Kareem Aboutaleb
Catonsville,MD
Summary
Seasoned hospitality executive with over a decade of experience leading high-performing teams across Marriott’s luxury, lifestyle, and full-service brands. Proven track record of elevating service scores, exceeding loyalty benchmarks, and operational brand standards at award-winning properties. Known for cultivating leadership talent, uniting departments for strategic efficiency, and delivering results that enhance both the guest journey and hotel profitability. Adept in Marriott systems, mobile guest experiences, and elite service execution.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Guest Services
Merriweather Lakehouse Hotel
04.2024 - Current
- Achieved Top 10 ranking among Autograph Collection properties for guest satisfaction and service excellence.
- Exceeded 200% of annual Marriott Bonvoy enrollment goals through strategic upselling and team engagement.
- Integrated rooms control practices to enhance coordination between Sales and Front Office operations.
- Implemented hotel-wide training programs aligned with Marriott brand standards and leadership development.
- Oversaw comprehensive GSS initiatives, including mobile guest journey enhancements and service recovery protocols.
- Promoted into executive leadership due to demonstrated results in guest experience and operational efficiency.
- Hand-selected by ownership for elevated role, reflecting confidence in leadership capabilities.
- Led team development efforts to foster a high-performance culture focused on service excellence.
Rooms Control Manager
Westin DC City Center
08.2023 - 04.2024
- Managed room inventory with DORM and Room Coordinator to optimize occupancy at 400+ room hotel.
- Enhanced interdepartmental communication to support success and improve guest experience.
- Collaborated with Sales and Events for efficient coordination of VIP and group arrivals.
- Trained Front Office Agents and Supervisors, fostering skill development and operational excellence.
- Mentored new leadership team during restructuring, promoting effective management practices.
Front Office Manager
Merriweather Lakehouse
10.2022 - 08.2023
- Implemented BSA preparation through mock drills, training sessions, and DLZ certifications.
- Developed and updated comprehensive scheduling system to enhance overall hotel operations.
- Led Ambassador and Cobalt Amenity Service for top 50 corporate guests and VIPs.
- Conducted interviews and training for both current and new hires.
- Championed guest service initiatives, achieving nine out of ten reviews on GSS.
- Collaborated with engineering chief on fire safety drills and other safety protocols.
- Ensured compliance with expected guidelines to exceed Marriott standards.
Assistant Front Office Manager
Westin Hotel
08.2019 - 10.2022
- Ensured exceptional stays for all elite-level guests by providing tailored assistance and local information.
- Constructed weekly front of house schedules to enhance operational efficiency.
- Collaborated with sales team to develop effective check-in strategies for large groups.
- Achieved increased GSS scores through professionalism, knowledge, and charisma, earning Spirit to Serve Awards.
- Reviewed AM and PM checklists for accuracy in high balance, credit limit, guest ledger, and reservations management.
- Facilitated communication among departments to exceed service expectations, securing multiple Employee of the Month awards.
- Monitored cancellation fees, refunds, and adjustments to maintain financial integrity and guest satisfaction.
Skills
- All Marriott PMS Systems (Lightspeed, Opera, Select Service Fosse, Full Service PMS)
- Marriott's MARSHA & ZOS
- MGS Tools (Sertifi, Ebonus, GXP, Mobile Dashboard, GiveX & GuestVoice)
- 3rd Party Sites / Extranet knowledge
- Microsoft & Google programs/apps
- CPR Certified
Early Career Summary, 2015 - 2019
Delivered exceptional service in high-volume, guest-facing environments, developing early leadership
skills and a passion for operational excellence. Led daily huddles, coached peers, and created
property-specific training materials adopted hotel-wide. Coordinated with multiple departments for
seamless arrivals and efficient guest resolutions. Supported mobile check-ins, AYS operations, and VIP
guest handling. Repeatedly awarded “Spirit to Serve” and “Employee of the Month” honors.
Title: Front Desk Supervisor
Name: Residence Inn (Residence Inn by Marriott - BWICB)
Location: Columbia/Ellicott City, Maryland
Management Company: Marriott Intl.
Title: Front Desk Supervisor
Name: Seattle Airport Marriott (Marriott Hotels & Resorts - SEAWA)
Location: SEA-TAC, Washington State.
Management Company: Marriott Intl.
Title: Front Desk Supervisor
Name: Residence Inn (Residence Inn By Marriott - SEAUD)
Location: Seattle’s University of Washington District
Management Company: Puget Sound Hospitality
Timeline
Director of Guest Services
Merriweather Lakehouse Hotel
04.2024 - Current
Rooms Control Manager
Westin DC City Center
08.2023 - 04.2024
Front Office Manager
Merriweather Lakehouse
10.2022 - 08.2023
Assistant Front Office Manager
Westin Hotel
08.2019 - 10.2022
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