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 Tony Craig
Houseman Supervisor
Mayflower Park Hotel
Crystal chandeliers and gleaming brass pervade the Mayflower Park Hotel, which was built in 1927 and is a member of the National Historic Trust. The hotel also boasts rich personal history in 26-year veteran Tony Craig, steward of hospitality and tourism ambassador.
What does your job entail?
Overall cleaning and maintenance of the hotel — the exterior, interior, re-stocking of public areas, vacuuming and shampooing carpets, filling supply orders and attending to special requests of hotel guests.
What changes have you seen in the hotel and in the downtown neighborhood since you started?
I’ve seen renovations in the hotel lobby, the guest rooms have been upgraded, the lounge [Oliver’s] and the restaurant used to be called Clipper’s and now it’s Andaluca.
How do you interact with guests?
They ask for directions, restaurant recommendations and ask how to get to the monorail. Sometimes I even escort them to the monorail or Pike Place Market or just point them in the right direction.
How does group business at the hotel affect you?
I know when a big citywide (large convention) is in — our manager alerts us. We get very, very busy, which is good. There are more special requests and services needed, from the lobby to the meeting rooms and all the way out the door — buses come and take them to their various meetings.
Why does tourism matter to the region and to you?
Tourism creates jobs at hotels like the Mayflower Park, at restaurants, shops and many other businesses. From a personal perspective, each day has been a privilege and a blessing because I enjoy what I do. The hotel has helped me tremendously. I enjoy meeting people from all over the U.S., seeing Seattle grow over the last 26 years. Through the industry, I understand the city better and it allows me to step outside the box. I enjoy getting up in the morning!
You seem to take great pride in your work.
I always want to do my best. I look at areas of the hotel before and after I clean them. My last look is always my guest’s first. My job is to give the hotel a good shine, effort and love. Some E.G.
Do you know what E.G. is?
[pause]
Elbow grease!
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