Today we’d like to introduce you to Maggie Wills.
Hi Maggie, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
With over three decades of experience as a corporate travel agent, I have facilitated countless hotel bookings for large corporations and military personnel, working primarily remotely. My expertise lies in understanding the core elements that define a memorable hotel experience: exceptional cleanliness and outstanding customer service. When I relocated to Gonzales, Texas, a friend asked whether I had ever managed a hotel. Despite my lack of direct experience in hotel management, my extensive background in customer service and travel prepared me to take on a new challenge.
Following a thorough interview with the current owner, Richard Green, and his daughter, Reba Griesinger, we recognized a shared vision for excellence. This mutual understanding led to my appointment as manager of The Alcalde Hotel, a historic boutique property in Gonzales, Texas. Our mission was clear: prioritize cleanliness and superior customer service to restore the hotel’s legacy as a shining jewel in the Gonzales skyline.
The Alcalde Hotel is steeped in history, with a rich tapestry of stories—some rooted in fact, others in legend. Notable tales include Bonnie and Clyde’s daring escape from a second-story window while evading local authorities and Elvis Presley dining in our restaurant and resting under our roof. The hotel has also welcomed a range of actors, from rising stars to legends, many of whom have participated in performances at the nearby Memorial Museum’s Texas Legacy in Lights, bringing the history of Gonzales to life.
As we approach our 100th anniversary, The Alcalde Hotel stands as a testament to resilience and renewal. Through the dedication of our exceptional team, we have revitalized this historic property, ensuring it remains a cherished destination for family gatherings, weddings, and celebrations. We look forward to our 100-year anniversary, and we invite you and your loved ones to visit, take a guided tour, and immerse yourselves in the stories of our past while discovering our vision for the future.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I would have to say that coming on as the Hotel Manager has been one of the challenging and yet, most rewarding positions that I have ever undertaken.
In the beginning trying to find the staff to see the vision for excellence was not that easy to do. I had to check (and still do) every room before any guest is allowed in it. I am looking for a pride in their work. To know that the time that you give to us is fulfilling not only to you but to the hotel. We have found that with the team that we have now.
We also had to look for business but did it in the most unconventional way. Tours – I gave tours to so many people so they could see for their own eyes that we were not only open but thriving. The rooms are clean and luxurious and the hotel smells great! The food is home cooked or should I say, hotel cooked, but with a passion to make sure the guest have the best experience from before checking in to well after they check out.
I don’t just want a one-time customer, I want a repeat customer and then I want their family to come back year after year because they had so many great memories within these walls.
We have tried new things and stuck with what works. Cleanliness and Customer Service.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Customer Service sets us apart from others and it is what I do best. We do not say no to our guests. I might give them choices, but never say no. We want to make sure everyone stays happy and we understand that sometimes that is a hard thing to do. I like to think that if the basics (food, water, rest) are met, then we can work on all the extras.
At the hotel we are all about the extras – Where to find the best crepe in town at Come and Crepe It. We look forward to helping you find the local historic theatre, The Lynn Theatre that is run by twins, Doug and Dave Durham or making you a reservation at The Gonzales Bistro where Chef Parind Vora will excite your tastebuds or if you are in the mood to watch a game at Come and Take It Bar and Grill. Guiding you to The San Antonio Distillery where you can taste their Immortal 32 Rum that they make in house. We are all in it together as a community. We know each other and we know that we will only thrive if we do it together.
No matter where you are in town you can stop most business owners and ask them to help you find something and they will help you. I learned early on that this town of Gonzales, TX look after the people that live here and the ones that come to visit. If you’re visiting our town and need a bit of help, the kind-hearted locals and friendly folks on the street are always eager to assist with a warm smile!
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
I came to Gonzales over 18 months ago and have grown deeper and deeper in love with this beautiful historic city. I have learned a lot of great lessons and learned that in Gonzales they have always stood up for their city and the love and pride shows.
Pricing:
- Standard King/Dbl Queen $109 per night
- Elvis Suite $149.00 per night
- 1 Bedroom Suite $179 per night
- 2 Bedroom Suite $239 per night
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thealcaldehotel.com
- Instagram: @thealcaldehotel
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100086363187896
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marguerite-w-441a367/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/the-alcalde-hotel-gonzales-3
Image Credits
All of these photos were taken by friends and family.
