Cascadia Report

Whistler-like resort coming to Spokane

A developer plans a $1 billion resort community including 2,700 housing units, hotels and retail next to an expanded ski area north of Spokane.

The proposed town would be similar to several other planned communities taking shape around the region. This week another instant city centered on a golf resort was announced north of Vancouver.

The Spokane-area resort hasn't been billed as a major ski destination. Yet, while far smaller than Whistler, B.C., it would still meet demand from a growing population of skiers. It's worth noting that the area has received abundant snowfall when many other ski areas in the region went without.

Tuscan resort coming to ... Yakima

Work could begin this summer on a $500 million Tuscan-themed village on a ridge east of Yakima, potentially diversifying the economy of an area that already promotes itself as Washington's Palm Springs.

Concentrating growth in towns in order to preserve open space and farmland would be ideal. But planned development is the next best option -- the project already is being compared to Suncadia, a resort community near Ellensburg that targets Seattle refugees.

The Vineyards project would be developed by a group that put together resorts in Crested Butte, Colo. and in Mexico. Eagle Resort Development already mentions the area on its web site.

Why Fairmont isn't quite on top

Fairmont Hotels & Resorts wants to be seen as an "unrivalled global presence." Yet a few recent visits suggest why it's not quite there.

Friday night I stayed at the Fairmont Waterfront, which is the highest-rated of the company's properties in downtown Vancouver. Desk service was professional, the room was comfortable and the city-and-harbor view was great -- all as expected. But when the elevators went out of service at around 10 p.m. -- leaving at least 15 people waiting in the lobby -- there was no explanation. The next morning two of the elevators were still offline. There was no apology and management didn't give the impression that they were especially concerned about the inconvenience.

Similar service at Fairmont's hotels at Whistler and in Seattle has also cost the chain. This is part of the reason why so many in Seattle were concerned when Fairmont took over management of the Olympic Hotel (a replacement Four Seasons is under construction). Don't get me wrong: Fairmont is still a great place to stay, it's just not quite top-of-the line.