For Immediate Release:
Contact: Jeff Nobers; 412-977-1263
Zelma Kassimer; 724-329-6381
Falling Rock Hotel and Lautrec Both Achieve Top Awards
Farmington, PA (November 16, 2010)— Nemacolin Woodlands Resort has been recognized by the prestigious Forbes Travel Guide with Five Star rankings for both Falling Rock hotel and Lautrec restaurant.
Falling Rock at Nemacolin Woodlands is one of only two new properties worldwide to receive this distinction. There are 54 hotels designated as Forbes Five Star, but only 6 resorts in the world boast Forbes Five Star ratings in both the lodging and dining categories. Forbes Travel Guide, formerly Mobil Travel Guide, has defined the industry’s highest standard for excellence in hospitality for over 50 years.
“This is truly a remarkable achievement and is testament to the dedication of all of our associates and the leadership of our executive team,” said Nemacolin Woodlands President and owner Maggie Hardy Magerko. “Our vision has been to create one of the top resort destinations in the world and these ratings qualify our vision and recognize the remarkable efforts of our staff.”
Nemacolin Woodlands Resort was founded in 1987 when Joe Hardy, father of Maggie Hardy Magerko, purchased out of bankruptcy what was then a 400 acre complex with one hotel and a nine hole golf course. In the intervening years, the Hardy’s have transformed the property into a luxury family friendly resort encompassing 2,000 acres, two golf courses, world class spa, 15 restaurants and lounges, a top rated sporting clays facility, ski area, adventure center, Wildlife Academy and of course Forbes Five Star lodging and dining.
“The word unique is dramatically overused, but it certainly applies to Nemacolin Woodlands,” said resort General Manager Chris Plummer. “It encompasses not only the lodging, dining and activity options but is most applicable to our associates who in our opinion deliver the finest guest experience in the world.”
Falling Rock is a 42 room boutique hotel and clubhouse situated above the 18th green of the Mystic Rock golf course. The hotel, with 24 hour butler service opened in the fall of 2004 and is designed on the architectural principles and style of the legendary Frank Lloyd Wright. Mystic Rock is rated as one of the most difficult courses in the country and has hosted a variety of golf tournaments including a four year run as host site of the PGA TOUR 84 Lumber Classic.
Lautrec received its fifth star in 2009 and has continued to emerge as one of
the finest dining establishments in the world. It is the only such rated restaurant between east coast metropolis’ such as Philadelphia, Washington, DC, and New York and Chicago. Lautrec restaurant is named after French artist Henri de Toulouse Lautrec, and the innovative cuisine is the culinary artwork of Chef Kristin Butterworth, Chef de Cuisine. Chef Butterworth is currently the youngest and only female chef to lead a Five-Star restaurant accomplishing this feat at the tender age of twenty eight. “This high honor represents a true commitment to quality of food and service as well as countless hours of preparation to pamper our guests,” said Brent Wertz, Vice President of Food and Beverage and Executive Chef at the resort. “Understanding every detail is key and working together to attend to those details makes this distinction special for our entire team. Details in culinary execution make the difference while a humble approach to genuine caring service makes Lautrec a special experience. “
“We are delighted to announce this year’s Four- and Five- Star winners demonstrating the rich diversity among outstanding experiences that define the best of the best hotels, restaurants and spas worldwide,” said Shane O’Flaherty, President and CEO of Forbes Travel Guide. “As in years past, the 2011 Star Rated properties share an uncompromising commitment to the highest standards of guest service, luxurious accommodations and unique, memorable experiences.”
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