Once again, Davis is at the top.

Marisa Schaffer, general manager of the Hallmark Inn in downtown Davis, was honored by her peers in the industry as the best general manager this year for hotels of similar size in California.

She was honored Dec. 1 at the California Hotel & Lodging Association Stars of Industry annual meeting in San Francisco. The award recognizes superior professionalism in operating an association-affiliated hotel property and for taking a leadership role by actively participating in association, community and industry programs.

"I am incredibly honored to receive this award on behalf of the Youmans family (the Hallmark Inn owners) and team of the Hallmark Inn," Schaffer said.

Schaffer joined the Hallmark Inn, a 134-room hotel at 110 F St. in downtown Davis, in January 2004 after successfully opening the Embassy Suites in Old Town Sacramento as its director of food and beverage.

She spent nine years as director of operations for Sterling Hotel/Vizcaya Pavilion in Sacramento, and also served as director of food and beverage for Radisson Sacramento. Prior to that, she worked on opening several local hotels.

Schaffer started her career in hospitality at the Hyatt Regency, Long Beach, in 1983.

Hallmark Inn, an official "World Hotel Partner," recently completed a million-dollar renovation and continues to increase room revenue under Schaffer's direction. She focused on creating an affordable luxury hotel while maintaining eco-friendly efforts through product changes, reclamation of existing fixtures, and donations of unused or slightly used items to local and international organizations through her charity affiliations.

In addition, she is instrumental in the hotel's community affairs efforts as a member of Soroptimist International of Davis, the Rotary Club of Davis, the American Red Cross and other local associations. She reaches out regularly to UC Davis, with whom the Hallmark Inn has a thriving partnership.

"While I am quite proud of the acknowledgement Marisa has been given, I am not surprised," said Hallmark Inn owner Reed Youmans. "I know I speak for all of us when I say we are most proud to have her and to have her hard work and commitment acknowledged by the California Hotel and Lodging Association."

Schaffer was nominated by the hotels Front Office/IT Manager, Rigley Young, who said, "It was a distinguished honor to nominate Marisa, as she truly epitomizes the meaning of a great general manager through her nurturing, training and discipline style."

Frequent guests Martin and Sue McNabb of Poway, CA also offered their congratulations.

"We have been staying at the Hallmark Inn since 1999," the said. "With the arrival of Marisa, the hotel has been transformed into a top-notch establishment. Marisa's unique ability to anticipate guest needs, her innovative style and engaging personality makes each stay a rewarding experience.

"Our congratulations to you, Marisa, on this well deserved award."

The Hallmark Inn continues to wow the community and clients alike with their innovative marketing and enhanced amenities.