Thanks to $4 million and a new staff training program, Shell Vacations and Shell Hospitality have been able to boost the Mountainside Lodge in Whistler, BC, Canada from Three Peaks to Four Peaks in a quality ranking by Tourism Whistler.

Shell Vacations bought the 25-year-old timeshare property in early 2005 and spent four months last year upgrading the property's 41 timeshare rooms and 35 all-suite units as well as the public spaces.

Shell Hospitality, the company's management arm, instituted a customer service training program that included new internal systems and procedures as well as employee appreciation and incentive programs.

In addition to the local recognition from Tourism Whistler, RCI designated the property a Gold Crown Resort, while Interval International gave it a Service Excellence Award.