The Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe of Washington state plans to open a 94-room, four-story hotel adjacent to its Point Casino in the fall of 2016.
The 74,000 square foot hotel will rise at the site of a former, and now unoccupied casino and tribal offices, which moved to Poulsbo three years ago. Visitors will be able to stay at the hotel, rather than rushing to catch the Kingston ferry, according to the tribe. There are not many hotels in the area.
Leo Cullcoo, general manager of the casino, said, “It will be a good shot in the arm for the local economy.”
The exterior of the hotel, which will be adjacent to a forest of first and cedars, uses themes suggested by the tribe’s House of Knowledge, a wooden longhouse. The entrance will include several totem poles from regional tribes.
The lobby of the “boutique” hotel will display tribal artifacts.
According to tribal Executive Director Kelly Sullivan, “It is important that this hotel look and feel special. For our guests, we want to create an experience they aren’t going to find elsewhere in the area. Our Tribe’s cultural influence will be felt throughout the property.”
Tribal Chairman Jeremy Sullivan added, “The creation of The Point Casino & Hotel has been a long time in the making. The challenge has been finding the right hotel design at the right time that accomplishes our economic goals, helps drive local tourism, and respects our cultural and environmental priorities. Our Tribe is known for its hospitality. During Tribal events like Canoe Journey, we are an anticipated stop. You will see that same level of home and comfort brought to this project.”
The project is being designed by the Hnedak Bobo Group, which describes the design as “Coastal Modern.”
Before the new facilities can go up, the existing buildings will need to be demolished. That should begin later this month. Rooms will have photos of tribal art.
