Miss Mary Jane whistles while she works

Dear Readers: Miss Mary Jane begins by extending a great big lovely Thanksgiving-weekend greeting to each and every one of you!

Miss Mary Jane spent last weekend in Whistler, B.C., at the most wonderful hotel. The purpose of the trip was business, but it hardly felt like work. The journey to get to the hotel was a fun-filled adventure in itself.

Departing from Vancouver, the rental car (a massive black SUV – sorry Al Gore) gets on the road for the drive to Whistler. It was a dark and stormy night. ... the rain was torrential and then turned to heavy snow. It was actually like a winter wonderland by the time MMJ arrived in Whistler. The road from Vancouver to Whistler was narrow, winding and in complete disarray because of the massive road construction in preparation for the 2010 Winter Olympics.

Two hours later, MMJ spies with her little eye the most glorious site. Spirits soared, and there were smiles all around. There it was — warm, inviting and seductively lit up by the most gorgeous outdoor lighting. It looked like something straight out of Hans Christian Anderson fairy tale — the Fairmont Chateau was a welcome beacon in the night.

Immediately (and I mean immediately), a veritable army of bellmen, valets and doormen leapt to MMJ’s aid. Miss Mary Jane was most appreciative and was definitely feeling better by the second. Hands were extended to assist in Miss Mary Jane’s descent from the car. Doors were opened. “Good evening and welcome to the Fairmont” greetings were uttered left and right and, before Miss Mary Jane could say “Bob’s your uncle,” she was ushered into the most gorgeous lobby. Old-World European charm practically oozed from the massive rock work and rich wood interior. Sighing a deeply contented sigh (MMJ is a big sigher) ... Miss Mary Jane was in heaven (in fact, she almost felt like purring).

After a quick trip to freshen up from the drive, Miss Mary Jane immediately searches for the hotel bar as she was definitely feeling the need for an adult libation (or two). Aaah, there it was ... right near the huge crackling fire. The service was elegant, prompt and performed with the greatest charm. And, just to make sure that you knew you were in good hands, MMJ received not only a lovely embossed coaster for her cocktail, but (wait for it ...) a cocktail napkin to boot! That’s right my darlings, and it was not just any old ordinary napkin ... nosireee. It was folded into a sassy little triangle and embellished with the elegant Fairmont logo. My goodness, MMJ was practically swooning, for we all know how Miss Mary Jane feels about cocktail napkins. Two words: necessary and expected. (Alright, alright ... that’s three words, but whose blog is it anyway?)

Bottom line: There is nothing, I repeat nothing, that takes the place of exemplary service and standards. The Fairmont provides both. The Fairmont Olympic in Seattle and the Fairmont Chateau in Whistler are simply incredible, and MMJ fully appreciates how lucky she is to have enjoyed both. The key factors to creating exceptional experiences are consistency and attention to detail.

Wouldn’t it be lovely to extend this philosophy to all matters in life? Excellent performance, attention to detail, service that goes above and beyond, eager to please, striving to meet the needs of every guest/client/friend/employer, etc. and leaving them satisfied again and again. It just makes one feel so ….. good. A win-win situation for the person providing the wonderful service and for the person who is lucky enough to be the recipient. One word: yum.

TaTa for now Dear Readers. Please do remember to sit up straight and mind your manners. Especially important when you’re being pampered at the Fairmont. However, one word of warning: You are not going to want to come home.

P.S. Miss Mary Jane picked up No. 1 son at the airport on Tuesday, and, of course, started to cry when she saw him. He smiled a bashful smile and hugged his tearful mother for a long time. Now, you have to realize that No. 1 son has never been much of a hugger. So the protracted and tender hug meant the world. Miss Mary Jane shall don one of her vintage aprons (from her extensive collection of same) and cook, cook, cook for my son. He is so happy at Seattle University. The city and the university are a great fit for him! Something else we are grateful for this Thanksgiving. ....

Miss Mary Jane welcomes all your comments and questions you may have. To comment on this or other blogs click here. I shall reply with haste.