Selected as one of the ‘Stars of the Industry’ for 2011

WASHINGTON, D.C., March 18, 2011 – Amanda Hyndman, general manager of Mandarin Oriental, Washington D.C., was recognized as “General Manager of the Year” by the Hotel Association of Washington, D.C. (HAWDC).  At the annual “Stars of the Industry” luncheon hosted by HAWDC on March 17, Mrs. Hyndman joined other hospitality standouts to accept the prestigious accolade, awarded for outstanding service and determined by vote among HAWDC’s 95 member hotels. 

“I’m sincerely honored to receive this recognition from my peers at HAWDC,” said Mrs. Hyndman.  “My goal as general manager of Mandarin Oriental, Washington, D.C. has always been to ensure an excellent hotel experience for both guests and colleagues, and equally, to create a positive impact in our local community.”

A 20-year veteran of the hospitality industry, Mrs. Hyndman, joined Mandarin Oriental, Washington D.C. in late 2009 from The Excelsior, Hong Kong, where she was General Manager.

Upon arrival in Washington, D.C., Mrs. Hyndman launched significant improvement plans in all areas of the hotel, including its recent suite renovation, and colleague development programs. Mrs. Hyndman also championed the hotel’s involvement in local community initiatives. She began work with local business leaders and organizations to help create hospitality job opportunities for residents of the Southwest District.  Through her involvement with the project to redevelop the Southwest Waterfront, the hotel is targeting unemployed D.C. residents from the D.C. Housing Authority’s talent pool and providing candidates with the necessary training for successful employment.

Mrs. Hyndman’s community outreach efforts have also included support of the local art community.  In 2010, she worked collaboratively with D.C. Public Schools and the VSA ARTiculate Program to sponsor two separate exhibits in the hotel’s gallery to promote the creative work of children and young adults in the community.

Mrs. Hyndman is currently an active member of the Board of Directors of The Hotel Association of Washington, D.C., the Restaurant Association of Metropolitan D.C., and The George Washington University Leadership Council for the Department of Tourism and Hospitality Management (DTHM), to help promote tourism to D.C. as a viable and exciting career field to university students.

At the HAWDC “Stars of the Industry” awards, Mrs. Hyndman also accepted an award for Mandarin Oriental, Washington, D.C.’s Empress Lounge, which received top honors in the “One Time Only, Special Event” category for its New Year’s Eve 2010 celebration.

About Mandarin Oriental, Washington D.C.

The hotel’s unique location on the southwest waterfront makes Mandarin Oriental, Washington D.C. the only hotel offering views of the Jefferson Memorial and Washington Monument, Tidal Basin and Washington Marina.  In addition to exceptional accommodations and gracious service, the hotel features the Forbes Four-Star Spa at Mandarin Oriental, the Southern-style restaurant Sou’Wester, and the AAA Five Diamond CityZen.  For reservations, please contact the hotel directly at +1 (202) 787-6140, toll free (888) 888-1778, or
visit www.mandarinoriental.com/washington.