SKAMANIA LODGE ANNOUNCES NEW GENERAL MANAGER, Skamania Lodge in Portland, OR

            Prior to joining Skamania Lodge, Spann was the general manager of The Chattanoogan, the premier urban resort in the Benchmark Hospitality collection, located in the heart of downtown Chattanoogan, Tenn. 

            From 2001-2003, Spann served as the president and chief operating officer for Tiburon Hospitality, management company and owner for three award-winning destination resorts including the 370-room Carefree Resort & Villas in Carefree, Ariz., the 254-room Ocean Place Resort & Spa on the New Jersey shore and the 190-room Daufuskie Island Resort & Breathe Spa off the coast of Hilton Head, S.C.  During his time with Tiburon Hospitality, Spann oversaw the acquisition of the Daufuskie Island Resort.  In addition, Spann's hospitality portfolio includes serving roles as Director of Food and Beverage for Dolce Hayes Mansion in San Jose, Calif., an award-winning hotel and conference center; as well as Room Division Executive, Conference Service and Catering, and National Sales Manager for Sheraton's Premier at Tysons Corner, located 20 minutes from Washington D.C.  Spann held similar roles in the conference service, catering, and sales departments for the Westfield International Conference Center located in Chantilly, Va.

            "We are extremely pleased that Scott is joining our staff at Skamania Lodge," said, Thomas P. Luersen, Lowe Hospitality Group, Regional Managing Director - Pacific Northwest.  "Spann brings a reputable management background and extensive experience in hospitality that will continue to establish Skamania as the premier conference center and travel destination in the Pacific Northwest."

            Spann will be relocating to Washington in March 2008 with his wife Ellen and their two daughters, Audrey and Haley.

About Skamania Lodge

Surrounded by the waterfalls, peaks, forests and canyons of the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, Skamania Lodge is an all-season mountain resort and conference center, situated on 175 acres, 42 miles east of Portland, Ore., in Stevenson, Wash.  With 254 guest rooms and a 22,000-square foot, International Association of Conference Centers (IACC) approved conference center, Skamania Lodge offers a destination for outdoor enthusiasts and groups.  The Lodge boasts the Waterleaf Spa, indoor swimming pool and whirlpools, a fitness center, onsite hiking, an 18-hole par-70 Golf Course, the Cascade Room, River Rock Lounge and the U.S. Forest Service Information Center located in the lobby.  Skamania Lodge is centered in a Pacific Northwest playground with hiking, biking and Sternwheeler cruises along the Columbia River in the summer; skiing and snowshoeing in the winter; and golfing, fishing and whitewater rafting all year long for outdoor enthusiasts.  Skamania Lodge is a spectacular location to soak in the natural beauty and to enjoy a vast array of outdoor activities. http://www.skamania.com/.

About Destination Hotels & Resorts

Destination Hotels & Resorts is a privately held lodging management company headquartered in suburban Denver, Colo. With more than 30 independent, luxury and upscale hotels, resorts and golf clubs, Destination is the fifth largest independent hospitality management company in the country. The company's portfolio features more than 7,000 guest rooms, nine golf courses and 10 full-service spas. Destination Hotels & Resorts properties are located in key metropolitan and resort markets including New York, Washington, D.C., Chicago, Denver, Dallas, San Diego, Aspen, Austin, Phoenix, Palm Springs, Jackson Hole, Maui and Lake Tahoe. For more information on the properties in the Destination Hotels & Resorts collection, please visit http://www.destinationhotels.com/.

** Photography available upon request

TOP COLUMBIA RIVER GORGE MEETING DESTINATION, SKAMANIA LODGE, ANNOUNCES RENOVATION, Skamania Lodge in Portland, OR

Skamania Lodge, an all-season mountain resort in the Columbia River Gorge managed by Destination Hotels & Resorts, announces a significant renovation project expected to be completed in late January 2008, which plans to update 28 executive fourth floor riverside guest rooms that include three suites. Increasing comfort and efficiency, the renovated rooms will include everything from new furniture and bathroom fixtures to updated artwork, linens, and paint.
The renovation will encompass the fourth floor riverside of Skamania Lodge, which includes expanding suite amenities in 28 rooms. With a focus on luxury accommodation and green earth tones, the new furniture and décor are inspired by Skamania Lodge?s spectacular Pacific Northwest setting in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. Each room will receive a new bed package, large wood/leather headboard, bedside tables, lamps, bathroom wood vanity cabinet, and sound soother clock/radio. In order to provide guests with a comfortable place to relax, each room will have a leather easy chair, leather desk chair, flat screen television, and sofa bed. Additional upgrades to the rooms include new linens, closet wood doors, and bathroom fixtures.
?As our property continues to grow as a meeting destination, we are always looking for ways to increase the comfort, efficiency, and success of our guests? stay,? said Patrick Cameron, assistant general manager of Skamania Lodge. ?With the renovation of the fourth floor, our rooms will reflect our elite meeting facility offering business travelers a place to relax and have a good night?s rest, ensuring another productive day.?
Hosting more than 730 meetings in 2007 to date, Skamania Lodge offers 23 state-of-the-art meeting rooms with more than 22,000-square feet of meeting space in addition to year-round facilities including 18-hole golf course, indoor swimming pool, the Waterleaf Spa & Fitness Center, tennis, hiking and multiple restaurant dining options. The Conference Center at Skamania Lodge offers in-house audio visual equipment staffed by professional technicians and conference planners. A member of the International Association of Conference Centers (IACC), the property has received national awards in 2007 including the ?Award of Excellence? by Wine Spectator magazine, ?Pinnacle Award-Conference Centers? by Successful Meetings magazine, ?Best of the West Award? by Meetings West magazine, and ?Platinum Award? by Smart Meetings magazine.

