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Big Life Magazine, December 2015
Knob Hill Inn was recognized as a coveted place to stay in the article, “Road Tripping: Mountain Collective Adventures & Best Bargains Along the Way.” Full Article
Sunset Magazine, October 2015
Knob Hill Inn was featured in an online article for Sunset magazine entitled, “Sun Valley slowdown.” The article highlights Knob Hill Inn as “the fanciest lodging” in Sun Valley and “a short walk from shops.” Full story
Big Life Magazine, September 2015
The Fall 2015 issue of Big Life magazine featured Knob Hill Inn in an article entitled, “Mountain Hot Spots.” Full Article
Treasure Magazine, August 2015
Knob Hill Inn was featured in the article, “Discover the autumn beauty of the Wood River Valley.” Full Article
Travel Mindset, July 2015
The Grill at Knob Hill Inn was mentioned in the article, “Sun Valley Is for Foodies.” Full Article
The Weekly Sun, July 2015
Knob Hill Inn was mentioned as a participating hotel in the nonprofit Play Hard Give Back’s business model to partner with hotels and give back to local charities. Full Article
Big Life Magazine, Spring 2015
Knob Hill Inn was included in the article titled “The Big 10: A Guide” for Sun Valley. Full Article
VactionIdea.com, March 2015
Knob Hill Inn was included in the article, “Top 25 Romantic Weekend Getaways in the U.S.” Full Article
Sunset Magazine, January 2015
Knob Hill Inn was featured in the article, “The New Classic Lodges: Top five base camps this winter.” Full Article
Idaho Mountain Express, December 2014
Knob Hill Inn was featured on the Idaho Mountain Express, “Resort-area occupancies up 9 percent.” Full Article
LA Magazine, November 2014
Knob Hill Inn was highlighted in the LA Magazine article, “The Weekender: Sun Valley.” Full Article
Huffington Post, November 2014
Knob Hill Inn was mentioned in a Huffington Post article entitled, “4 Reasons to Visit Idaho Now.” Full Article
Mountain Meetings Magazine, November 2014
Knob Hill Inn was featured in the Fall/Winter issue article, “Radiant Sun Valley: this central Idaho region has a storied history and an abundance of amenities.” Full Article
Fodors’s Travel, October 2014
Knob Hill Inn was mentioned in a Fodor’s article entitled, “4 Reasons to Visit Idaho Now.” Full Article
Curbed Ski, July 2014
Knob Hill Inn was featured in a Curbed Ski article entitled, “Ten Ski Country Vacation Spots With Epic Outdoor Amenities.” Full Article
Helena Independent Record, June 2014
Knob Hill Inn was featured in a Helena Independent Record article entitled, “Live the luxurious lifestyle by spending a long weekend in Sun Valley, Idaho.” Full Article
We Blog The World, April 2014
Knob Hill Inn was featured in a WeBlogTheWorld.com post entitled, “The Irresistible Charm of Sun Valley Idaho’s Knob Hill Inn.” Full Article
Curbed Ski, March 2014
Knob Hill Inn was highlighted in the Curbed Ski March online list: “Top 38 Essential Ski Town Hotel.” Full Article
Outside Magazine, January 2014
The Grill at Knob Hill Inn was highlighted in the January online article, “The Best Ski Town Eats.” Full Article
Style Magazine, January 2014
The Knob Hill Inn was highlighted in the January article, “Sun Valley, Idaho: World-Class Fun in the Winter Sun.” Full Article
Sun Valley Property News, January 2014
Sun Valley Property News magazine highlighted Knob Hill Inn in their feature on architectural trends.
Northwest Travel magazine, August 2013
Knob Hill Inn was highlighted in the August issue of Northwest Travel as a top lodging choice in Sun Valley, with “service beyond compare”. Full Article
Mountain magazine, Spring 2013
The Knob Hill Inn was featured in Mountain magazine’s recommended “mountain lodges.”
DiscoverWashingtonState.com, Spring 2013
The Knob Hill Inn was featured in the blog, DiscoverWashingtonState.com.
KMVT 11, November 20, 2012
Knob Hill Inn Reopens After Renovations. View Segment.
On The Snow, November 2012
The Knob Hill Inn was named the “Top Lodging” choice for skiing in Sun Valley.
Full Article.
Sip Northwest, July 2012
Renovated with fresh insight and designs, the Knob Hill Inn once again represents itself as a topmost option for Sun Valley lodging with no shortage of mountain views. After being recently purchased by four locals with ties to the tight-knit community, Knob Hill and its 29 stylishly remodeled guestrooms and suites are already in full swing, hosting those who know of the valley’s secrets and even a few locals looking to get a little high-end European chalet in their life. The centrally-located lodge is so close to downtown Ketchum that the staff can truly provide feet-wetting, hair-raising, breath-exhaling guided experiences and rentals through friendships with the town’s featured retailers. Of coure, the skiing has been established as a local legend, but the mountain biking, golfing, hiking, fly fishing and snow shoeing are all novel, new and coming into their own, mirroring Knob Hill itself. Full Article.
