Abbott recognized as Innkeeper of the Year

By Ginna Young

It’s not easy to manage a 111-room hotel, with an indoor water park attached, but that’s something Cornell native Sara Avery-Abbott does daily, as the general manager at Metropolis Resort in Eau Claire. She also oversees operations of Action City, which is a family-fun zone, with laser tag and bumper cars.

Abbott’s role does not go unnoticed, which is why she was recognized as the Innkeeper of the Year Nov. 6, by the Wisconsin Hotels and Lodging Association. The award is a time-honored tradition that recognizes an outstanding individual, who exemplifies the hospitality industry in the state.

“Typically, somebody has to nominate you,” said Abbott.

The nominations are then voted on by a panel of prior award winners.

“And I won it, which was very cool,” said Abbott. In front of family, friends and colleagues, she received the honor at the 2023 Wisconsin Lodging Conference, at the Holiday Inn Stevens Point Convention Center.

This past year, Abbott and her staff have done a lot of work in their hotel system.

“My team makes my job easy,” said Abbott. “Really, it is an award we won as a team.”