Brand Story – Columbia Cliff Villas lets guests trade city life for hyper-local experiences.
In a world of cookie-cutter corporate retreats, Columbia Cliff Villas in Hood River, OR, delivers singular experiences that offer up the best of the region. Perched above the Columbia River Gorge among waterfalls and forests, the hotel and its event team facilitate memories that guests will share for years to come.
One hour from Portland, but a world away from city life, the property opened in 2008 with four buildings and has since expanded, totaling 41 individual rooms and 1200-square-feet of meeting space. Its indoor and outdoor breakout areas and flexible meeting rooms, one of which provides wraparound views of the gorge below, give teams open and energizing places to connect.
The greenery and spaciousness of the property provide a respite from urban environments, office buildings and computer screens. The Villas team regularly witnesses how this simple shift in backdrop works wonders when it comes to problem solving, team building and learning.
“Columbia Cliff Villas has evolved into a meeting destination, even more so than we originally envisioned,” says Steve Tessmer, Owner, Columbia Cliff Villas. “It happened organically. We realized that we had an incredible location.”
Columbia Cliff Villas puts the “retreat” in corporate retreats, leaving guests with memorable outdoor and culinary experiences on par with a high-quality vacation. In fact, many of those guests return on the weekends with family and friends.
“We’ve had a number of people over the years say that this was the best offsite meeting they’ve ever had,” Tessmer continues. “One thing we have always known is that if we impress a guest the first time, they will return, and they do.”
While capable of hosting entirely onsite experiences, the hotel enjoys serving as a launchpad for the region, organizing adventures that only exist in the Columbia River Gorge.
Rather than providing in-house food and beverage, for example, Columbia Cliff Villas partners with worldclass local caterers to deliver cuisine rarely found at hotels. Team-building excursions further familiarize guests with the community and surrounding area, from wine tastings to snowshoe hikes to wind surfing lessons to golf tournaments.
“Columbia Gorge is a national scenic area for a reason,” Tessmer points out. “Hood River is one of the coolest little towns. Everything in this area is enchanting and our site is in the middle of it all. We highlight all of the best things you can find here.”
The lush and dramatic setting sets Columbia Cliff Villas apart, both during the events themselves and well after, thanks to event photos and footage. Attendees regularly bring photographers and videographers to document the occasion, resulting in eye-catching social media, recruitment and marketing content.
As an outdoor hub, Hood River has proven to be a particularly appealing retreat location for activewear and outdoor companies. The hotel’s longtime team ensure that any event meets client expectations.
“We really listen to what planners are trying to accomplish,” Tessmer explains. “We offer suggestions and help deliver exactly what they’re looking for. It’s truly fulfilling for our team to give guests an incredible experience that’s unique to The Villas.”
As demand has grown, the property has invested in its inventory of equipment, informed by specific requests from repeat guests, such as large tables that seat up to 22 people, classroom furniture and projection equipment.
For those returning groups, Columbia Cliff Villas’s core team, which has worked together for roughly 15 years, makes sure to keep each year’s itinerary fresh with new local experiences. Over the years, they have perfected their process—supporting event planners, proposing ideas, anticipating issues and resolving unwelcome surprises.
Some guests prefer to outsource planning and event management entirely to the hotel’s team, while others want to handle it independently, even self-catering with their own food and wine. Columbia Cliff Villas knows when to step up and provide support and when to step aside to make room for someone’s big idea. While each event is entirely unique, the team always aims for the same result: an unforgettable experience.
“It’s rare to wow people with an off-site meeting,” Tessmer concludes. “But with our meeting spaces on the edge of the cliff, balconies overlooking the hatchery [a world-famous windsurfing site], a year-round water-fall just a short walk from the property…People leave here talking about it. And if you’re hosting a meeting, that’s what you want.”
Book Your Retreat Today Corporate teams interested in organizing a retreat to remember can reach out to Columbia Cliff Villas & request the Event Planner’s Special to enjoy a discounted stay in the beautiful Columbia River Gorge.
(866) 912-8366 | [email protected]
Brand stories are paid content articles that allow Oregon Business advertisers to share news about their organizations and engage with readers on business and public policy issues. The stories are produced in house by the Oregon Business marketing department. For more information, contact associate publisher Courtney Kutzman.
