February 21, 2003 - Seattle, WA - Seattle based Columbia Hospitality, Inc. (CHI) has recently named Robert (Bob) Southall the new innkeeper of intimate Resort at Deer Harbor on Orcas Island. Southall brings with him nearly 25 years experience in the hotel business. Prior to joining the team at The Resort at Deer Harbor, Bob was with the Hilton Hotels Corporation. His previous duties with Hilton included general manager of the 500-room San Jose Hilton in 2001 and the 600-room Anchorage Hilton in Anchorage, Alaska.

After taking nearly a year off for a personal sabbatical, Southall could not wait to get back into the hospitality business. "My wife and I decided we really wanted a lifestyle change," said Southall. "We have been coming to the San Juan Islands for years for vacations. Living here has always been a dream of ours, this opportunity came about and we had to take it." Southall is excited to share his skills and experience of working for a large, national chain and applying them in a smaller more intimate setting.  "A small hotel or inn poses the same challenges as a large 500-room hotel. They each need to operate on a budget, keep employee moral up, and most important, create a phenomenal experience for the guest."

The Resort at Deer Harbor is a waterfront resort that has 26 intimate, individual cottages and a seasonal outdoor swimming pool. Each cottage has its own private deck with full-sized hot tub. In 1998 the Resort went through a $3 million renovation, which included adding large jetted tubs, king-sized beds, and fireplaces to its units. 

Newly hired executive chef Mark Goller brings to the Resort's restaurant, Starfish Grill, a variety of fusion cooking from around the world, while sticking to the traditions of Northwest cuisine. Chef Goller has an extensive background and training in the culinary arts. Prior to Starfish Grill, Chef Goller was executive chef for three years at the well-known mountain getaway, Mountain Springs Lodge in Leavenworth, Washington. Goller also spent time at Nikko's Restaurant located in the Seattle Westin Hotel. 

Columbia Hospitality manages and represents a property portfolio that includes Bell Harbor International Conference Center, World Trade Center Seattle, the Marina Club at Shilshole Bay, Aljoya Conference Center at Laurelhurst, The Inn at Langley, Friday Harbor House, and The Resort at Deer Harbor and the Washington Mutual Leadership Center at Cedarbrook.
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