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Hello with a smile, it's a popular catch phrase among service industry professionals, but these four words aren't merely a marketing slogan for Salt Lake City's Red Lion Hotel. It's part of their culture, a culture determined not to be "cookie-cutter' in its approach to service, but to tailor efforts to suit the needs of each guest who walks through their doors.

"We pride ourselves not only on welcoming our guests, but on making them feel appreciated throughout their stay," Director of Sales Kent King said. "We engage them; we get to know them; and it's the little things, like taking the time to learn and use their names that makes a difference."

With just under 400 rooms, you may think the Red Lion Hotel is anything but cozy, yet they've managed to strike a balance that includes a warm, family friendly environment, ample space and several amenities that include 10,500 sq. ft. of newly renovated meeting space, and a 7,200 sq. ft. ballroom that seats 350 for dinner, or 475 for a standing reception.

Add to this, 600 free downtown parking spaces, free Wi-Fi, a workstation and an award winning chef who has cooked for world leaders and royalty, and it's easy to see why Karen Peña says Red Lion is an Events and Facilities Manager's dream.

Peña, EFM for the Episcopal Church in Utah and owner of Turnkey Events Inc. regularly utilizes the hotel for events and conventions, and to accommodate any overflow from church sleepovers.

"I'm extremely impressed with the personalized service we've received and how welcoming the entire staff is," Peña said. "From the initial contact with the sales office, all the way through to check in, and the follow up with accounting, I've found them to be very professional, yet down-to-earth, and always a pleasure to work with," she said.

So what is the secret to running a mega hotel with the close-knit friendly feel synonymous with boutique hotels?

"I've been in the hotel business for over 20 years, and my main focus has always been to see each hotel I work at as my home," King said. "I want to welcome you, and take exceptional care of you."

Love of community is also key, and Red Lion contributes to, and is active in Salt Lake City by way of such organizations as Rotary International, the Chamber of Commerce and the Economic Development Council of Utah.

King invites you, the residents of Salt Lake City to see the new renovations, and to share in the unique Red Lion Hotel experience this holiday season by planning your party there, or by simply booking one of their new rooms.

You're guaranteed to receive a hello with a smile, and service that will make it hard for you to say goodbye.

For more information about the Red Lion Hotel and its amenities, or to book your event or stay, please visit: http://www.redlion.com/salt-lake or call 1.801.524.0316.