CASE STUDIES

Four Seasons Returns to Seattle November 2008

Seattle Hotel Group LLC, a small group of local investors, including John Oppenheimer, Columbia Hospitality CEO and president; former Seattle Mayor Paul Schell; and Tom Alberg, Madrona Venture Group managing director, was determined to bring Four Seasons back to Seattle.

The stunning 21-floor Four Seasons Seattle Hotel and Residences opened in November 2008 and features 147 five-star, boutique style luxury hotel rooms on the lower levels and 35 ultra-exclusive private residences above. Guests and residents enjoy ART restaurant and bar, a deluxe two-level urban spa and fitness center with an outdoor pool, six meeting/conference rooms, a business center, and a ballroom with spectacular water views.

Columbia Hospitality worked closely with the Seattle Hotel Group and its team of architects, interior designers, contractors, and sales and marketing experts during development, design and construction of the project, and involvement continues post-opening as asset manager.

Renovation and Re-branding of Two Northwest Gems

Columbia Hospitality manages two performance leaders in the Northwest, Friday Harbor House in the San Juan Islands, and the iconic Salish Lodge & Spa located next to Snoqualmie Falls.

Friday Harbor House is a sought-after destination on San Juan Island. The inn consistently exceeds the average daily rate, occupancy and RevPAR compared to surrounding state and island resorts. When the original dining room concept had run its course, Columbia worked with the owners to renovate and re-brand the food and beverage experience. Partnering with GGLO, The Bluff Restaurant, Bar and Terrace is now the place for locals and overnight guests alike. Our chef chooses from the nearest land and sea ingredients with a menu that focuses on small plates, savory sandwiches and seasonal specialties. A great value in a unique atmosphere that now drives higher guest covers and profitability.

Salish Lodge & Spa was in need of a guestroom renovation to continue creating memorable moments for guests of this authentic landmark. Working with the owners and Dawson Design Associates, the goal was to enhance the purely Northwest experience of the lodge, reflect the heritage of the native Salish people and celebrate the surroundings of the Snoqualmie Valley. This multimillion dollar enhancement included bedding, décor, carpet and custom built furniture as well as new tiling, light fixtures, sinks and vanities in the bathrooms. The premier amenities such as the wood-burning fireplaces and two-person jetted tubs were kept as focal points.

Columbia was also involved in facilities due diligence when taking over management of the lodge, as it relates to mechanicals and dealing with deferred maintenance that also needed to be addressed to maintain the integrity of the property. Results have been met with approval from both new guests as well as repeat customers.

New Five-Star Luxury Hotel to Open on Lisbon’s Atlantic Coast

Columbia Hospitality was hired to help bring the original vision of the Champalimaud family to fruition with the opening of The Oitavos, a five-star luxury hotel in Portugal. Columbia has been working with Luis Silverio, CEO of Quinta da Marinha Original to integrate with the estate’s already established equestrian center, health and racquet club, golf course and residences and is involved in all aspects of the hotel’s pre-opening support including

• Sales
• Marketing
• Recruitment, Selection and Training
• Operations
• Audio Visual and Technology
• Spa and Fitness
• Food and Beverage
• Programming

The 142 room hotel will open in the summer of 2010 and will offer guests numerous dining experiences including a gourmet signature restaurant, a sushi bar, tea lounge and casual restaurant with open terrace. The full service destination spa, inspired by the ocean, will use natural and organic treatment products and offers a holistic wellness approach. There will be 10 treatment rooms, a spa garden and indoor and outdoor seawater swimming pool. In addition the hotel will feature a state-of-the-art conference centre for up to 300 people as well as access to the award-winning Oitavos Dunes golf course. The contemporary design of the hotel brings the outside in, and will provide a stunning backdrop to the Atlantic Ocean.

Seattle’s Premier Waterfront Venue is the Start of Something Big

From initial operational consulting, to sales, marketing, and team development, Columbia Hospitality has managed Bell Harbor International Conference Center since its inception. In fact, this collaboration with the Port of Seattle launched Columbia Hospitality, and the partnership continues today.

Under Columbia’s management, Bell Harbor has surpassed revenue projections and in fact, outperformed the original five year pro forma of net income by over 396 percent. Since opening, the award-winning conference center has served over one million guests including President’s, dignitaries and celebrities. According to Seattle’s Convention and Visitor’s Bureau estimates of delegate spending, Bell Harbor International Conference Center has had an economic impact valued at $300 million.

Columbia has managed Bell Harbor’s membership and accreditation with the International Association of Conference Centers which recently bestowed the Gold Tier IACC Code of Sustainability Award to Bell Harbor International Conference Center. In 2008, Bell Harbor International Conference Center received the 4 Star EnviroStar rating for its commitment to implementing environmentally beneficial practices.