Sara Abbott, Metropolis Resort, recognized by WHLA as the 2023 Innkeeper of the Year

​WHLA honored Sara Abbott, Resort General Manager of the Metropolis Resort in Eau Claire, with its annual Innkeeper of the Year Award. The Innkeeper of the Year Award is a time-honored tradition that recognizes an outstanding individual who exemplifies the hospitality industry in our state. The award was presented during a dinner ceremony at the 2023 Wisconsin Lodging Conference on November 6 at the Holiday Inn Stevens Point Convention Center.

Sara is passionate about delivering exceptional guest experiences and fostering a positive and productive work environment for the resort staff. In her role, she oversees 111 unique hotel rooms, a trampoline park with ninja warrior courses, an indoor water park with a lazy river, and a fun center with go-karts, laser tag, and more.

During her time at the Resort, Sara has implemented a program called “Metropolis University” where a new team member can start their first day on the job and transition into a leadership role. Examples of team members growing into leaders through the program include Lifeguard to Director of Maintenance, Housekeeper to Graphic Designer, and Bartender to Hotel General Manager.

Sara and her team at the resort offer “Lunch and Learn” courses so that employees have different opportunities to learn lessons and skills including retirement investing and homebuying.

Active in her local community, Sara is a member of Leadership Eau Claire through the local Chamber, and is a member of a mastermind group called Alliance. She is also actively involved with the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions. Sara was recently elected to serve for a second term on the WHLA Board of Directors, and she will be forming a new WHLA Local Council for hoteliers in the Eau Claire area.

“Sara has served WHLA and the Eau Claire area as a passionate and dedicated leader,” said Bill Elliott, President and CEO of WHLA. He continued, “Sara’s enthusiasm for fostering a great company culture that rewards employees and encourages them to grow in the industry is an inspiration not only to those who work with her, but to lodging operators from all over the state.”
​
In honor of her industry excellence and spirit of service the 2023 Innkeeper of the Year award was presented to Sara Abbott by 2022 Innkeeper of the Year Dave Sekeres, Chief Officer of Delavan Lake Management LLC.

Share on LinkedIn