Best Western Plus is the new hotel in town, a brand-new gateway to the north. After a full renovation, the interior of the building is unrecognizable from where it began, transformed into a trendy warm space with local artwork and vibrant photography.
A large, cozy lobby opens up to guests, surrounded by light-filled windows. Soft booths and stuffed chairs with square-backed cutouts line the walls and fresh flowers bloom on tables. An enormous breakfast bar wraps around corners, covering three walls.

With the help of local builders, the remodel was completed in record time. “We started in July and were done by the end of February,” says Dana Weber, Best Western Plus general manager. “Seven months – that’s not bad for a full renovation.”
In fact, seven months is remarkable for a 132-room makeover and complete hotel clean out. The new owners also added a gym and two state-of-the-art conference rooms. “We used CREDO Construction for our renovation, and they’ve been a great asset to us,” says Weber.
The Best Western Plus and their sister hotel, Four Points by Sheraton on Lakeway Drive, are managed by Providence Hospitality Partners, based out of Denver, Colorado. “They’re dedicated to Bellingham,” Weber says. “We’re in this for the long haul.”

The owners showed their dedication to the local economy by hiring regional employees, construction crews, designers and artists.
“What’s cool is that we’ve kept the same staff that was here before,” says Weber, “and our guest service scores are some of the highest in the brand so far.”
A Seattle-based designer garnered inspiration from the Pacific Northwest landscape for the hotel’s décor. “Artwork in the rooms is by artists out of Seattle and we used Peter James Photography photos on each door,” says Weber.
Reactions from the community have been fantastic. “For people who have been staying here a long time, it’s been amazing,” Weber says.

The structure, located on Bennett Drive, less than one mile from Bellingham International Airport, has been a hotel for years, but now it has an extensive list of amenities, including modern design touches, new beds, new furniture, and 50-inch televisions in each room. “We gutted it and painted the walls,” says Weber. “It was pretty much taken down to the shell.”
Guests are so happy with the changes that they’re recommending the hotel friends and relatives. “We’re starting to see more and more people each week staying with us,” says Weber. “We already have a couple wedding [parties] coming up this summer.”

Weber is excited to partner with local sports teams that play at the Philips 66 Soccer Park on Northwest Drive. “We’re pretty much the closest hotel to the soccer park, so we’ll be offering discounts to any sports groups that are coming in to play there,” he says.
To earn the title Best Western Plus, a long list of amenities must be offered at the hotel. “We have a deluxe hot breakfast in the morning, a shop, an expanded fitness center, and a pool that will be opening up soon,” says Weber.
In addition, the hotel partners with neighboring Mykonos Greek Restaurant, offering dinner discounts for guests.
Park ‘n’ fly packages are also available for travelers to save money on airport parking. A complimentary, 24-hour shuttle brings guests to the airport terminal.

“We’re one of the last, branded major hotels [to the] north,” Weber says. He hopes the Best Western Plus will become a second home for seasonal refinery workers in Ferndale.
Weber encourages travelers to take advantage of Best Western Rewards. “It’s free to sign up and you start getting discounts right off the bat; you get points for every stay, a discount, and you’re eligible for promotions.” Unlike other hotel reward programs, Best Western Rewards points never expire.
Additional benefits of the Best Western Plus are a complimentary shuttle bus anywhere in town (including the casino, upon availability), pets are welcome, a large gym with free weights, and a business center with computers and a printer.
If you’re planning a staycation, expecting visitors from out of town, or need to rent a conference room, Best Western Plus has you covered.
Book a room today at the Best Western Plus Bellingham Airport Hotel.
Best Western Plus Bellingham Airport Hotel
3985 Bennett Drive in Bellingham
360-676-7700
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