HotelInteractive.com, May 15, 2012
Knob Hill Inn Appoints New General Manager
Knob Hill Inn, a charming European-style hotel located in the heart of downtown Ketchum, announces Shannon Allen as general manager. Allen joined Knob Hill Inn as a sales manager in December 2011 following its $750,000 renovation. She quickly worked her way up the ranks and in her new position, will be responsible for overseeing all operations of the hotel and creating an incomparable guest experience. “We are very fortunate to have Shannon on our team. She brings industry knowledge, a strong work ethic and a track record of delivering superior service to our guests,” said John Oppenheimer, co-owner of Knob Hill Inn as well as founder and CEO of Columbia Hospitality. “We are confident that she will continue to secure Knob Hill Inn’s reputation as a premier Sun Valley lodging choice.”
LodgingMagazine.com, May 15, 2012
Knob Hill Inn named Shannon Allen as general manager responsible for overseeing all operations. Allen joined Knob Hill Inn as a sales manager in December 2011 following the Inn’s $750,000 renovation. Prior to joining Knob Hill Inn, Allen was account manager of individual and group ski travel, at Mountain Reservations/VacationRoost.
IdahoBusinessReview.com, May 14, 2012
Knob Hill Inn appoints new general manager. Shannon Allen has been appointed general manager at the Knob Hill Inn, a European-style hotel in downtown Ketchum. Allen joined Knob Hill Inn as a sales manager in December 2011 following the inn’s $750,000 renovation. As general manager, she will be responsible for overseeing all operations of the inn. Prior to joining the team at the Knob Hill Inn, Allen was account manager for individual and group ski travel at Mountain Reservations/VacationRoost, a full-service vacation rental company. During her five years there, she customized vacation packages for a variety of clients and was honored as top sales agent. Prior to Mountain Reservations, she lived in Quito, Ecuador, where she taught advanced English to students and professors at the Wall Street Institute. Allen earned a B.A. in Spanish, a B.S. in business administration and a minor in international business from the University of North Carolina Wilmington. Full Article.
Association News, March 2012
Idaho, Montana & Wyoming: For Gatherings On a Grand Scale
The popular resort town of Sun Valley is a mecca for groups and visitors with outdoor interests. The European-style Knob Hill Inn unveiled a major renovation of all 29 guestrooms, the lobby and event spaces in December. The inn’s restaurant offers customizable group menus and planners can organize meetings in a variety of indoor spaces, including the Fireplace Room.
DailyCandy, January 30, 2012
Escape to your own private Idaho. If you’d prefer Ketchum as your home base, the newly renovated Knob Hill Inn offers luxe chalet-style decor, in-room fireplaces, and free buses that shuttle guests around town.
Idaho Mountain Express, December 23, 2011
Knob Hill Inn fetes itself – Shrinking Ketchum hotel sector gets a needed boost
Many Wood River Valley residents have long wondered what the next chapter of Ketchum’s Knob Hill Inn would look like – whether it would be open to the public, whether it would remain an inn at all. On Wednesday, more than 300 guests invited to a private reopening party came to see for themselves that after a $750,000 renovation, the boutique hotel would continue its original objective well into the future. “We’re thrilled the hotel is reopened,” John Oppenheimer, co-owner of Knob Hill Inn and founder and CEO of Columbia Hospitality, said in remarks to the crowd. “We’ll do everything we can to be a serious and important part of the community as we get to know Ketchum and Sun Valley more.” Gov. Butch Otter, in town for Capital for a Day, touted the economic development aspect to the project, saying private investment would be a key component of that growth. “That’s a tremendous leap of economic faith,” he said of the renovation price tag. “This is the exact kind of thing that we need in Idaho. It’s a great story for us to tell.” Sun Valley Mayor Wayne Willich also noted the benefits achieved through individuals’ initiatives. “These private investors are stepping up,” he said. “They’re saying, ‘Hey, we believe in something. Let’s go.'”
The remodel was spearheaded by Seattle-based interior design firm Cynthia Mennella Design and Ketchum-based general contractor Carter Ramsay. “A big focus was the downstairs area,” said Amy Wenaweser, Columbia Hospitality communications manager. “We really put a lot of effort into the lobby.” The hotel owners, she said, hope it’s a draw for everyone, not just guests. “The idea was really to create a community gathering place,” she said. The renovation, completed in 10 weeks, also included remodeled guest bathrooms and fixtures, upgraded in-room amenities, and new bedding and linens. In a departure from its Austrian feel, the lobby has a more modern look.
