Washington

ATTRACTIVE HOTEL MINUTES FROM THE HISTORIC WATERFRONT The Inn at Gig Harbor is the only full-service hotel in town and is ten minutes from the picturesque village of Gig Harbor that boasts magnificent views of Mt. Rainier. The inn’s door-to-door airport shuttle service, onsite car rentals, and extended discounted room rates make it an ideal location for meetings, conferences, and corporate retreats. Guests will appreciate its attractive gathering area with a river rock fireplace, its mix of mission and contemporary style furnishings, and décor highlighting the town’s fishing history. There are 64 rooms and suites with all of the modern amenities, and

COMMUNITY LANDMARK MARRIES LOCATION AND CONVENIENCE Located just off I-5 about 45 minutes north of Seattle and 50 minutes from Bellingham, Washington, Arlington’s Medallion Hotel offers 97 spacious rooms in various configurations. Guests can luxuriate in one of its 67 standard rooms or, if desired, a kitchenette complete with a microwave and a full-sized fridge. Six deluxe suites complete the collection. The granddaddy of them all, the Garden Spa Suite, offers the ultimate in pampered luxury, a jetted, soaker bathtub and a glass-enclosed gas fireplace. The Medallion has been a neighborhood stalwart for years, well-known for its relaxed community-minded vibe

By Ron Engeldinger The dramatic waterfall roaring through the center of the city emphasizes that Spokane, Washington, is no ordinary city. Outdoor adventures abound just minutes from the city center, but Spokane also has a sophisticated side. A thriving art and culture tradition and a flourishing culinary scene combine with outdoor activities to draw conferences, meetings and events. “The whole city is one great experience. The hospitality community works together closely with each other and with the city,” says Robert Enriquez, vice president of sales and marketing for Visit Spokane. He adds, “You step into technicolor when you come to

By Ron Engeldinger WITH THE WATERS OF PUGET SOUND LAPPING AT ITS DOORSTEP AND VIEWS OF GLACIER-CLAD MOUNT RAINIER IN THE DISTANCE, TACOMA HAS COME INTO ITS OWN AS A DESTINATION FOR MEETING AND EVENT PLANNERS. “We have awesome meeting facilities, a walkable downtown and a lot of options to keep your group busy,” explains Nick Mann, group marketing manager for Travel Tacoma + Pierce County. “Tacoma offers meeting planners all the assets of Seattle for meeting planners, but prices are lower. You get a lot more bang for your buck in Tacoma,” says Mann. A bustling waterfront, a mix

CLASSIC NORTHWEST RESORT IN THE HEART OF THE COLUMBIA RIVER GORGE Perched on a forested hillside overlooking the Columbia River Gorge, Skamania Lodge lies at the center of a scenic and recreational wonderland. Works of art by local artists adorn the modern lodge that was designed to be reminiscent of the grand lodges of the Pacific Northwest. Skamania has 22,000 square feet of meeting, exhibit and banquet space in 23 meeting rooms. The 7,000 square-foot Stevenson Ballroom accommodates 500 seated or 600 for a reception. Smaller spaces range from the St. Helens Room that holds 26, perfect for a corporate

SOPHISTICATED HOTEL WITH A CONTEMPORARY FLAIR IN THE CENTER OF SEATTLE Reflecting the vibrant energy in the heart of the city, the Motif Seattle lies at the center of the action. Recently remodeled, the hotel has a fun, stylish atmosphere reflecting the culture of the city. Lively décor, inspired by Seattle’s rich fashion, music and arts scene, welcomes groups and encourages creativity. The prime location, first-class service and high-quality amenities offer guests a comfortable retreat, whether their stay is for one day or two weeks. Motif Seattle can accommodate any activity from an intimate board meeting to a large conference.

by Heather Larson ONLY MINUTES FROM DOWNTOWN SEATTLE, YET MILES FROM DISTRACTIONS, THIS VENUE OFFERS A RETREAT-LIKE SETTING IDEAL FOR OFF-SITE MEETINGS AND EVENTS. Entering the property from the bustling Laurelhurst neighborhood, meeting-goers encounter beauty and stillness. Flowers, trees, resident eagles, herons, squirrels and a pond filled with aquatic life surround guests on 18 acres in the north end of the Emerald City. “For the last three years, we’ve experienced the birth of eaglets, giving everyone here the feel of rebirthing,” says Barb Rush, general manager of Talaris Conference Center, one of three Columbia Hospitality properties. “That helps make our

You are trapped in a room. As you look around, you begin to notice strange objects and messages hidden around the room. Are they clues to help you escape? Can you and your team solve the puzzles, find the key and get out of the room within an hour? A new Seattle venue offers a cutting-edge take on group fun and team-building activities. Puzzle Break is a live action, video game-style experience where teams are thrust into a room full of hidden clues and puzzles that they must solve within an hour to escape the room. A new, 6,000 square-foot