This company’s commitment to excellence and unparalleled service levels are the cornerstones of its success. Much like a tree, their roots run deep in the community and they are proud to be Red Deer owned and operated. Since their start in hospitality, the family business has been consistently delivering quality accommodation to their guests.
Their story is a story of hard work, dedication, and exceptional hospitality. A story of family values and a legacy passed down from Gulzar Rajan (mother) and Afzal Rajan (father) to their daughters, Zainul and Shazma, and will continue for generations to come. Established in 1983, Zainul & Shazma Holdings (1997) Ltd has been a family-run operation with 7 hotels located across Alberta, 4 of which are located in Red Deer and include the Holiday Inn & Suites Red Deer South (Gasoline Alley).
Read ahead to see how this Tourism Red Deer member sets the bar and strives for excellence in all that they do.
What makes you different, unique or stand out?
“Doing what’s right, not just what’s needed!” says Kelly Armstrong, Regional Director of Business Development for the Holiday Inn & Suites Red Deer South (ZS Holdings). “Our Passion for our guests to have the perfect ‘10’ experience when staying in our communities is what makes us stand out. We strive for true hospitality and this is displayed by every one of our team members.”
The Holiday Inn & Suites Red Deer South is home to the ‘fastest waterslide’ which is part of an expansive naturally lit pool area that includes a hot tub and large swimming pool. Guests staying at the hotel, now have the opportunity to reserve and enjoy a private swimming slot in their pool. They are a full-service hotel, with a restaurant and lounge on-site and 14 different room types for guests to choose from.
Their central location offers access to local area attractions such as the Red Deer Mountain Bike Park, Canyon Ski Area and Bower Ponds Recreation. Boating, fishing or beach adventures to Sylvan Lake, Pine Lake or Gull Lake only 30 minutes away, and there are over 15 golf clubs and resorts to choose from within the region, including The Nursery Golf and Country Club.
Why do you do what you do?
“We are on a journey, to be successful in every sense of the word,” says Armstrong, “we are determined to contribute toward positive social and economic change, to stand up for key issues such as diversity, equality and inclusion, human rights, and to make more responsible environmental choices.”
With a focus on empowering industry colleagues and working together, the Holiday Inn & Suites Red Deer South aims to help shape the future of responsible travel. “By working together toward common goals, our communities, these destinations that make this world so special, will have a chance to thrive for many more years to come,” says Armstrong.
What can guests (local or visiting) expect to experience?
“Good isn’t good enough,” quotes Armstrong “we are committed to high levels of cleanliness. That means clean, well-maintained, clutter-free rooms that meet our brand and owners’ standards. If this isn’t what you find when you check-in, then we promise to make it right. That is the IHG Clean Promise.”
IHG hotels have always had a long-standing commitment to rigorous cleaning procedures and now have taken it one step further to include deep cleaning with hospital-grade disinfectants with direction from the CDC. If that isn’t comforting enough, they are also provincial recipients of the AHLA Safe Accommodation Promise Designation.
As the world adjusts to new travel norms and expectations, they are working hard to enhance the experience for their guests. By redefining cleanliness and supporting the guest’s well-being throughout their stay, these strengthened procedures are designed to give the traveller greater confidence and hotel teams the protection needed to move forward.
“People are going about travel differently and have matching expectations,” says Armstrong. “The commitment of providing a healthy and safe environment to stay, while away from home is and has always remained our number one priority.” A few things you will notice when staying at the Holiday Inn & Suites Red Deer South is reduced contact at check-in, touchless transactions, front desk barrier screens, sanitizer stations, sanitized keycards, and paperless checkouts.
What is new or upcoming?
“We strive to partner with local attractions and associations in the community as much as possible,” says Armstrong, “to put forth the best of what Red Deer has to offer to those visiting the area.” With ‘Staycation Packages’ available on their website and ‘Bundle and Save’ opportunities on their Facebook page, you are sure to find a reason or two to venture out and stay.
“Progress is best achieved when we work together,” says Armstrong. “We will collaborate closely with those who stay, work and partner with us, and we will continue to empower our people to make a difference and help us achieve goals.”
When you are ready to travel again or are looking to #ExploreRedDeersBackyard, the Holiday Inn & Suites Red Deer South will be ready and waiting to welcome you.
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