Always at Your Service: Elevating Each Day Through Inspired Hospitality

“Our job is to give our residents whatever they need to lead a vibrant and fulfilling lifestyle,” Olaleye says. “We want them to feel comfortable here in their new home, so all of our efforts go toward enhancing the overall quality of life for our residents.”

Armando Pardo, the Assistant General Manager of Coterie Cathedral Hill, adds: “There is nothing better than getting to know our residents and feeling like we are part of their lives. I want them to feel this is a place for them to continue enjoying the beauty of life.”

Both Olaleye and Pardo know that hospitality and white-glove service are the cornerstones of any luxury assisted living community – the difference between a place to live and a true home.

A Well-Paced Welcome

Coterie’s all-encompassing approach to hospitality starts on the first day. New arrivals are greeted at their residence door with a champagne toast and ribbon-cutting reception, hosted by the Assistant General Manager and Hospitality Director.

In the days that follow, residents receive a personal visit from each department director to ensure they are settling in comfortably. The Digital Innovation Director helps familiarize residents with the Coterie Smart Home System, which features the Amazon Echo Show with Alexa, while the Wellness Director walks them through fitness plan options. Newcomers may also attend introductory lunches and dinners with other residents, enabling them to meet neighbors at their own pace.

“We understand that this can be a big transition for some people to make, moving to a completely new environment,” Olaleye says. “But as they gradually get more comfortable, you can see their facial expressions change into something so brilliant and vibrant. I’m happy to be a part of that.”

A Resort-Inspired Hospitality Approach

At the heart of Coterie’s hospitality philosophy is a commitment to anticipate and fulfill residents’ everyday needs, enabling them to devote their time and energy to activities that are important to them.

The daily touch-up for each residence includes making beds, emptying wastebaskets, and wiping down surfaces. Each week the staff provides a deeper cleaning of the floors, bathrooms, and kitchen, and supplies freshly laundered sheets and towels. Coterie coordinates with each resident to ensure housekeeping visits are minimally disruptive.

The front desk receptionist is available 24 hours a day to assist with everything from arranging package deliveries and care services to scheduling transportation to a Broadway play. If a resident wishes to make their own restaurant reservations or book a massage at the on-site spa, it’s as easy as a few words to Alexa.

Coterie also assists residents in coordinating pet services such as grooming, dog-walking, and veterinary visits.

Above and Beyond

While keeping things running smoothly behind the scenes is the primary goal, handling unforeseen issues and special requests is where the Coterie hospitality team truly shines.

When a new resident noted what she thought to be permanent wear to her favorite antique chair, Olaleye quickly found a local vintage furniture restoration service that was able to fully repair it.

“When she saw her repaired chair, she called me and said, ‘Valentine, I can’t believe this was possible.’” Olaleye says. “She was so happy. And every time she sees me, she thanks me for helping. Seeing the difference I can make in residents’ lives – I get so much joy from that.”