Columbia Hospitality Expands Portfolio to Include Cave B Inn at SageCliffe and Rainbow Ranch Lodge
Seattle firm amplifies growth with addition of premier Columbia River Gorge and Big Sky Country destinations
Seattle, WA - May 18, 2011 - Seattle-based hospitality management and consulting firm, Columbia Hospitality, Inc., announces new management partnerships with Cave B Inn at SageCliffe in Quincy, Washington and Rainbow Ranch Lodge in Big Sky, Montana. The addition of the two luxury properties, owned by Seattle-based residents Vince and Carol Bryan and Scott Gibson respectively, mark another milestone in a year of steady growth for Columbia Hospitality.
Beginning in March with the acquisition of The Chambers Group, a consulting, mid-level and full service management and development firm now operating as a division of the company, Columbia Hospitality has nearly doubled its management contracts since December 2010, adding over 400 employees and 900 guestrooms to the portfolio of hotels, inns and resorts, conference centers and unique venues in Washington, California, Montana and Portugal.
“Our continued growth is a testament to our team members, each of whom embodies the nimble, entrepreneurial and collaborative spirit the company was founded on 16 years ago,” said Columbia Hospitality CEO John Oppenheimer. “It has been their leadership that has made it possible to welcome Mr. and Mrs. Bryan, Mr. Gibson, and their exquisite, truly one-of-a-kind destinations to the Columbia Hospitality family. We are thrilled to have the opportunity to bring our unique brand of energy and enthusiasm for providing exceptional experiences to Cave B Inn at SageCliffe and Rainbow Ranch Lodge.”
Columbia Hospitality's expertise in the management and operation of boutique, destination hotels and resorts such as Salish Lodge & Spa in Snoqualmie, and Friday Harbor House and Lakedale Resort at Three Lakes on San Juan Island, was a driving factor in signing the new properties.
“Following a recent period of self-management, we decided that the timing was right to reintroduce a full-service management company to our boutique operation, and Columbia Hospitality offered us the right combination of experience and resources,” said Mr. Bryan, owner of the Cave B Inn at SageCliffe.
The Inn, overlooking the Columbia River gorge, is comprised of 30 guestrooms, including 15 stand-alone Cliffehouses, offering floor-to-ceiling windows and views of the river, gorge and vineyard. In June of last year 25 luxury yurts nestled among the vineyards were introduced. The property also includes Tendrils Vineyard Restaurant featuring locally-sourced, seasonal fare and led by Executive Chef Bear Ullman, the boutique, full-service Spa at SageCliffe, and a dramatic outdoor swimming pool.
Similarly, following Scott Gibson's recent purchase of the Rainbow Ranch Lodge, he looked for a company which shared his passion for creating exceptional guest experiences, yet could also deliver back of the house resources such as information technology, human resources, marketing and accounting for his unique property.
“It is exciting to be a part of Columbia Hospitality, and I have every bit of confidence in the company's ability to support my commitment to enhancing the guest experience at this remarkable place,” said Gibson of the Rainbow Ranch Lodge. The lodge, which is set on the picturesque banks of the Gallatin River in Big Sky, Montana, is a peaceful retreat offering 21 guestrooms and three cabins, world class ranch-to-table cuisine led by Chef Matthew Fritz, a robust, award-winning wine program and access to a variety of summer and winter activities.
For more information on Columbia Hospitality, Cave B Inn at SageCliffe and Rainbow Ranch Lodge, please visit www.columbiahospitality.com
About Columbia Hospitality
Columbia Hospitality, Inc. (Columbia), a Seattle-based hospitality management and consulting firm specializing in luxury hotel and resort management, was founded in 1995 by John Oppenheimer. Columbia's growing portfolio of premier properties, including boutique hotels, award-winning resorts, event venues and conference centers, offer world-class service in exquisite settings. Columbia creates memorable experiences for guests and team members while achieving phenomenal results for owners. The company's continued success has led to an international expansion of the consulting division and more than 100 hospitality development projects worldwide. For more information about Columbia and a full list of properties visit www.columbiahospitality.com.
About Cave B Inn at SageCliffe
Situated 900 feet above the Columbia River, surrounded by estate vineyards and fragrant orchards, Cave B Inn at SageCliffe offers breathtaking views of sky, water and Columbia River gorge. With a total of 55 rooms, including 15 stand-alone “Cliffehouses,” 12 guest rooms in the “Caverns” built directly into the basalt cliffs, three guest rooms in the lodge and 25 Chiwana Village luxury yurts nestled among the vineyards of Cave B Estate Winery, Cave B Inn is a high desert oasis in Central Washington state. Tendrils Vineyard Restaurant features locally-sourced, seasonal fare under the creative direction of Executive Chef Bear Ullman, and the full-service Spa at Cave B Inn offers soothing salon and spa treatments including vinotherapy. Located adjacent to the Gorge Amphitheater concert venue, 2.5 hours from either Seattle or Spokane, the Inn is owned by Vincent and Carol Bryan and managed and operated by Seattle-based Columbia Hospitality. For more information, please call (509) 785-2283 or visit www.sagecliffe.com/inn.htm
About Rainbow Ranch Lodge
Located along the picturesque banks of the famed Gallatin River, Rainbow Ranch Lodge is a peaceful retreat providing guests with an unrivaled Montana experience in Big Sky Country. With 21 well-appointed guestrooms and three spacious riverside log cabins, a robust food and wine program, access to an abundance of summer and winter activities and close proximity to the famous Yellowstone National Park, Rainbow Ranch Lodge is an ideal destination in any season. The lodge is proud to offer seasonal Montana ranch-to-table cuisine, finely crafted from the freshest ingredients available from the earth, rivers and streams by Chef Matthew Fritz, an award-winning wine cellar, and artisan-inspired offerings such as barrel-aged cocktails and house made charcuterie. Rainbow Ranch Lodge is owned by Scott Gibson and managed and operated by Seattle-based Columbia Hospitality. For more information, please call (406) 995-4132 or visit www.rainbowranchbigsky.com
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