Helping people, first as a lawyer, and now as the Director of Rooms, has always motivated Danita Harth-Bates.  More

Q: When and how did you get into the hospitality business?

After years practicing law, I was looking to do something different. My sister and I had always talked about opening a restaurant, and to become familiar with the industry, I signed up for a six week hospitality course, which in addition to being interesting landed me a job at the front office at the Chicago Hilton and Towers. I loved it, and decided that hotels, not restaurants, were going to be my future.

Q: What has been your progression through Starwood?

I’d say pretty rapid. After 18 months at the Tremont and Raphael Hotels, I was promoted to Rooms Manager at the Sheraton Chicago Northwest, which was then known as the Sheraton Arlington Heights. And then later that year I was promoted to General Manager. The year after that I transferred to the Sheraton Gateway Suites O’Hare as General Manager. At that stage, Sheraton Chicago asked me to become their Director of Six Sigma, and I signed on and stayed there for two years, and then, wanting to return to operations, I became the Director of Rooms for the Sheraton Chicago.

Q: Your title is Director of Rooms, but what does that entail?

I oversee the Front Office, Housekeeping, Laundry, Bell Services, Security and several smaller departments. I interact with guests regularly and work with my teams to ensure we are providing the quality of service Sheraton guests expect.

Q: What is your favorite thing about working for Starwood?

Starwood’s willingness to take risks, to try new things, and their ability to embrace change. The information and cross-company communication is phenomenal.