Sunriver Resort

Sunriver Resort offers a four-diamond retreat in a year-round recreational playground just 15 miles south of Bend, Oregon. The area’s unspoiled beauty affords a nature lover’s mecca and a serene setting for meetings and incentives.

Some prefer that their nature encounter take place on any of the three world-class golf courses, each with its own character. All unfold among the carefully preserved wetlands, forested meadows, and meandering Deschutes River. Other guests immerse themselves in the nature-based treatments offered at Sage Springs Club and Spa with such signature treatments as the Oregon Hazelnut Scrub. For groups, the resort’s on-site recreation department orchestrates such team-building enterprises as the Sunriver Resort Regatta, the Bike Scavenger Hunt, or the Oregon Trail Challenge.

When it’s time to convene, groups assemble in meeting rooms evoking the Northwestern spirit through exposed beams, slate tiles, and large windows that bring the outside in. The total 44,000 square feet of space includes numerous outdoor areas such as the Bachelor Lawn and Great Hall Courtyard. Convention service managers, audiovisual experts, and a full-service business center assist with all the details. Meanwhile, five friendly food and beverage outlets plus room service offer a variety of refreshment options.

The resort’s 628 luxurious accommodations extend similar diversity. In the Lodge Village, guests can choose a room or a loft-style suite with soaring beam ceilings and a continental kitchen. River Lodge guest rooms feature Northwestern decor, stone fireplaces, down comforters on triple-sheeted beds, and private decks with Adirondack-style chairs. Those seeking even more space can choose from 390 stylish vacation homes and condominiums, ranging from two to six bedrooms. There are no packages available at this time.

Start	End	Rooms	Rate
1/11/09	1/14/09	150+	From $119
2/08/09	2/14/09	150+	From $124
3/22/09	3/25/09	100+	From $129
4/05/09	4/12/09	100+	From $139
4/30/09	5/12/09	100+	From $154
6/02/09	6/10/09	100+	From $179
7/08/09	7/15/09	100+	From $214

Posted May 1, 2008 by Elite Concierge
View RSS Feed Apr. 29, 2008 - SUNRIVER -- Roughly 40 years since it opened in southern Deschutes County, Sunriver Resort is diversified and well-positioned to handle an economic downturn, its top official said.

But increased competition from Bend and new Central Oregon resorts, and increasing challenges with the national economy mean that future growth will require continued reinvention, said Thomas P. Luersen, regional managing director for Lowe Hospitality Group, parent company of Destination Hotels & Resorts, the firm that manages Sunriver.

Luersen, 45, oversees three resorts -- Sunriver, Suncadia Resort in Roslyn, Wash., and Skamania Lodge in Stevenson, Wash. -- with a total of about 1,900 employees, and leads development projects throughout the Pacific Northwest, he said.

"The goal at Sunriver is to leverage off traditions from the past 40 years, create exceptional experience for our customers and target both leisure travelers and group meeting business," Luersen said. "We will continue to invest to improve upon the guests' experience."

All 240 of the lodge rooms managed by Sunriver Resort were recently upgraded to include new flat-screen televisions and new decor, Luersen said.

The resort is redeveloping the Sunriver Stables and Sunriver Marina, a $1.3 million project that will better serve customers and provide a new boarding facility for horses, he said.

Other projects, including a $2 million runway expansion at Sunriver Airport in 2009, are needed to compete in an increasingly competitive Central Oregon resort climate, which has fueled the region's estimated $542.5 million tourism economy, according to Luersen.

The resort's golf is its main attraction, but the resort also is seizing upon its natural setting and emerging travel trends to promote experiential travel, Luersen said.

Visitors, for example, can enjoy culinary, music and wellness seminars such as learning how to cook French cuisine, play the guitar and maintain health, he said.

"It's a perfect location for today's traveler, who is interested in learning while leisuring," Luersen said.

Luersen backs the proposed $200 million redevelopment of the Sunriver Village Mall, which would include a mix of commercial and residential uses.

"We support the mixed-use development because it would energize the Village [mall]," Luersen said. "The residential component is critical for the development to be successful. Residential sales are going to fuel redevelopment of the retail end."

The resort's golf facilities were in the national spotlight last August when the Jeld-Wen Tradition, a PGA event that is part of the Champions Tour, was televised nationally from Crosswater Golf Club at Sunriver.

