Name: Francis L.
Position: Human Resources Manager
Hotel: The Ritz-Carlton Club and Residences, in San Francisco
Dream destination: A stay at The Palacio del Inka, a Luxury Collection Hotel in Cusco, Peru
As one of the largest companies in hospitality, we have the privilege of helping our associates grow not only in their careers, but also as authentic travel experts, by exploring the world through the Explore Rate by Marriott Bonvoy. Thanks to this beloved benefit, associates like Francis have been able to experience new cultures, destinations, and brands across our global portfolio.
For Francis, a Human Resources Manager at The Ritz-Carlton Club and Residences, in San Francisco, the best thing about the Explore Rate is not just the discounts. “Our travel benefits allow us to experience what our guests experience worldwide and better understand different cultures and countries where we work, which gives me a different perspective and challenges me to create unique experiences for others,” he explains.
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Each year, Francis sets a personal goal of visiting a new destination he has never been to before. A program like the Explore Rate has helped make that possible. He also uses that time to tap into his creativity, capturing each destination’s culture and food scene through his passion for photography. But if he had to choose the most memorable adventure of all, his answer is clear: his stay at The Palacio del Inka, a Luxury Collection Hotel in Cusco, Peru. Located in a historic palace in the city center, the property offered a rich sense of place and history that made the trip especially meaningful.
Making Bucket List Dreams Possible
With over 9,000 hotels worldwide, the options are almost endless, but this destination was especially meaningful for Francis. “Visiting Machu Picchu had always been on my bucket list and the Explore Rate allowed me to make that possible, especially using the Explore More Rate during the holidays,” he says.
“Our travel benefits allow us to better understand the different cultures and countries where we work, which gives me a different perspective and challenges me to create unique experiences for others,”
Francis L. – Human resources manager
A Culinary Highlight
The experience that stands out most? A cooking class at the hotel, where Francis and his partner learned to prepare traditional Peruvian dishes together. “We were able to learn more about the Peruvian cuisine and culture by learning how to make it step by step, from selecting the ingredients, a hands-on preparation of the different dishes, and of course tasting the final product at the end was the best!” Francis shares.
The cooking class also coincided with Francis’ birthday, and to make it extra special, the Ladies and Gentlemen at The Palacio Del Inka surprised him with a birthday cake. “This treat was truly unexpected and very much a surprise,” he recalls. “It really made me feel proud to be a Marriott associate. These details show how our associates put their passion and heart into everything they do.”
Why Travel Benefits Matter
As many of our associates share after using the Explore Rate, this benefit means so much more than just more affordable vacations. “[To me] it shows how much we matter to the company and reflects Marriott’s commitment to our well-being and supporting a healthy work-life balance.”
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