We’re taking a moment to shine a spotlight on a few exceptional hospitality workers from the western suburbs. These individuals go above and beyond in their roles, ensuring that every guest they encounter leaves with a smile and a memorable experience.
Let’s go!
The Carleton Hotel in Oak Park is a charming historic hotel that blends vintage elegance with modern amenities. Located just minutes from downtown Chicago, the Carleton offers guests a cozy, boutique experience in a neighborhood known for its rich architectural heritage and cultural landmarks.
The Carleton has a unique blend of classic design and contemporary comforts, and provides a welcoming retreat for travelers looking to explore the charm and character of Oak Park and its surroundings.
Built in the 1920s, the space was originally a residential hotel. When the Fox family took over in the late 1970s, they recognized the building's potential and transformed it into the boutique hotel it is today. By renovating each apartment into individual hotel rooms, they created a welcoming retreat that offers both corporate and leisure travelers an ideal base to explore Oak Park.
At the heart of the Carleton Hotel is an amazing team, including special events manager Katie Fox. With nearly 20 years of experience at the Carleton, Katie started out working banquets and has since become the driving force behind all of the hotel's social events, from weddings to bar mitzvahs and quinceañeras.
What Katie loves most is seeing families return to celebrate milestone after milestone, a testament to the hotel’s deep ties to the community. She proudly describes the Carleton as a boutique hotel with spacious, vintage-modern rooms that celebrate Oak Park’s unique charm.
According to Katie, one of her favorite things about The Carleton is that “everything is here, everything is accessible” from the in-house restaurant La Notte to nearby shops and iconic spots like Poor Phil's. Katie says that she and her family love being here, and their main priority is to care for their guests in a way that shows it.
So if you haven’t yet, stop by The Carleton and say hi!
The Four Points by Sheraton in Westchester offers a blend of comfort and convenience, ideal for both business and leisure travelers. Located in the heart of the western suburbs, the hotel provides modern amenities, including a fitness center, spacious guest rooms, and on-site dining options. With its strategic location near major highways, shopping centers, and local attractions, Four Points is a great choice for those looking to explore the area or conduct business in the nearby commercial hubs. It’s also the go-to spot for those coming in town to visit the iconic Brookfield Zoo!
To many, Justine is the heart and soul of the bar at Four Points by Sheraton in Westchester, where her vibrant personality and exceptional service make every visit memorable. With an upbeat demeanor that never wavers, she effortlessly balances the roles of bartender and cook, ensuring that each guest feels special and well-cared for. Whether she’s crafting her famous Christmas Long Island or a cherry drop martini that’s to die for, Justine’s talent behind the bar is unmatched, making her a standout in the local hospitality scene.
Guests consistently praise Justine not just for her skills, but for her ability to connect with people. She’s the kind of bartender who remembers your name, asks about your preferences, and genuinely cares about your experience. Many visitors leave the hotel with plans to return, eager to chat with Justine again and enjoy another one of her expertly made cocktails. Her warm, welcoming nature has turned casual hotel stays into memorable experiences, and it’s no wonder that patrons can’t help but recommend meeting her in person.
For anyone passing through Westchester, a visit to Four Points by Sheraton wouldn’t be complete without stopping by the bar to meet Justine.
Veronica’s journey in the hospitality industry is a testament to her dedication and passion for the field. She began her career at just 18 years old as a Front Office Agent at The Embassy Suites O’Hare | Rosemont, quickly proving herself to be a valuable asset to the team. Her natural ability to connect with guests and manage front office operations paved the way for her transition into Sales, where she took on the role of Sales Assistant.
In this position, Veronica began to develop her analytical skills, which she further honed as a Sales Analyst at the DoubleTree O’Hare | Rosemont. Here, she played a crucial role in managing group room blocks, analyzing sales data, and providing strategic forecasts that helped guide the hotel’s revenue management efforts.
Veronica’s commitment to her professional growth didn’t stop there. She returned to the operational side of hospitality as a Front Office Supervisor at The Embassy Suites O’Hare | Rosemont, where she refined her leadership skills by overseeing payroll, maximizing revenue, and ensuring that the hotel consistently exceeded brand standards.
Her success in this role led her to the Four Points by Sheraton Westchester, where she initially served as the Assistant General Manager. It was in this capacity that Veronica truly found her stride, leading the hotel through the challenging transition out of Covid-19 protocols and reopening its facilities, including the hotel’s restaurant, The Lounge at 2222.
Now serving as the General Manager, Veronica’s leadership has been instrumental in revitalizing the property and driving its success. Her achievements have not gone unnoticed, as she has been awarded General Manager of the Quarter and frequently receives accolades from the hotel’s management company and her team. Veronica’s career is a shining example of how dedication, hard work, and a deep understanding of hospitality can lead to success in this ever-evolving industry.