Well, at least something is shining around here b/c it isn't the sun.
Troy Longwith, GM
The Heathman Hotel in Kirkland won Conde Nast's prestigious Reader's Choice award of being ranked #1 in the Northwest and the 88th best hotel in the world. Congrats! Obviously already at the top of their game, we can cue a warm welcome for Troy Longwith, the new Heathman Kirkland General Manager (photo). I had a chance to meet with him last week and asked what his goals are for the acclaimed hotel. "Right now my goal is to observe and learn and see what makes this hotel tick. I don't plan on making major changes." Troy is a seasoned hotelier with extensive experience at names you might recognize like The Fairmont Hotel and Tulalip Casino Resort. He's enjoying the Kirkland community and the 91-room hotel and getting to know everyone here.
<--new library
Troy took me on a tour to see all of the improvements that have been completed since water damage closed the hotel over the summer. There is a new library, plenty of business meeting spaces and the fitness center has moved to the lower level. Kudos for adding the extra 2 bathrooms on the main level. And, of course, in true Heathman style there is more amazing art. This Jerri Lisk is one of my faves. Apparently, Chef Brian from Trellis even has a 'root cellar' on site where he has harvested root vegetables stored so he can bring them straight to your dining table. Which brings me to this fabulous salmon/squash special I had for lunch ( I may have been photo happy on this particular day).
So, if you're in the neighborhood be sure to welcome Troy to Kirkland. He's promised to keep his 9 and a half year old twin boys away from my 9 and a half year old twin girls. But seriously, this local Cougar fan loves his job b/c it's different every day and he gets to meet people from all over the world. If you'd like to join him in celebrating their Readers' Choice Award, look for the celebration package online and enter "Conde88" as the promo code. Bonus-this holiday season, they will have a 10 foot LIVE conifer tree in the lobby, that will later be re-planted in a local Kirkland park. See you there. I will be the one at the Trellis bar quietly inhaling those dang (A-mazing) peanut butter cookies. ~j
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