Landmark Inn welcomes new general manager

There’s a new face in charge of Fort Irwin’s hotel.

Joyce Wilston took over as general manager of the Landmark Inn April 3.  A resident of the High Desert for 13 years, Wilston is a California native and brings many years of hotel management experience to her new role.  Before coming to Landmark, Wilston was the general manager of the Holiday Inn Express in Lenwood, Calif., for eight years.

“I’m excited to be here,” she said.

Though managing a hotel on a military installation presents different challenges than managing a brand-name hotel in a city, Wilston said she is looking forward to it.  And while this is her first time working on a military installation, many clients of the Holiday Inn are residents or employees of Fort Irwin.

“In Barstow, we understand how important the military is to our community,” she said.  “The overflow from Fort Irwin is really what sustains Barstow hotels.”

In the short time Wilston has been at Landmark, its staff has already impressed her, she said.

“Coming in as a new manager, you don’t always know what to expect, but I’m enjoying working with our 43 employees,” Wilston said.  “They’re really great people.”

Wilston’s arrival coincides with renovations at Landmark.  The hotel is in the process of installing new carpet, furniture, bedding, and flat-screen TVs in its rooms, as well as overhauling the landscaping in the front of the building.  Wilston said she is also aiming to replace Landmark Inn’s lobby furniture.

“It’s exciting to be here and see all the renovations,” she said.

Wilston said she is looking forward to not only working at Fort Irwin, but getting involved with its community.  A longtime member of the High Desert Chapter of the Association of the U.S. Army, Wilston volunteers in Barstow and said she welcomes the opportunity to learn more about Fort Irwin and to make a positive impact on the community.