Sun Valley's Knob Hill Inn to Join Columbia Hospitality's Portfolio of Boutique Hotels, Inns and Resorts
Thriving Seattle-based hospitality management and consulting firm announces fourth acquisition of 2011
SEATTLE, WA - August 4, 2011 - Seattle-based hospitality management and consulting firm Columbia Hospitality, Inc., announces a new management and operational agreement with the Knob Hill Inn in Ketchum, Idaho. Located in the heart of the world-class Sun Valley ski community, the luxurious Knob Hill Inn was recently acquired by a group of investors with strong ties to the Wood River Valley including Fred Crosetto, CEO of Ammex Corp. in Kent, Wash.; Dwayne Clark, Chairman and CEO of Aegis Living of Redmond, Wash.; Robert Cimino, CEO of Plaza Provision Company in San Juan, Puerto Rico; and John Oppenheimer, founder and CEO of Columbia Hospitality in Seattle, Wash. The sale is scheduled to close in late August.
Columbia Hospitality's expertise in the management and operation of boutique, destination hotels and resorts, such as Salish Lodge & Spa in Snoqualmie, Wash., Friday Harbor House and Lakedale Resort at Three Lakes on San Juan Island, Wash., and Kenwood Inn and Spa in Kenwood, Calif., will help ensure a smooth transition in ownership and operation of the landmark Knob Hill Inn.
“Having grown up in Boise, Idaho, the Wood River Valley has always meant a great deal to myself and my family,” said John Oppenheimer of Columbia Hospitality. “The opportunity to bring our company's dedication and passion for providing exceptional guest experiences to this spectacular property and community is a personal thrill and a professional honor.” Oppenheimer added, “It's a pleasure to partner with three individuals who share a commitment to service as part of their core businesses and collectively we look forward to elevating the standard of luxury service at the Inn.”
Built in 1992 and designed to invoke rich European alpine architecture with a focus on beauty and function from season to season, the Inn is situated within walking distance of downtown Ketchum and offers unparalleled views of world-famous Bald Mountain, and the majestic Sawtooth and Boulder Mountain ranges. Each of the Inn's 26 graciously appointed rooms and suites are outfitted with an oversized marble-tiled bathroom with tub and separate shower, dressing area, wet bar with refrigerator and a private balcony with sweeping views of the surrounding mountains.
“The purchase of the Knob Hill Inn by investors with strong ties to Ketchum is an ideal transition for this iconic property,” said Randy Hall, Mayor of Ketchum. “The community is ecstatic that this much-loved inn will be enhanced and cared for by a team of dedicated owners and hospitality professionals.”
“My family and I have enjoyed our home in Ketchum and are proud to be a part of rejuvenating the Knob Hill Inn,” said Dwayne Clark, who was raised in Lewiston, Idaho. “We look forward to building on the legacy from Bob and Sandy Koenig.”
Fred Crosetto added, “We are very committed to this region and community. This is a long-term investment that we couldn't be more excited about being involved with.”
Robert Cimino has spent much of his life in the area. “My father's first visit to Warm Springs was in 1952,” Cimino said. “My family moved here in 1975 and I have been coming here my whole life. The Knob Hill Inn is such a beautiful spot.”
The addition of the Knob Hill Inn to Columbia Hospitality's portfolio of hotels, inns and resorts, conference centers and unique venues marks yet another milestone in a busy year which began 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 in March 2011. The acquisition was quickly followed by the announcement of two new management and operations contracts with the Rainbow Ranch Lodge in Big Sky, Montana and Cave B Inn & Spa in Quincy, Washington. For more information on Columbia Hospitality, please visit www.columbiahospitality.com and for more information on Knob Hill Inn visit www.knobhillinn.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.
Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) is a global leading lodging company based in Bethesda,Maryland, USA, with more than 4,200 properties in 80 countries and territories. Marriott International reported revenues of nearly $14 billion in fiscal year 2014. The company operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts under 19 brands, including: The Ritz-Carlton®, BVlgari®, EDITION®, JW Marriott®, Autograph Collection® Hotels, Renaissance® Hotels, Marriott Hotels®, Delta Hotels and Resorts®, Marriott Executive Apartments®, Marriott Vacation Club®, Gaylord Hotels®, AC Hotels by Marriott®, Courtyard®, Residence Inn®, SpringHill Suites®, Fairfield Inn & Suites®, TownePlace Suites®, Protea Hotels® and MoxyHotels®. Marriott has been consistently recognized as a top employer and for its superior business ethics. The company also manages the award-winning guest loyalty program, Marriott Rewards® and The Ritz-Carlton Rewards® program, which together surpass 50 million members. For more information or reservations, please visit our website at 
