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CityGate Hospitality receives two honors at 2024 IHLA Stars of the Industry awards



Stars of the Industry logo

In addition to being the only Forbes recommended, AAA Four Diamond hotel in Illinois outside of Chicago, Hotel Arista is the only Naperville hotel to take top honors at the Illinois Hotel & Lodging Association annual Stars of the Industry held Dec. 12 at the Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center Hotel.

 

Managed by CityGate Hospitality LLC, Hotel Arista was named this year’s Star for sustainability. In addition, CityGate Hospitality’s Human Resources Coordinator, Valeria Serrano was named the Industry Star the administrative employee category.

 

According to IHLA, the sustainability award recognizes properties that have developed a culture towards integrating environmental management practices that improve everyday operations while maintaining quality service and meeting guest expectations. 

 

“It’s fitting for the first LEED-certified hotel in Illinois to be recognized in this category,” said CityGate Hospitality VP/Operations Brandon Sheldon. “It is something that is truly part of our culture and that we are very proud of.”

 

Hotel Arista also is Green Seal™ certified and has several Green initiatives including sustainable housekeeping, hotel-wide recycling and its sustainable purchasing policy, along with features such as low-flow water fixtures and carpeting made of recycled materials.

 



Valeria Serrano
Valeria Serrano, HR Coordinator at CityGate Hospitality, was recognized as an Industry Star in the Administrative Professional field.

The administrative Star winner, Serrano, joined CityGate Hospitality in 2022 as an HR & recruiting administrator and was promoted in early 2024 to human resources coordinator. She previously held human resources administrative roles in engineering, logistics and retail industries, and holds a certificate in human resources management from College of DuPage.

 

“Valeria is a big resource for our associates,” said CityGate Hospitality VP/Human Resources Marne Curio. “She always works to get questions answered and goes above the call of duty try to help associates.”

Serrano’s English and Spanish language skills also contribute to the impact she makes at CityGate Hospitality.

 

“Being bilingual, Valeria also is able to connect with each and every one of our associates both verbally and in writing,” Curio added. “But it’s not just that. She takes initiative, particularly in communications, starting an electronic message board as well as an associate newsletter.”

 

IHLA's Stars of the Industry Awards Program was established in 1996 to honor IHLA member hotel employees for their outstanding accomplishments, service and leadership in the hotel and lodging industry. The Stars Program recognizes the best of the best, those who truly go above and beyond and whose incredible hard work, dedication, attentiveness, and genuine kindness towards both guests and fellow colleagues is an inspiration to their peers. In 2024, there were more than 700 nominations across 13 individual categories and three property categories.

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