Surrounded by Glacier National Park and a wealth of recreational opportunities, the resort attracts visitors from all over the world, creating high demand for hospitality services – and a constant need for skilled and reliable employees.
In 2022, Meadow Lake Resort was struggling to find enough staff to meet the needs of its guests. Traditional hiring methods were falling short, and the resort was in danger of compromising its reputation for exceptional service.
The resort offers a variety of room options, catering to families and providing amenities such as a pool, hot tub, and dining facilities.
That’s when they turned to HotelStaff.com for help. This case study explores how our strategic staffing hotel and Meadow Lake Resort partnership enabled the resort to overcome its staffing challenges and deliver exceptional guest experiences.
Meadow Lake Resort: A Montana Gem Facing a Staffing Crisis
Meadow Lake Resort is a gateway to adventure. Located in Columbia Falls, Montana, the resort offers breathtaking views of Glacier National Park and easy access to a wide array of outdoor activities.
Guests can enjoy championship Meadow Lake golf at the resort’s stunning 18-hole course, explore hiking trails, go fishing on the lake, or simply relax by the pool or in the hot tub. The golf course is conveniently located within a quick walk from the resort, making it an ideal spot for guests who enjoy golfing.
The resort offers a variety of accommodation options, from cozy hotel rooms to spacious condos, perfect for families and groups.
On-site dining options include a restaurant serving delicious meals prepared with fresh, local ingredients. Guests can also enjoy a range of amenities, including a spa, fitness center, and kids’ club.
But in the summer of 2022, Meadow Lake Resort was struggling to find enough employees to keep up with the demands of its guests. Housekeeping, front desk, restaurant staff, and other crucial roles were understaffed, leading to longer wait times, service delays, and a decline in the overall guest experience.
The resort’s management team knew they needed a solution fast. They had tried traditional hiring methods, but the competition for qualified workers in the Columbia Falls area was fierce.
They needed a partner who could provide a reliable source of skilled and experienced hospitality staff.
HotelStaff.com Steps In: A Partnership Built on Trust
HotelStaff.com had been looking to expand its presence in Montana, recognizing the growing demand for hospitality staffing solutions in the state. When one of our team members reached out to Meadow Lake Resort in July of 2022, it was perfect timing.
The resort was actively seeking solutions to their staffing shortage, and they were open to exploring new partnerships.
During our initial conversations, we focused on understanding the specific challenges they were facing, the types of roles they needed to fill, and the qualities they valued in their employees.
We emphasized our commitment to providing high-quality, pre-screened candidates who would not only possess the necessary skills but also align with Meadow Lake Resort’s culture and commitment to exceptional guest service.
We answered their questions transparently, addressed their concerns, and worked collaboratively to develop a customized staffing plan that met their unique needs.
By the end of the conversation, Meadow Lake Resort’s management felt confident in HotelStaff.com’s ability to deliver the right solution. Within hours, they returned our agreement signed, and we set off to work.
Create a Winning Team and Deliver Exceptional Experiences
Rapid Response: Delivering a Top-Notch Team
Once the agreement was in place, the HotelStaff.com team moved quickly. We understood the urgency of the situation and the importance of getting qualified staff on-site as soon as possible.
Our operations team leveraged its extensive network of hospitality professionals and began recruiting a top-notch team of staff for Meadow Lake Resort. We focused on finding individuals with experience in a variety of roles, including housekeeping, front desk, food and beverage, and guest services.
We carefully screened each candidate to ensure they not only had the necessary skills but also demonstrated the positive attitude, work ethic, and commitment to guest satisfaction that aligned with Meadow Lake Resort’s values.
Within a few weeks, we had assembled a team of skilled and reliable individuals who were ready to make the journey to Columbia Falls.
We coordinated all the logistics, including travel arrangements, housing, and onboarding paperwork, ensuring a smooth transition for both the new hires and the resort’s management.
The team quickly integrated with the existing staff, bringing fresh energy and expertise to the resort. Meadow Lake Resort was now fully equipped to handle the demands of its guests, providing efficient and friendly service across all departments.
Positive Outcomes: Exceeding Expectations and Building a Lasting Relationship
The impact of HotelStaff.com’s team was felt immediately at Meadow Lake Resort. Guests were delighted with the improved service, shorter wait times, and the overall positive attitude of the staff.
The resort’s general manager was thrilled with the results, sending emails expressing his satisfaction with the new team members:
“I hope you’ve had a successful season. The staff you sent here have been fantastic. We’ve enjoyed them, and they’ve worked very hard.”
And in another email:
“We sent our final HotelStaff workers to the airport on Monday. It was a sad day for our team! They did a great job.”
The positive feedback wasn’t limited to management. The resort’s existing employees also appreciated the support and the opportunity to learn from experienced professionals. The new team members brought fresh perspectives and helped create a more positive and collaborative work environment.
HotelStaff.com’s solution went beyond simply filling empty positions; it created a ripple effect of positive change throughout Meadow Lake Resort.
Here’s a video with Meadow Lake Resort General Manager and his insights after working with us:
Beyond Peak Season: The Benefits of Ongoing Staffing Support
What began as a short-term staffing solution for the summer of 2022 evolved into a lasting partnership between Meadow Lake Resort and HotelStaff.com.
The resort was so impressed with the quality of our staff and the responsiveness of our service that they requested our support for the winter season of 2022-2023 and again for the summer of 2023.
This ongoing relationship highlights a key advantage of working with a specialized hotel staffing agency: the ability to adapt to a hotel’s changing needs and provide support beyond just peak seasons.
Here’s why having a reliable staffing partner on call is so valuable for hotels…
Navigating Seasonal Fluctuations
The hospitality industry experiences predictable peaks and valleys in demand. A staffing agency can help you scale your workforce up or down as needed, ensuring you have the right number of employees on hand without overstaffing or understaffing.
Handling Unexpected Challenges
Vacations, illnesses, and other unforeseen circumstances can create unexpected staffing gaps. Having a staffing partner allows you to fill those gaps quickly and efficiently, minimizing disruption to your operations.
Maintaining Consistency
Working with the same staffing agency over time creates a sense of familiarity and consistency for both your management team and your employees.
Meadow Lake Resort continues to keep its contract with HotelStaff.com in place, utilizing our services on demand whenever they need reliable and qualified staff.
This flexible arrangement gives them the peace of mind of knowing they have a trusted partner to help them navigate the ever-changing demands of the hospitality industry.
Conclusion: Finding Your Ideal Hotel Staffing Solution
The Meadow Lake Resort case study demonstrates the power of partnering with a specialized hotel staffing agency. Faced with a staffing crisis that threatened their ability to deliver exceptional guest experiences, the resort turned to HotelStaff.com for a solution.
We delivered a team of qualified and dedicated hospitality professionals who made an immediate impact, improving service quality, increasing efficiency, and enhancing guest satisfaction.
What began as a short-term solution evolved into a lasting partnership, proving the value of having a reliable staffing resource on call.
If your hotel, resort, or restaurant is struggling to find and retain qualified staff, HotelStaff.com can help. We specialize in providing tailored staffing solutions for the hospitality industry, connecting top talent with businesses that strive for excellence.
Click here to schedule a free consultation with a HotelStaff.com expert today. We’ll discuss your unique challenges, explore your staffing needs, and develop a customized plan that helps you build a winning team and create unforgettable guest experiences.