The event raised the national brand image of Sunriver Resort and Central Oregon as a golf destination, Luersen said.

"It was huge," he said. "It was the first time ever that a Central Oregon sporting event had been on national television."

More than 2 million viewers watched the four-day event, which Sunriver will host in August through 2010.

"It hits the sweet spot to attract both interested buyers and visitors to the resort," Luersen said.

Group business is the strongest heading into summer that it's been in five years, Luersen said. Leisure business, however, is down 5 percent going into summer.

"When corporate America feels pressure, that affects the leisure and meeting business," Luersen said. "We try to find new areas of business that are doing well in a down market."

Industries that have not been hurt by the current downturn include oil and gas, and medical equipment companies, and legal and professional services, Luersen said. Sunriver will target those industries for group and conference business, he said.

The resort will return to Eastern Europe this summer to recruit about 90 housekeeping, food service, banquet and golf employees needed to sustain summer operations, Luersen said, referring to the expected shortfall in seasonal help.

"There's been so much growth in hospitality that we're having to find talent to fill these positions," Luersen said.

QUESTION: What is your role at Lowe Hospitality Group?

ANSWER: Lowe Hospitality Company, a subsidiary of Lowe Enterprises out of Los Angeles, is a privately held company that develops and operates resorts and hotels and resort/club communities. On behalf of Lowe Hospitality Group, I am responsible for all Northwest developments and hotels/resorts, as well as sourcing the right business opportunities for future growth of our presence in the Northwest. The growth is targeted at acquisitions, management contracts for hotels/resorts and developments, and new development opportunities.

Q: How do your different tourism-related properties adjust to a national economic slowdown?

A: Our goal is attract the best talent in the marketplace and allow them the flexibility and independency to lead and manage their responsibilities. The goal to our success has been hiring the right people and entrusting their leadership skills. In tough economic times, our leaders need to be adaptable, agile and intuitive. We strive to give our customers the best experience we can so they will continue to support our businesses in the years to come; hospitality management and developing communities is all about creating lasting experiences and memories -- if we do that, our success will come. We are continuing to invest in our businesses to constantly strive to improve the experience as well as investing in our developing and training of our talented team members.

Q: In Central Oregon, how do you position Sunriver Resort as a top resort in an increasingly competitive marketplace?

A: Sunriver Resort has been a market leader in Oregon for the past 40 years. The resort has such a wide variety of amenities and special qualities, the experience is timeless. Our ownership has a long-term vision and consequently, has been committed to investing in the business illustrated in things like building the Sage Springs Spa and Club, Caldera Springs and constantly working on ways to improve our business and experience for the guest. We are the only four-diamond resort in the Oregon. Sunriver is not just a resort, it is special place where families reunite and enjoy unbelievable beauty and world-class recreation, whether golf, spa, biking, horseback riding, canoe float, hiking or just great fun in the whole community.


By Jeff McDonald, The Bulletin, Bend, Ore.McClatchy-Tribune Regional News
383-0323 or jmcdonald@bendbulletin.com. Posted Mar 27, 2008 by chriso
View RSS Feed Sunriver, OR - March 2008 - Sunriver Resort is thrilled to welcome Keith Schnulle (pronounced Shnully), as the Director of Human Resources. Sunriver Resort, managed by Destination Hotels & Resorts, is a perennial AAA Four-Diamond property located 15 miles south of Bend, Ore. offering 63 holes of championship golf, an acclaimed spa, the region's finest dining, and more.

"We are extremely fortunate to attract someone with Keith's professional background and alignment with Destination Hotels & Resort's core values and guiding principles," says General Manager Brian Hughes. "Keith is highly effective and is known to be energetic, thoughtful, fair and team-oriented."
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Sunriver Resort Welcomes Keith Schnulle as Director of Human ResourcesSchnulle (pictured) comes to Sunriver Resort from The Inn and Spa at Loretto in Santa Fe, NM where he served as Interim Director of Human Resources as the property transitioned to DH&R ownership. Previously, Keith served as Vice President of Human Resources at French Lick Resort in Indiana with Benchmark Hotels & Resorts. In prior roles, Keith served as Director of Human Resources for Marriott Bay Point Resort; Corporate Director of Human Resources for Wesley Hospitality in Atlanta; Director of Human Resources at Chateau Elan in Georgia, and various other Director of Human Resources assignments with Marriott Hotels & Resorts since 1988.

