Royal Palms Resort and Spa's Concierge is Accepted into the Esteemed Les Clefs d'Or

and Receives the Prestigious Crossed Gold Keys Pin

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. November 21, 2013

PHOENIX - November 20, 2013 - Royal Palms Resort and Spa, Phoenix's acclaimed luxury hotel is proud to announce that Lead Concierge, Mona Mellegard , has received membership in the prestigious guild, Les Clefs d'Or. The honor acknowledges her as one of the best in the business, and recognizes her special dedication to excellence and approach to accommodating each guest with unrivaled expertise.

The gold keys pin is a recognized symbol of exceptional, professional service bestowed after a rigorous assessment of a concierge member's quality of service, commitment and passion. Les Clefs d'Or members are noted for their dedication and many years of hard work committed to the concierge profession. Motivated by a firm commitment to guest service, Mellegard has her finger on the pulse of the local Phoenix and Scottsdale area, as well as the entire state of Arizona, crafting distinctive travel experiences that are perfectly tailored to each and every guest.

"We are extremely proud of Mona and her achievements during her tenure with us at Royal Palms Resort and Spa," says Managing Director, Greg Miller. "Mona has played an integral role in providing world-class hospitality for our guests and has become a vital asset to our team at every level."

Mellegard's love of people and travel is evident in her work as the Lead Concierge at Royal Palms Resort and Spa. With a dedication to research and a sharp attention to the finest details, Mellegard thrives off providing each and every guest with unique travel experiences. In addition to Dutch, her native language, Mellegard speaks fluent in English, Spanish, German and is conversational in French; relishing any opportunity to apply her language abilities with guests. "Mona from Arizona," as she introduces herself to guests, further highlights her infectious zest for all things Arizona that resonates with everyone she works with. From hot air ballooning over the Sonoran Desert and private seaplane adventures, to exclusive tee times at some of the area's top golf courses, Mona knows just how to package the ultimate local experience based on their individual needs.

Originally from Sweden, Mellegard has an innate passion for travel and new cultural experiences. Throughout the years she has traveled extensively around the globe, calling many diverse locations home, such as Iran, Egypt, Venezuela, Spain, and currently Arizona. By the age of 19, Mellegard already knew well that she was destined to devote her life to hospitality and continues to encourage the life-enriching benefits of travel with everyone.

Mellegard arrived in the United States in 1976, where she spent several years providing tours to Scandinavian travelers visiting the country. She eventually fell in love with the majestic, exotic nature of Arizona in particular, which reminded her of the many years spent living throughout the Middle East. Throughout her years as an Arizona resident, Mellegard has established herself as a pillar of the local community. As a founder of the Swedish Women's Education Association (SWEA), she continues to bridge her native culture with her proudly adopted home of Arizona.

Prior to joining the Royal Palms team, Mellegard opened Lowes Paradise Valley Resort, paving the way for the resort's then-new concierge program. Additionally, she gained invaluable guest service experience when she served as the Front Office Director at The Boulders Resort in Carefree, as well as during her time as the Director of Operations at Sanctuary Camelback Mountain Resort where she was awarded the state of Arizona's "Quest of The Quest Best Manager" and the nationwide honor "Manager of the Year, Small Properties."

About Royal Palms Resort and Spa

Royal Palms Resort and Spa is a AAA Four Diamond resort located at the foot of majestic Camelback Mountain. Combining the graciousness and sophistication of a Mediterranean villa with the intimacy and privacy of a secluded retreat, Royal Palms offers: 119 custom-appointed guest rooms, intimate clusters of casitas and villas; regal Spanish Colonial architecture; over 20,000 square feet of estate-like meeting space; Tuscan-style gardens; exquisite tapestries, antiques and stone fireplaces throughout. Designed around the original historic private mansion, Royal Palms is home to the award-winning and recently revitalized T. Cook's restaurant, the new Mix Up Bar, Forbes Four Star Alvadora Spa, a Mother-of-Pearl-tiled swimming pool with private cabanas, and croquet lawn. Just minutes from Scottsdale's shopping, galleries, golf, Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport and the Camelback financial corridor, Royal Palms is an ideal retreat for business, pleasure and special occasions, offering luxury, privacy and convenience. For more information, please visit www.royalpalmshotel.com.

About Destination Hotels & Resorts

Destination Hotels & Resorts is a privately held hospitality management company headquartered in Colorado. With 40 independent, luxury and upscale hotels, resorts and golf clubs, Destination is the fourth largest hospitality management company in the country. The company's portfolio features more than 9,600 guest rooms, 18 golf courses and 17 full-service spas. Destination Hotels & Resorts properties are located in key metropolitan and resort markets including Miami, Los Angeles, Chicago, Boston, Phoenix, Santa Fe, Aspen, Lake Tahoe, Seattle, Denver, Austin and San Diego. The company is a subsidiary of Los Angeles-based investment, development and management firm Lowe Enterprises and the Lowe Hospitality Group.

For a complete list of properties in the Destination Hotels & Resorts collection, please visit www.destinationhotels.com