The Georgian
Resort & Conference Center
Business of the Month
Carol Brown-Surprenant has returned to The Georgian Resort & Conference Center after ten years. Under new ownership, and with Carol back at the helm, The Georgian is truly luxurious in every sense of the word. Now in its fifty-fifth year as a top place to stay in Lake George and the Adirondacks, we had the opportunity to speak with Carol about changes, the meaning of success, and why The Georgian is the best of the best. With leadership like Carol’s, The Georgian is sure to be here another fifty-five years.
Carol Brown-Surprenant
General Manager
SM: Carol, what has success meant for you?
CS: During my tenure at The Georgian Resort, I’ve had so many wonderful opportunities. I have had the pleasure of working with some amazing people at The Georgian and throughout our community. I truly feel so fortunate to be back.
SM: You were gone from The Georgian for ten years. Now that you’re back, how has the staff changed?
CS: Upon my return, I was fortunate enough to reconnect with many of the key people whom I worked with a decade ago. Many of those talented individuals are once again part of The Georgian staff, and we couldn’t be more pleased.
SM: Aside from regaining some of your key people, what improvements can your guests expect to see under your leadership?
CS: The Georgian takes great pride in customer service. Our knowledgeable and caring staff goes above and beyond to ensure the best in customer service. Customer satisfaction is our number one concern, and that is reflected in everything we do.
SM: What makes for a great stay at a resort and how do you ensure the very best for your guests?
CS: Once again, I believe customer service is at the heart of a positive experience in this industry. From the moment our guests check in, our staff is on-call twentyfour hours a day to meet their needs and exceed their expectations.
SM: What types of events can be hosted at The Georgian?
CS: The Georgian offers a variety of packages for events as small as ten people and as large as three-hundred people. Whether you desire an intimate dinner party or a lavish reception, our dedicated staff strives to make every event a success.
SM: Why is The Georgian such a great place to plan a wedding?
CS: Location, location, location. The breathtaking views of beautiful Lake George and the Adirondack Mountains provide a spectacular backdrop for a bride and groom’s special day. We offer several wedding day packages including lakeside services, cocktail receptions, and elegant formal affairs. There really is something for every taste here, with many personalized options to choose from.
SM: Aside from the lake and mountain views and luxury accommodations, how does your staff make a difference when planning a wedding?
CS: Years of experience along with our sharp attention to detail. From the moment a bride comes in for a consultation, our knowledgeable staff handles all her questions and concerns. We take pride in making every bride’s special day one she will cherish for a lifetime.
SM: With all the natural surroundings of Lake George and the Adirondacks, when is the best time of year to plan a wedding at The Georgian?
CS: Lake George is truly a four season destination... it’s really personal preference. Some brides dream of a summer lakeside wedding, and others may want a holiday themed event such as Valentine’s Day or Christmas. Spring, summer, fall, winter…all the seasons offer unique opportunities to create the perfect wedding day.
SM: How can local companies take advantage of The Georgian when planning corporate events?
CS: The Georgian takes pride in offering a variety of opportunities for corporate events. Our facilities are available for conventions, meetings, and groups. An incomparable retreat for inspired corporate and social events, The Georgian is the ideal venue for grand and gracious gatherings on any scale.
SM: What accommodations can outof- town executives take advantage of while staying at The Georgian?
CS: At The Georgian, you have a choice of accommodations to match your vacation and meeting needs. There are a variety of room styles—presidential suite, penthouse suite, demi-suite, shoreline rooms, poolside rooms, and courtyard rooms. All accommodations are smokefree and offer high-speed wireless Internet, and all accommodations receive daily housekeeping and may have room service deliveries.
SM: The Georgian is about to celebrate its fifty-fifth anniversary. That is a milestone for any business. What has made The Georgian such a staple in Lake George for so long?
CS: Once again I really believe it is our attention to detail and passion for customer satisfaction. We have had guests staying with us for decades. It’s great seeing our customers return year after year with their children or grandchildren. Many of our guests have celebrated their milestones with us—weddings, anniversaries, and birthdays. It’s an honor to be a part of so many lives for so many years.
SM: What changes are on the horizon for the facility?
CS: There has been discussion of many changes on the horizon. There are some wonderful improvements in our near future. We’ve listened…and now we look forward to growing and answering the requests of our valued guests.
SM: Does someone have to be a guest at the resort to enjoy a great meal with a wonderful view?
CS: Our resort is open to the public. Folks may visit our property and enjoy lunch poolside at our cabana bar, indulge in a delicious gourmet dinner, or enjoy cocktails while taking in a night of wonderful live entertainment and dancing. We feature live entertainment every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings with two musical groups, “Spellbound” and “Standing Room Only.” Being open to the public gives potential guests the opportunity to see all of our fantastic facilities.
SM: What types of activities are there for the young ones to enjoy while on vacation with the family?
CS: There are so many fun activities for the young and old alike. We have a beautiful beach and a large in-ground heated pool with a kiddie section. Kids love to jump in our two bouncy houses. There are kayaks and peddle boats for the more adventurous, and every Saturday afternoon poolside we have live entertainment from the duo “Spellbound,” as well as face painting for the kids.
SM: Situated in the heart of Canada St, The Georgian is perfectly located to take advantage of all the lake activities as well as shopping. Other luxury resorts do not share the same convenience for families. How does this impact the overall enjoyment for out-of-towners staying in Lake George for the first time?
CS: Perhaps the greatest thing about our location is the convenience for guests. Once guests walk off our property, they are just moments from all the shopping attractions and dining in the heart of Lake George Village. We are also on the trolley route for guests who want to ride to their destination—a unique and fun way to explore the area and see the sights.
SM: No business is an island to itself. Tell us about your ties and commitment to the community around The Georgian.
CS: The Georgian has been a proud member of the Lake George community for fifty-five years. We are thrilled to be hosts to the many special annual events and conventions that frequent our region. We take pride in catering to our local community as well as out-of-town visitors. We provide dozens of jobs for local residents, taking into consideration quality of life and making a positive difference where we live and work.
SM: What have you learned over the years to shape the solid leadership and overall commitment you have brought back to The Georgian?
CS: I believe in my heart that it’s experience. I am one-hundred percent committed to making a difference. I listen to our guests and employees. I want each member of our staff to have a pleasant and productive work environment. With positive leadership, the staff is happy and guests recognize the genuine desire to please and accommodate during their stay.
