LODGING IN FRIDAY HARBOR

Best Western open for business

Best Western employees include from left to right- Ester Hernandez, Rosa Vallejo, Roxann Harshbarger, Dennis Harshbarger, Patti Harshbarger, Lisa Staton, Chad Cymbalista, Peter Larson and Janeen Jennings.

posted 03/08/05
The addition of the Best Western sign is not the only change at the former Friday Harbor Suites. The facility has been refurbished with pillowtop mattresses, down comforters, gas fireplaces, new televisions, carpeting, bathroom fixtures and furniture. General Manager Janeen Jennings says the staff has worked hard during the transition and is excited about the the future.

Owner Don Jang purchased Friday Harbor Suites eighteen months ago and began working to meet the Best Western standards. The official designation went into effect Feb. 8, 2005. Jennings emphasized the business is not a franchise. Best Western operates as a coop providing group advertising, reservation service, and facilities that meet a specific standards.

Jennings said "it was impressive" the way employees stuck it out during the transition. She thanked Dennis Harshbarger, Peter Larson, Bridget Patterson, Travis Hurley, Patti Harshbarger, Chad Cymbalista, Lisa Staton and Christel Dimaio for working so well through all the changes.

Among the changes is the deluxe continental breakfast. The free breakfast includes juice, coffee, muffins, cereal, biscuits and gravy, fruit and more. Guests serve themselves breakfast in the new breakfast room.

Another change is the addition of a banquet room that seats 120. The room was built above the restaurant. The result is a cozier feel for the restaurant and a much-needed space for groups. The Peppermill restauran, owned by Charles Thomas is open from 4 to 10 p.m. The lounge is open until midnight. A grand piano was moved into the restaurant last week.

There are 59 suites and four studios in the facility.

An outdoor jacuzzi is being built outside the fitness room.

Guests can check their email at the computer stations. Each room also has a data port.

The banquet room above the restaurant can seat 120.

A grand piano was moved into the Peppermill restaurant last week.

Jennings, a Friday Harbor High School graduate, returned to San Juan Island recently after spending several years in Utah. She enjoys being back home where her daughter can attend middle school with cousins.

Connecting with the community is one of the goals, Jennings has for the Friday Harbor Suites. As part of the community relations program, employees are paid while they volunteer in the community. Some have helped out at Stepping Stones Childcare Center. Furniture from the Suites was donated to Compass Health and San Juan Recovery.

For more information visit the BEST WESTERN FRIDAY HARBOR SUITES WEB SITE

Every room includes a kitchenette.

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