MIDDLEBURG — Hotels are often the pinnacle of economic stability.
Most of the time, they’re the first buildings you see when entering into a new area. They’re the jobs that have a bigger impact than you may think.
The more hotels, the more opportunities for tourism and hospitality. And for Hampton Inn and Suites General Manager Cecille Smith it’s more than just a job. It’s a calling.
“It’s your calling and it’s your ministry. It’s kind of like going to church every day. You commit to what you want to do, and you commit to your guests. At the same time, you commit to your staff.”
The Jeremiah Street location opened back in 2019 and has since welcomed a variety of guests over the years Smith said, from curious tourists to familiar locals. Before the small intersection was developed into the Clay Town Center, the hotel was the only building on the land.
“I actually started in here when it was nothing,” Smith said.
The infrastructure has since blossomed, and the hotel is just one piece of the puzzle to catch up with the county’s growth.
In a sea of faces that have walked through their doors, Smith has seen it all. From curious tourists and celebratory family reunions to the antsy excitement ahead of graduation night each year.
In addition to a cozy room, each stay includes various amenities, including a pool, fitness center, health club and conference center. Team members also prepare complimentary daily complimentary breakfast.
Smith said a lot of guests come from the neighboring Ascension St. Vincent’s Clay, as well as Camp Blanding. Many local construction workers also pick the hotel as a convenient spot to rest when they’re not resurfacing or repaving the county’s many roadway projects.
Hospitality has always been a ministry for Smith. As a military spouse, she moved to the United States from Japan. Overseas, she worked as a teacher and front desk clerk for the Navy Lodge.
“Hospitality’s been one of my dreams ever since I was in college. So here I am,” she said.
Leaving home didn’t mean she was going to lose her commitment to serving others. Moving to a new place just meant she would bring it with her.
“We passed by this hotel, and this was the only one standing here. And I was like, ‘Oh, I want to work in that place,'” she said.
Since taking over daily operations, she said each day is one to make the business run as smooth as possible. The hotel has seen successful numbers, with as much as 80% to 100% occupancy on a monthly basis.
Each team member, she said, is a team player, providing quality, 24/7 service to everyone that walks through the doors.
“They know how to welcome guests. The heart of hospitality is really here,” she said.
“We make sure that they feel like family because I don’t want them just staying in here. I want them to have the experience. I want them to feel like they’re home.”