Metropolis Resort’s Sara Abbott Named 2023 Innkeeper of the Year
not everyone works somewhere with a water park, ninja warrior course, go-karts, and more, but Abbott has made a career out of just that
In typical work-hard-play-hard fashion, 2023 Innkeeper of the Year, Sara Abbott, fielded questions about the significant honor and award while hopping into an Uber with the Metropolis Resort team heading to their next stop while at a conference in Florida. Abbott is no stranger to on-your-feet multitasking, supported by a decades-long career in the hospitality biz.
Abbott, resort general manager of Eau Claire’s Metropolis, was honored with the Wisconsin Hotel & Lodging Association’s annual Innkeeper of the Year award on Nov. 6 at the 2023 Wisconsin Lodging Conference. WHLA noted Abbott’s exceptional work in implementing a variety of team-building programs while overseeing more than 100 hotel rooms, a trampoline park and ninja warrior course, an indoor water park with a lazy river, as well as the go-karts, laser tag, and arcade game-packed Action City.
Abbott credited the Metropolis team for not only being recognized with the WHLA award, but also for making the question, “How’s your day?” an easy one: “People (often respond) with, ‘Oh, I’m living the dream!’ But I really mean it – this is actually my dream,” Abbott said.
“Our team is like an extension of my own family. I know their kids and spouses, they know mine, and we treat each other like family, which I think is really important,” she continued. “It feels like we’re a big employer in the Chippewa Valley, but really, it’s a small team that makes it all happen. I get to work with the best team ever and they make this job feel easier.”
Originally from Cornell, Abbott’s hospitality career was sparked at one of her very first jobs in her teen years, working at a restaurant. After beginning her collegiate career at UW-Stout in Menomonie, an instructor inspired her to choose an internship in a hotel setting as opposed to the food service industry. It was a pivotal choice, and Abbott went on to earn her undergraduate degree in Hospitality, Tourism, and Restaurant Management. She worked throughout Wisconsin from Green Bay to Milwaukee, landing in Chippewa Valley in 2010. First brought onto the Metropolis team as a reservations and revenue optimizations manager in 2010, within a handful of months Abbott was promoted to general manager.
Abbott needs only to look around while at work to be inspired, observing what guests enjoy, want more of, or no longer gravitate toward. “We’ve seen a lot of change in the last 10 to 15 years, and we’re in an industry where we follow the trends and see how things are constantly changing and evolving, so it’s really important that we stay current too,” she explained. “I mean, I’m at a convention right now where we’re playing every new video game, seeing new water slides and new stuff from the marketplace, and it’s all incredible.”
“There's a lot to offer in the Chippewa Valley and I think Metropolis is just one more feather in our community cap. I’m proud of myself and proud of our team for being nominated and selected.”
What the public may be less privy to are the internal programs Abbott was pointedly recognized for by WHLA, including the Metropolis University and Lunch and Learn programs.
Metropolis University allows new team members to get on track for cross-training, ultimately leading to internal growth and potential for leadership roles. For example, one of their team members began as a bartender and became hotel general manager, and another began as a lifeguard and became director of maintenance.
The Lunch and Learn program is a series of courses employees can take which offers a variety of lessons and opportunities to learn new skills such as home buying and retirement investing.
Locals may also recognize Abbott as a member of Leadership Eau Claire through the Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce or Community Organization Alliance. Soon, a new WHLA Local Council for hoteliers will be forming in Eau Claire thanks to Abbott. She is also serving a second term on the WHLA Board of Directors and is involved with the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions.
“This is what I wanted to be when I grew up which is pretty cool, and not everybody can say that,” Abbott said. “There’s a lot to offer in the Chippewa Valley, and I think Metropolis is just one more feather in our community cap. I’m proud of myself and proud of our team for being nominated and selected."
Learn more about Metropolis Resort (5150 Fairview Drive, Eau Claire) online.
