Marcus Whitman Hotel

An icon of Walla Walla, the Marcus Whitman Hotel and Conference Center is a timeless and elegant accommodation for a romantic visit to the area's fine wineries. Its period décor and special service always ensure a pleasant and memorable stay.

The Marcus Whitman was named for missionaries Marcus and Narcissa Whitman, who moved to the Walla Walla Valley during the 1830's and welcomed tired travelers making their way along the Oregon Trail. The missionaries were killed in 1847. When locals began to talk of opening a luxury hotel during the 1920's, however, the legendary hospitality of these missionaries naturally inspired them. The hotel was partly funded by selling subscriptions to individuals and families throughout the area, making the construction of the hotel a true community project.

After its opening in 1928, the hotel quickly became a center of top quality accommodations and fine food. Over the years it received many famous guests, such as President Dwight D. Eisenhower, Vice President Lyndon B. Johnson, Louie Armstrong and Shirley Temple. By the 1990's the hotel had begun to show its age. In 1999 a new owner, Kyle Mussman, undertook a full restoration of the original tower and an adjacent property, bringing them together with the addition of 10,000 square feet of conference meeting space. The hotel reopened in spring 2001.

A Rich Tradition

Designed by Sherwood D. Ford of Seattle, the hotel reflects the 1920's in its architecture and décor. The hotel has several ballrooms, both new and original. The Empire Room in particular shows off the hotel's history with restored original details such as the stained glass skylight, chandeliers and wall sconces.

The hotel's art collection includes paintings of the Whitmans, as well as works of art created by the hotel's Executive Chef, Bear Ullman. In the hotel's restaurant guests may notice Chef Bear's hand-crafted wooden bowls and platters in use bearing a salad or wedges of cheese.

The hotel offers 91 guest rooms, including 16 two-room luxury suites located in the historic tower. All rooms are richly decorated in Renaissance-style dark browns and burgundies, with hand-crafted Italian furniture. I am especially partial to the luxury suites. Not only are they located in the historic tower, but the suite's parlor living room is great for relaxing. The sleeping area features a king-sized bed and desk, and the oversized bathroom includes full-sized bathtub, as well as large bath sheets and bathrobes.

Creative Foods of the Pacific Northwest

Each morning guests may partake in a complementary full buffet breakfast served in The Marc Restaurant. The selections are many and include pastries, fruits, potatoes, eggs and breakfast meats.

With its rich and gleaming wood interior, The Marc Restaurant has been voted as the most romantic place to dine in the area, and dinners at the hotel even surpass the excellent breakfast. Chef Bear's artistry extends beyond his impressive wood art. He crafts delicious dinners using house-made breads and fresh local ingredients, including wines and cheeses from the area. Mardi and I enjoy the regular winemaker's dinners, in which foods are paired with wines from the Walla Walla region. Such special meals are well suited to this stylish, historic venue.

You could get lost in this lobby! This is our base to say when ever we come over to explore the Walla Walla wineries--I think we will keep coming because there are always new ones cropping up.