Kootenai Tribe earns KRI design award

BONNERS FERRY – The Best Western Plus Kootenai River Inn Casino and Spa has received the coveted Best Western Champion Design Award for 2013.

Owned by the Kootenai Tribe of Idaho and managed by Hagadone Hospitality, the facility is one of just 12 to receive the designation out of more than 2,400 properties in the U.S. and Canada.

“This is a major award, and is due to the vision of the Kootenai Tribe and council and the dedication to excellence of the entire team at Kootenai River Inn,” said Jerry Jaeger, president and co-owner of Hagadone Hospitality.

Tom Turpin, general manager of the Kootenai River Inn Casino and Spa, accepted the award in front of more than 2,000 industry peers at the Best Western International Convention held recently in San Antonio, Texas.

According to Best Western, the award is given to properties whose design and aesthetic is deemed most impressive by an independent panel of judges, comprised of professional members of the American Society of Interior Designers and the American Institute of Architects.

“The Best Western Champion Awards recognize those Best Western hotels that truly demonstrate the highest levels of service, design and commitment to our loyalty program,” said Julie Montmaneix, chairman of Best Western International’s board of directors.

Located at 7169 Plaza Street in Bonners Ferry, Idaho, the Best Western Plus Kootenai River Inn Casino and Spa features 101 guest rooms, more than 500 gaming machines in three casinos, the Springs Restaurant and Lounge and the Kootenai Spa.

The property opened in 1986 and continues to expand, recently unveiling the Kootenai Falls Lodge with 36 new rooms including two deluxe family suites.

“We are proud of this property as the flagship of our Tribal enterprises,” said Tribal Chairman Gary Aitken Jr. “We look forward to continuing to find great ways to welcome our guests.”

The Best Western Kootenai River Inn Casino and Spa draws guests from Canada, Idaho, Washington and Montana, as well as summertime travelers. Info: www.kootenairiverinn.com