Give hotel benefit of the doubt

For the most part, the Crowne Plaza Five Seasons Hotel has been put down. I was a 20-year employee of the hotel. I've seen the name changed four times.

Throughout my 20 years of employment, there was always business. If our house count was down, it was consistent with other hotels. I've seen many famous people and politicians stay at the hotel, from George H.W. Bush to Al Gore to George W. Bush. The presidential caucuses and rallies always were held at the Crowne Plaza; it brought plenty of excitement. Many national and local candidates came for their rallies, too. The Crowne Plaza always catered to their guests and groups. We all took hospitality seriously and performed it with pleasure.

Then came 2007, and Kronos Hotels of Atlanta took over. We all lost excellent benefits. Some didn't receive paychecks or else just got terminated. I was able to stay employed until my resignation in late January 2008.

There are two major factors that have affected business at the Crowne Plaza Hotel: the flood of 2008 and terrorism. The Crowne Plaza cannot be held responsible for the flood or the threats of terrorism that includes the woes of the airline industry.

Give the Crowne Plaza Hotel the benefit of the doubt, other hotels have gone through the same situation too.

Dave Faur

Marion