While having lunch with my co-workers at the Residence Inn by Marriott in Saddle River, New Jersey, I received a phone call from the area manager. Much to my amazement, he was offering me a position as Operations Manager at a brand new Sheraton in Rockville, MD. Having no idea where Rockville was nor having ever worked for a Starwood property, I was excited by the challenge of something new and, the best part…I GOT TO LEAVE NEW JERSEY!!!! I hang my head in shame as I admit that the Garden State was not for me.
I packed my belongings and moved south, starting my new life in the Maryland area. Once settled into my new home at the hotel, I began pouring over the information booklet that was place on the coffee table, hoping to learn as much as I could about Rockville. The first fact that jumped out at me was Montgomery County was established by the Maryland Constitutional Convention on September 6, 1776, which was exactly 2 centuries, to the day, prior to my birth. I always find it fascinating to learn important historical events that happened on the date of my birthday. After reading the article, and learning of this coincidence, I had an overwhelming feeling that I am finally home.
Life in Rockville, Maryland, has been everything I wanted. I have the perfect job, the perfect community and the perfect boyfriend. I realize being so close to the shopping at the Galleria in Northern Virginia, the history of Washington, DC and the quiet farms and hills of Western Maryland, one can have the best of all worlds.
Rockville offers history, beauty. shopping and nightlife, all virtually at your doorstep. From the historical Glen Echo Park, first established in 1891; the American Film Institute which now resides at the Art Deco Silver Theater; to the gorgeous cascading rapids of Great Falls park. There are more than 200 restaurants in the neighboring Bethesda area offering a melting pot of ethnic food from Hindu, Greek, Spanish, Turkish…the list is endless.
A quick hop on the metro can transport you to some of the world’s most famous historical sites…the White House; the Capital and of course, the Washington National Zoo and the Smithsonian Museum. The best part is, most of these icons are free to the public. If you have had enough history and culture and want something else, Georgetown is just a stone’s throw away. Here you’ll find trendy stores; 5-star restaurants and some of the best people watching you will ever experience.
If you want to stay close to home, Rockville has lots to offer as well. The Rockville Town Center offers shopping and dining at small independent restaurants and boutique style shops. Of course, what must be on your “must do” list is visitng our King Farm Grill where we infuse upscale dining, drinks and fun. You do not want to miss our unsurpassable happy hour (5pm – 8pm daily) including appetizers and specialty drinks . Introduce yourself to Sergio, our singing bartender who can engage all his guests in jokes and conversation. Our girls, Sheereen and Kathy are not only gorgeous, but will keep a smile on your face with their wit and friendly personalities. Give us a try and I promise you will feel at home with your new Sheraton Rockville family.
Damelis Manculich
AGM, Sheraton Rockville Hotel.
