Submitted by Four Points Bellingham
Bellingham’s leading venue for dining, entertainment and business events has received a new name to go with the multimillion-dollar renovation projects that are nearly completed, including all meeting space by the first quarter of 2016.
The 132-room hotel at 714 Lakeway Drive officially became Four Points by Sheraton Bellingham Hotel & Conference Center on Oct. 1, according to Larry MacDonald, who remains general manager of the property formerly known as Lakeway Inn. MacDonald added that the hotel’s 100-plus employees are staying and it will continue to be professionally managed by Providence Hospitality Partners.
“We’re ecstatic that our multimillion-dollar renovation and conversion to the Starwood brand is completed and this is a reflection of ownership’s commitment to the market. The design and stylish comfort have enabled us to affiliate with the Four Points by Sheraton brand of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide,” said David B. Storm, president and CEO of Providence Hospitality Partners. “This is Starwood’s fastest-growing brand and a leading choice among travelers in diverse markets worldwide, but only the third Four Points location in Washington state.”
Starwood Hotels has more than 1,200 properties in 100 countries, including the The Westin Seattle and W Seattle. More than 200 will be under the Four Points brand by the end of 2015 with more than 25 planned openings this year.
“Starwood properties have an excellent reputation among businesses for hosting conferences,” MacDonald said. “The Starwood Preferred Guest program is renowned for the many opportunities that guests have to earn points through stays, meals and drink purchases, while receiving benefits worldwide. Earn, redeem and enjoy your benefits at more than 1,200 Starwood hotels and resorts across 10 distinctive brands — including St. Regis, W and Westin — in nearly 100 countries. Guests may visit www.SPG.com for more information.
“With 11,000 square feet of flexible meeting facilities, we’re already well known among Northwest companies and organizations,” MacDonald added. “However, we’re starting a complete renovation of our event and meeting rooms that will be finished next spring and position us as the leading conference center in Northwest Washington. Big changes also are planned for Poppe’s 360 that will enhance its reputation as Bellingham’s leading nighttime venue for entertainment and award-winning drinks.”
Four Points Bellingham already has completed major improvements since last year, including
- A complete makeover of all 132 guest rooms with new furniture, new beds and a Northwest décor.
- The launch of Chinuk and its farm-to-table menu featuring local purveyors for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
- A redesigned lobby highlighted by a fireplace visible from front and back, the work of local artists, multiple large-screen televisions, a strong WiFi network and tables with access ports for charging laptops and cell phones.
- Approximately $100,000 spent on fiber-optics and WiFi improvement that make online speeds even faster for guests.
“We are creating an environment that is representative of our community,” MacDonald said. “The first impression for local residents and out-of-town guests should be that Four Points Bellingham is a warm and inviting place.”
Four Points by Sheraton Bellingham Hotel & Conference Center, managed by Providence Hospitality Partners, is located at 714 Lakeway Drive, just off Interstate 5 at Exit 253. Four Points Bellingham is totally smoke-free throughout its 132 guest rooms, two restaurants (Poppe’s 360 Neighborhood Pub and Chinuk Northwest Dining), indoor pool, fitness area and 11,000 square feet of meeting-room space. For more information, call (360) 671-1011 or (888) 671-1011 or visit www.FourPointsBellingham.com.
