Full Service Awards celebrate excellence within Marriott's full-service brands, highlighting outstanding achievements in guest service, innovation, and overall performance. The awards recognize the top properties across various categories, including Distinctive Premium Brands, which comprise Westin, Le Meridien, Autograph Collection, Design Hotels, Renaissance Hotels, Gaylord Hotels, and Tribute Portfolio. These awards honor properties that exemplify Marriott’s commitment to delivering exceptional guest experiences and operational excellence.
About Cornerstone Hospitality:
Cornerstone Hospitality www.cornerstonehospitality.com is a leading hospitality management and development company known for managing branded hotels and developing distinctive boutique hotels with historical roots in unique destinations. The company's portfolio includes 15 hotels, nine food and beverage outlets, and banquet venues. Cornerstone Hospitality’s success is built on a foundation of innovative hotel management and a commitment to preserving its properties' historical and cultural significance.
About Tribute Portfolio®
Tribute Portfolio is a growing global family of characterful, independent hotels drawn together by their passion for captivating design and their drive to create vibrant social scenes for guests and locals alike. With nearly 120 hotels in more than 25 countries and territories around the world, Tribute Portfolio has struck a chord with those who seek out independent experiences and crave a connection with the community when traveling. From boutique resorts like Ermita in Cartagena and urban hotels such as The Vagabond Club in Singapore; to hotels in indie-spirited locales like Bellyard in Atlanta and Hotel Riomar in Ibiza, each Tribute Portfolio hotel celebrates its individuality, offering travelers a fresh, often colorful, perspective. For more information, please visit www.tributeportfolio.com and stay connected on Instagram, X, and Facebook. Tribute Portfolio is proud to participate in Marriott Bonvoy®, the global travel program from Marriott International. The program offers members an extraordinary portfolio of global brands, exclusive experiences on Marriott Bonvoy Moments and unparalleled benefits including free nights and Elite status recognition. To enroll for free or for more information about the program, visit marriottbonvoy.com