Housekeeper

At the Courtyard by Marriott Santo Domingo, Maria Peralta is known for a warm smile that greets everyone she meets. A familiar and comforting face to guests and associates alike, Maria is known as “The Mom of the Courtyard.” She leads quietly and by example, taking pride in her work and helping to create spaces that feel welcoming and thoughtfully prepared. For Maria, hospitality is simple: it is an act of giving.

Maria joined the opening team of the Courtyard by Marriott Santo Domingo in 2003. More than two decades later, she remains a trusted cornerstone of the housekeeping team. With her reputation for reliability and attention to detail, she is frequently selected to prepare rooms for brand standard audits and to help train new associates, a reflection of the deep confidence her leaders place in her professionalism and values.

Throughout her career, Maria has consistently gone beyond her role to support the hotel and her colleagues. During emergencies, including hurricanes, she has volunteered to remain on property, working extended hours to help ensure guest safety and comfort. She readily supports other departments when needed, earning admiration for her willingness to step in wherever help is required. Guests often recognize her work through heartfelt comments praising the cleanliness and attention to detail seen in the rooms she prepares.

What especially sets Maria apart is how she treats people. Colleagues describe her as someone who gives freely. She greets others warmly, offers help without hesitation, and expects nothing in return. Maria’s presence brings calm and strengthens the sense of belonging across the hotel.

Beyond her work, Maria is most proud of the life she has built for her family. While working full-time, she raised four children, providing stability and opportunity through perseverance and sacrifice. Her impact is measured in trust earned, rooms prepared with care, and the many lives she has touched along the way.