About Skamania Lodge
Surrounded by the waterfalls, peaks, forests and canyons of the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, Skamania Lodge is an all-season mountain resort and conference center, situated on 175 acres, 42 miles east of Portland, Ore., in Stevenson, Wash. With 254 guest rooms and a 22,000-square foot, International Association of Conference Centers (IACC) approved conference center, Skamania Lodge offers a destination for outdoor enthusiasts and groups. The Lodge boasts the Waterleaf Spa, indoor swimming pool and
whirlpools, a fitness center, onsite hiking, an 18-hole par-70 Golf Course, the Cascade Room, River Rock Lounge and the U.S. Forest Service Information Center located in the lobby. Skamania Lodge is centered in a Pacific Northwest playground with hiking, biking and Sternwheeler cruises along the Columbia River in the summer; skiing and snowshoeing in the winter; and golfing, fishing and whitewater rafting all year long for outdoor enthusiasts. Skamania Lodge is a spectacular location to soak in the natural beauty and to enjoy a vast array of outdoor activities. www.skamania.com.

About Destination Hotels & Resorts
Destination Hotels & Resorts is a privately held lodging management company headquartered in suburban Denver, Colo. With more than 30 independent, luxury and upscale hotels, resorts and golf clubs, Destination is the fifth largest independent hospitality management company in the country. The company?s portfolio features more than 7,000 guest rooms, nine golf courses and 10 full-service spas. Destination Hotels & Resorts properties are located in key metropolitan and resort markets including New York, Washington, D.C., Chicago, Denver, Dallas, San Diego, Aspen, Austin, Phoenix, Palm Springs, Jackson Hole, Maui and Lake Tahoe. For more information on the properties in the Destination Hotels & Resorts collection, please visit www.destinationhotels.com.

The Columbia River Gorge's Skamania Lodge Undergoes Spa Renovation, Skamania Lodge in Portland, OR

Pacific Northwest lodge renovates the Waterleaf Spa & Fitness Center

"Spring Wildflower Hiking Tour" Series, Skamania Lodge in Portland, OR

Catherine Creek hike will take place on June 7th from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. this Spring. This is one of the prime locations for wildflower viewing on the Washington side of the Columbia River Gorge. Enjoy a 3.5 mile loop trail which gains about 350 ft. in elevation with a moderate rating. Individuals may participate in the day hike for a fee of $40 per day with advance resevations-1800.221.7117. Click here for additional package information and rates.

"Spring Wildflower Hiking Tour" Series, Skamania Lodge in Portland, OR

Tom McCall Point and Rowena Crest Overlook?May 24th and June 21st from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. will be the dates for premier wildflower viewing on this magnificent preserve. This is a 3 1/4 mile round trip hike which gains 1,000 ft. in elevation. While it has a rating of moderate, there are some steep sections. Individuals may add on the day hike for $40 per day - reservations required 1.800.221.7117.? Click here for additional package information and pricing. Read More

Weekend Musical Entertainment with "Toot Suite", Skamania Lodge in Portland, OR

Enjoy the talents of Mr. Allen Mair on flute?and Ms. Cindy Pick on piano in the Gorge room from 6 to 8 p.m.

"Memorial Day Madness", Skamania Lodge in Portland, OR

Monday at 2:00 p.m. will be the 18 hole shotgun start at Skamania Lodge. This will be a 2 person modified chapman for $55 per player which includes greens fee, cart fee and prizes. Click here for additional tournament information.

"Spring Wildflower Hiking Tour" Series, Skamania Lodge in Portland, OR

Columbia Hills/Horsetheif Lake State Park * These dates are pending permit approval, otherwise Catherine Creek and McCall Point will be substituted* May 10th and, 31st, June 14th, and June 28th from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. are the scheduled dates for this tour which will offer both wildflowers and some of the oldest Native American pictographs. Packages including lodging & the guided hike are available. Indivudual may also attend the hike for a $40 per day charge - reservations are required - 800-221-7117.  For package informationand pricing, please click here.   Read More