Bill Cottrill, who has been with the property for 18 years, was promoted to general manager of Lake Tahoe Resort.
“Our staff has always been our greatest asset,” Cottrill said. “During our upcoming employee service awards dinner, we will have four employees celebrating the 25 year mark. Our ownership believes in continually investing in the property and our people. This translates directly to memorable guest experiences. And exceeding our guests’ expectations for service, facilities and amenities builds loyalty and repeat visits.”
As a sales manager in 1998, Cottrill was quickly promoted to assistant director of sales and then director of sales and marketing in 2000. His title changed to chief managing officer two years ago as the resort began exploring new organizational structures. In that role, his responsibilities expanded to include not only sales and marketing, but also, food and beverage, front office operations, outside vendor agreements with valet parking and concierge, and accounting/finance.
Cottrill said the hotel’s ownership recognizes that the property needs to be consistently improving and responsive to guests’ needs and they are behind his plans for the future.
“We are now in the process of bringing an additional 15 connecting rooms online. Our guests told us they wanted that guaranteed and we are making it happen. We will also be changing the gift shop in the fall to offer unique coffees and grab-and-go food items,” he added.
Cottrill spearheaded the resort’s successful “My Tahoe” campaign that helps guests connect with authentic Tahoe experiences through the employees. The program encourages employees to share insights into their favorite Tahoe activities. Guests have options during registration to pick personal interests and receive printed cards highlighting a different resort employee and their favorite picks from hiking and running, to mountain biking, golf, and winter sports.
“The team is embracing it and our guests are talking about it in their reviews,” he said. “Visitors want to live like locals -- to enjoy the same experiences, and we’re happy to share our corner of the world.”
If there is one employee who truly lives the “My Tahoe” dream, it’s Cottrill. An avid water skier on the lake, often making an early morning ski before coming to work and a local who is deep rooted in all things Tahoe, he knows not only what Lake Tahoe Resort Hotel guests are seeking on their visit, but how to connect them with their next unique experience.
Cottrill, a 1985 graduate of University of Utah, and his wife Vickie and two children live in Gardnerville, Nev.
Located in the center of South Lake Tahoe’s outdoor and indoor amenities -- mountains, beaches, towering pine forests, shopping and nightlife – guests are within walking distance from just outside the hotel’s four main doors. Heavenly Village, next door to the resort, has a wide range of dining and shopping options as well as the gondola with access to Heavenly’s Epic Discovery Park. The nine-story all-suite hotel has 400 guest rooms, 10,000 square-feet of newly renovated meeting space and restaurant and bar. It is the largest and only full-service hotel in South Lake Tahoe.
