Dundee, Ore. — December 1, 2025 — West Coast Hospitality is pleased to announce it has officially assumed management of The Dundee Hotel, a premier boutique property located in the heart of Oregon’s Willamette Valley wine country. Since opening its doors, The Dundee Hotel has become a celebrated destination for travelers seeking adventure, relaxation, and a genuine connection to Oregon’s vineyards, cuisine, and outdoor lifestyle. Under the leadership of West Coast Hospitality, the property will continue to offer its signature warmth and creativity while benefiting from the company’s operational expertise, regional partnerships, and commitment to exceptional guest experiences. “We’re honored to welcome The Dundee Hotel to the West Coast Hospitality portfolio,” said Douglas Rigoni, President & CEO of West Coast Hospitality. “This is more than a management transition—it’s a partnership rooted in shared values. The Dundee is already an outstanding hotel, and we’re excited to build on its success by enhancing service, expanding visibility, and supporting the vibrant Dundee community.” The hotel’s thoughtful amenities and community-forward design make it a true reflection of the Willamette Valley lifestyle. Highlights include free parking, EV charging stations, pet-friendly accommodation, and onsite tasting rooms that bring the best of Oregon’s vineyards directly to guests. The property is also within walking distance of more than 20 local tasting rooms and restaurants. West Coast Hospitality plans to maintain The Dundee’s independent spirit while leveraging its regional resources, marketing expertise, and service standards to further elevate the guest experience and strengthen community connections.
PORTLAND, Ore. (December 4, 2025) – The Benson Portland, part of the Curio Collection by Hilton, invites the public back once again to see its Gingerbread Masterpiece, a beloved 54-year holiday tradition. This year, the historic hotel unveiled The Royal Palace of Oz, a castle inspired by Emerald City, a nod to Wicked and the Wizard of Oz. The event took place December 2 in the grand lobby, surrounded by festive trimmings. The masterpiece will be on display through January 4. The Benson invites visitors to admire the spectacular Royal Palace of Oz, with its towers, turrets, and glittering glass windows. This majestic creation is made entirely of confectionary delights, with over 150 pounds of house-made gingerbread, 50 pounds of marzipan, 30 pounds of chocolate, 12 pounds of Rice Krispies treats and buckets of royal icing. The holiday masterpiece is once again the creation of Executive Chef David Diffendorfer, who has been delighting guests for over 20 years with his intricate, larger-than-life gingerbread designs. Chef Diffendorfer’s creations have become synonymous with Portland’s holiday season — combining culinary artistry, architectural precision, and a dash of wonder that keeps guests coming back year after year. “The Gingerbread Unveiling has been a cherished tradition at The Benson for over five decades,” says Ryan Kunzer, General Manager. “Each year, Chef Diffendorfer and his team create something magical that brings the community together in the spirit of the season.” While visiting The Benson Portland and the gingerbread masterpiece on display, guests are invited to make the holidays brighter for countless children in our community this holiday season by bringing a new, unwrapped toy to support the annual Fox 12 Les Schwab Tire Centers Toy Drive. Toy donations can be dropped off at The Benson’s hotel lobby through December 15.
Portland, OR (August 2025) — The historic Benson Hotel is proud to announce, “The Benson Jazz Revival,” an exciting new artist-in-residence jazz series launching September 17, 2025. Enjoy live performances every Wednesday from 5–7 PM in the hotel’s elegant lobby lounge. Seating is first come, first served, so plan to arrive early for the best spot. Supported by a growing list of sponsors - including Jack London Revue, Portland Skanner, Soul’d Out Productions, Music Portland, Don Julio , Bulleit, Ketel One, Rendition Rye, Kur Gin and local favorite Dobbes Family Winery - the series will blend the richness of Portland’s music scene, elevated craft beverages, and an exquisite chef-inspired hors oeuvres menu, all set in one of the city’s most iconic venues. “Our mission is to breathe new life into downtown through the power of jazz, hospitality, and community connection,” says Ryan Kunzer, Managing Director of The Benson Hotel. “The Benson Jazz Revival isn’t just about music — it’s about healing, rebuilding, and celebrating Portland’s diverse creative spirit.” Admission is free and open to the public. Food and drink available for purchase. For more information, visit www.bensonhotel.com or follow @thebensonhotel on social media. ________________________________________
INDEPENDENCE, OR – [November, 2024] – West Coast Hospitality LLC is pleased to announce it has officially taken over management of The Independence Hotel, a premier boutique property located along the scenic Willamette River in downtown Independence, Oregon. Since opening its doors in 2019, The Independence Hotel has become a celebrated destination for travelers seeking adventure, relaxation, and a connection to Oregon’s wine country and outdoor lifestyle. West Coast Hospitality will now bring its regional expertise and guest-centric approach to elevate operations while preserving the hotel’s authentic charm and community spirit. “We’re honored to welcome The Independence Hotel to the West Coast Hospitality portfolio,” said Douglas Rigoni, President & CEO of West Coast Hospitality. “This is more than a management transition—it’s a partnership rooted in shared values. The Independence is already an outstanding hotel, and we’re excited to build on its success by enhancing service, expanding visibility, and supporting the vibrant Independence community.” With features like riverfront views, rooftop hot tub, onsite bike and kayak rentals, and curated local experiences, The Independence Hotel is a natural fit for West Coast Hospitality’s collection of distinctive Northwest properties. Guests can continue to enjoy the unique amenities they love, with the added benefit of West Coast Hospitality’s operational support and regional connections. The transition of management will be seamless for guests, team members, and community partners. West Coast Hospitality plans to maintain the hotel’s independent spirit while providing additional resources, marketing reach, and elevated service standards.
