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Focus on FSS: The award- winning inn

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Ashlin Federick
  • 436th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
Whether staying at Dover Air Force Base, Del., for a few days or a few months, guests are treated to one of the Air Force's best lodging facilities.

The Eagles' Rest Inn, Dover AFB's lodging facility, has won numerous awards including the 2011 and 2012 Air Mobility Command Innkeeper of the Year as well as the 2011 Air Force Innkeeper of the Year.

The goal of the Eagles' Rest Inn is to make sure guests have a clean and comfortable room, a good night's rest, and a pleasant stay. Another goal is to guarantee staff turn-over does not exceed 25 percent by providing training and recognition to employees.

"We have really enjoyed our stay so far," said Anthony Foster, a guest at the Eagles' Rest Inn. "It has a nice and friendly staff and it is really clean."

The lodging facility has about 60 staff members who are in charge of maintaining 240 rooms spread out over five facilities. The types of rooms include distinguished visitor quarters, visiting quarters and temporary living facilities for families on permanent change of station orders in and out of Dover.

Rauchelle Watson, Eagles' Rest Inn lodging manager, said the main facility opened up in 2000. An addition across the parking lot was added in 2003 and the TLFs opened in 2008. She said not many Air Force bases have new facilities so this is one thing that makes them unique.

"We have a great staff that is dedicated and consistent," said Watson. "We have a really strong training program and great supervisors."

The Eagles' Rest Inn staff maintains the Fisher House, which quarters the families of fallen service members being transferred through Dover AFB. The housekeeping staff goes there daily to assist in their mission.

They have an online training program that they utilize. The staff members are able to get certification, some of which are worthy of college credits, through the American Hotel Lodging Educational Institute.

The Eagles' Rest Inn wants to take care of their guests.

Watson said they do a limited shuttle service for their lodging guests since there is no transportation available on base. She said they will shuttle guests who are coming to stay at the Eagles' Rest Inn back and forth to the terminal.
"We believe that when a guest arrives to our facility, we are to be a home away from home," said Watson.