Schnulle's new roll at Sunriver Resort began February 15, 2008. Schnulle, his wife Debbie, and their prized toy poodles recently relocated to Central Oregon and are very excited to enjoy everything the area has to offer.
| Posted Mar 13, 2008 by Elite Concierge
View RSS Feed Seasoned Hospitality Executive is the First New Managing Director at the Prestigious Oregon Resort in 10 Years

Sunriver, OR " March 2008 " Sunriver Resort, Central Oregons premier AAA Four Diamond resort, is pleased to welcome Thomas OShea as the new Managing Director at Sunriver Resort Limited Partnership. Since the acquisition of Sunriver Resort and its affiliates in 1993 by Lowe Hospitality Group, Destination Hotels & Resorts and Pactrust, OShea is the third Managing Director in two decades to lead this great organization. Prior to OShea, Charlie Peck held the position from 1993-1998 and Tom Luersen from 1998-2008.

I have known Tom and his style of management for nearly 18 years, says Tom Luersen, current Regional Managing Director-Pacific Northwest Lowe Hospitality Group. His commitment to excellence will serve our business, associates, and customers well at Sunriver Resort. Tom shares the guiding principles that we pride ourselves on, and offers new resources to our team leaders to help manage the tremendous opportunities found within Sunriver Resort Limited Partnership.
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Sunriver Resort Announces Appointment of Thomas O'Shea as New Managing DirectorOShea (pictured) comes to Sunriver via Benchmark Hospitality where he served in several executive positions during his 22 years with the company. Most recently, OShea served as Senior Vice President, overseeing the Western United States for Benchmark. While in the position, OShea oversaw multiple resorts, including the Resort at Squaw Creek, Chaminade in Santa Cruz, CA, and Cheyenne Mountain Resort in Colorado Springs, CO among many others. Prior to his 15-year role in operations, OShea served as the Corporate Controller for Benchmark. Before joining Benchmark, OShea also held the position of Director of Operations for the Loews Anatole Hotel in Dallas, TX, one of the largest convention hotels in the United States.

In addition to his extraordinary work history, OShea has spent the his career giving back to the communities in which he lived and worked by actively participating in organizations such as United Way, where he served on the board; as an advisor on the Santa Cruz Business Council; and as an advocate for the Santa Cruz and California Literacy Initiative and the California Childrens Health Initiative.

About Sunriver Resort
Sunriver Resort (www.sunriver-resort.com), a Destination Hotels & Resorts property located in central Oregon, features nearly 250 guestrooms and more than 400 vacation rental properties comprised of private homes and condominiums. Sunriver Resort is a year-round outdoor enthusiasts dream with 63 holes of championship golf"including the resorts newest community, Caldera Springs with a new 9- hole executive course"28 tennis courts, 35 miles of paved bike paths, three swimming complexes, horseback riding, canoeing and kayaking, fly fishing, skiing and snowboarding at nearby Mt. Bachelor Ski Resort, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Plus, theres the resorts Sage Springs Club & Spa, first-class programs for youths and teens, a nearby shopping village and nature center. The JELD-WEN Tradition, Oregons biggest golf event and one of five major championships on the Champions Tour, will be held August 11-17 at Sunriver Resorts Crosswater Golf Club, one of Golf Magazines Top 100 You Can Play. The tournaments weekend rounds will be televised by The Golf Channel. For more information, visit www.jeld-wentradition.com.

About Destination Hotels & Resorts
Destination Hotels & Resorts is a privately held lodging management company headquartered in suburban Denver, Colo. With more than 30 independent, luxury and upscale hotels, resorts, and golf clubs, Destination is the fifth largest independent hospitality management company in the country. The companys portfolio features more than 7,000 guest rooms, 10 golf courses and 12 full-service spas. Destination Hotels & Resorts properties are located in key metropolitan and resort markets including Washington, D.C., Houston, Denver, Dallas, San Diego, Santa Fe, Aspen, Austin, Phoenix, Portland, Palm Springs, Maui, and Lake Tahoe. For more information on the properties in the Destination Hotels & Resorts collection, please visit www.DestinationHotels.com.
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Media Contacts:
Jessica Rodriguez / Dyan Dolfi
Wagstaff Worldwide for Sunriver Resort
323-871-1151
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Kristin Yantis Mettler
Malen & Mettler
for Destination Hotels & Resorts
775-831-4422