SALEM, OR – [June 1, 2025] – The Holman Riverfront Park Hotel, Hilton Tapestry Collection in downtown Salem, proudly announces its new partnership with Gamberetti’s Italian Restaurant, now open on-site and serving both hotel guests and the wider community. This collaboration brings together two standout Salem institutions—The Holman, celebrated for its elevated design and riverfront location, and Gamberetti’s, a cherished Italian eatery known for its fresh, sustainable cuisine and warm hospitality. The new location at The Holman offers full-service dining, in-room service for guests, and private event catering. “We’re thrilled to welcome Gamberetti’s to The Holman,” said Matt Smith, General Manager of The Holman Riverfront Hotel. “Their culinary reputation and commitment to community align perfectly with our guest experience and vision for downtown Salem.” Douglas Rigoni, President and CEO of West Coast Hospitality Hotels LLC, the management company behind The Holman, added: “At West Coast Hospitality, we believe the best hotel experiences are built around strong local partnerships. Gamberetti’s is a perfect match for The Holman—authentic, passionate, and rooted in the Salem community. We’re excited to see this partnership enrich both the guest experience and the downtown dining scene.” Led by owner and chef Heidi Eastman, Gamberetti’s has earned a loyal following since 2009 with its thoughtful menu of handmade pasta, wood-fired pizza, and locally sourced ingredients. The new space at The Holman reflects the restaurant’s approachable elegance and commitment to sustainability, in a setting designed to welcome travelers and locals alike. “Our move to The Holman is an exciting new chapter for Gamberetti’s,” said Eastman. “We’re thrilled to serve our longtime guests and introduce new ones to the flavors of the Willamette Valley—all from this beautiful, central location.” For menus, hours, and reservations, visit www.gamberettis.com. To learn more about The Holman Riverfront Hotel, visit www.theholmanhotel.com.
GoEatGive.com - (August 2025). For an eco-conscious stay on Kauai, Waimea Plantation Cottages offers a truly unique stay steeped in sustainable principles. Rather than constructing new, resource-intensive buildings, the resort thoughtfully preserves and relocates authentic, vintage plantation homes. Take a look around the old black-and-white photographs and tools around the property dating back to the 1880s. Lay back at your porch overlooking gardens and a private beach. Cook at your own kitchen rather driving out to a restaurant. Feel a sense of place at the historic cottage in a quiet part of the island that is not frequented by tourists. Furthermore, the property actively engages in environmental stewardship, demonstrated by their proactive participation in beach cleanups alongside organizations like the Surfrider Foundation, ensuring the stunning black sand beach that fronts the property remains pristine and protects marine life. This dedication to preserving both history and nature makes for a genuinely responsible and enriching Hawaiian experience.
GOWANDERLY - (July 30, 2025) Kauai rolls out the red carpet for travelers, with everything from luxury oceanfront resorts to cozy plantation cottages tucked among swaying palms. Historic sugar plantation vibes set Waimea Plantation Cottages apart. Stay in authentic cottages from the early 1900's, scattered across 43 oceanfront acres on the quiet west side - it's a whole different Kauai pace. Vintage furniture meets modern comforts, and the black sand beach and lush gardens make for a peaceful retreat far from the crowds. Best for: couples looking for a dose of Hawaiian history, oceanfront relaxation, and a little vintage charm.
PORTLAND, Ore. (December 4, 2024) – The Benson Portland, part of the Curio Collection by Hilton, invites the public back once again to see its Gingerbread Masterpiece, a beloved 53-year holiday tradition. This year, the historic hotel unveiled a castle inspired by Germany’s Eltz Castle, described as a “fairy tale in stone”, and the epitome of a knight’s castle. The event took place December 3 in the grand lobby, surrounded by festive trimmings. The masterpiece will be on display through January 5. Burg Eltz or Eltz Castle or can be found in the hills of the German town of Wierschem, between Koblenz and Trier. It remained unscathed by wars and has been owned and cared for by the same family from when it was built until today. Burg Eltz was the inspiration and blueprint for Disney’s Cinderella movie. This majestic creation is made entirely of confectionary delights, with over 150 pounds of house-made gingerbread, 50 pounds of marzipan, 30 pounds of chocolate, 12 pounds of Rice Krispies treats and buckets of royal icing.
By Vickie Connor | The Oregonian/OregonLive 150 pounds of gingerbread. 50 pounds of marzipan. 20 pounds of chocolate. 10 pounds of Rice Krispies Treats. Those are the building blocks behind The Benson Portland’s 2023 Gingerbread Masterpiece – a 52-year holiday tradition. For 2023, master pastry chef David Diffendorfer recreated Neuschwanstein Castle for his 27th year as architect of the longstanding holiday tradition at the downtown Portland hotel. The German castle was built in the 19th century and is located in the Bavarian Alps. It was also the inspiration behind the inspiration behind the Cinderella Castle at Disney’s Magic Kingdom. Diffendorfer’s re-creation includes the large ornate castle sitting high up, looking down to smaller buildings, trees, a bridge and lake. The Gingerbread Masterpiece is located in the lobby of The Benson and is on display and open to the public through December 30. Visitors are encouraged to stop by, enjoy a drink or hot cocoa at the lobby bar and sit by the fire.