“I like it,” said Ketchum resident Wendy Jaquet. “It’s more contemporary. If we’re going to grow (as a community), we have to have more than gray-haired people here.” A group of investors bought the property at auction this summer with a winning bid of $4,724,500. The boutique inn and grounds had originally been listed for $17 million. The investment group KHI includes Fred Crosetto, CEO of Ammex Corp. in Kent, Wash.; Eric Bensussen, president and co-founder of BDA, Inc. in Woodinville, Wash.; Robert Cimino, CEO of Plaza Provision Co. in San Juan, Puerto Rico; and John Oppenheimer and his brothers Doug and Skip Oppenheimer. Columbia Hospitality is managing the hotel, which reopened Dec. 15. Joe Vallance serves as the hotel’s general manager. The Grill at Knob Hill is run by Bob and Jolie Dunn. The reopening of the hotel is a boost to the city’s hotel sector, which has been shrinking in recent years with the closure of a handful of lodging properties. Several new hotel projects have been approved by the city but have not been built.
Idaho Statesman, December 19, 2011
Knob Hill Inn reopens in Sun Valley
Knob Hill Inn has reopened in Sun Valley, after a $750,000 renovation.
The inn is co-owned by John, Doug and Skip Oppenheimer and additional investors. The investors from Idaho, Washington and Puerto Rico bought the inn in August. The renovations include a new grand lobby with a double-sided fireplace made of Boulder Mountain flagstone; updated guest rooms and bathrooms; a redesigned dining area with a custom chandelier and stacked-slate wall, and a custom-made barn-style door between the main dining area and the fireplace room. The inn has 29 guest rooms. Renovations were done by Seattle-based interior design firm Cynthia Mennella Design and Ketchum-based general contractor Carter Ramsay of Ramsay Solutions Inc. “As an Idaho native with strong ties to the Sun Valley community, I have a personal dedication to this iconic property,” said John Oppenheimer.
KMVT 11, December 15, 2011
Knob Hill Inn Opens its Doors
News coverage of the reopening of the Knob Hill Inn can be found here.
Idaho Press-Tribune, December 12, 2011
Going Places
Knob Hill Inn, a European-style hotel located in downtown Ketchum, announces Joe Vallance as general manager. Vallance joins the team as a $750,000 renovation is being completed that restores the celebrated Sun Valley hotel back to the forefront of Ketchum’s ski lodge properties. In his new position, Vallance will be responsible for overseeing all operations of the hotel. Knob Hill Inn will reopen Dec. 15.
Prior to accepting the position at Knob Hill Inn, Vallance held the position of rentals manager and head of guest services at Sun Valley’s luxury condominium resort, Thunder Spring.
HotelBusiness.com, December 5, 2011
Knob Hill Inn to Reopen December 15th
KETCHUM, ID – Following a $750,000 renovation, Sun Valley’s Knob Hill Inn here will reopen December 15. Spearheaded by Seattle, WA-based interior design firm Cynthia Mennella Design and local general contractor Carter Ramsay of Ramsay Solutions Inc., the renovation juxtaposes modern design elements with traditional Alpine chalet architecture.
“Being mindful of Sun Valley’s four distinctive seasons, it was important to blend color, values and tones to create a timeless, seasonal appearance,” said Mennella. “The earth-centric color scheme, composed of subtle natural hues, smoky gray beams and wood tones, is accented by rich textures and natural fibers, including reclaimed wood and locally-sourced stone.”
The Inn’s grand lobby has been renewed with a dual purpose: to welcome guests upon check-in and to also invite them to linger near a double-sided fireplace constructed of Boulder Mountain flagstone flanked by chenille-covered chairs with leather ottomans. A large silver gray area rug made of sea grass and natural fibers provides a warming effect over a dark gray slate floor. Guestrooms have been updated with new frameless glass showers and brushed nickel fixtures in the bathrooms play.
The focal point of the enhanced dining area is an accent wall, created from horizontal stacked slate, as well as a custom chandelier, created by local artist Kurt McAuley, out of branches and natural fibers, that floats below each barrel vault on the ceiling. A custom-designed sliding barn-style door was installed between the main dining area and the Fireplace Room, providing the option of a private dining space. A communal dining table made of reclaimed wood sits in the Fireplace Room and can seat up to 50 guests at once, or can be reconfigured into four separate tables.
Built in 1992, the Knob Hill Inn is situated within walking distance of downtown Ketchum. It was purchased in August by a group of investors including: Fred Crosetto, CEO of Ammex Corp. in Kent, WA; Eric Bensussen, president/co-founder of BDA, Inc. in Woodinville, WA; Robert Cimino, CEO of Plaza Provision Co. in San Juan, PR; and John Oppenheimer, CEO/founder of Columbia Hospitality, Inc., together with his brothers Doug and Skip Oppenheimer.
Idaho Mountain Express, November 16, 2011
Knob Hill Inn readies for reopening
Luxury hotel set to resume business Dec. 15
Ketchum’s Knob Hill Inn is prepping to host guests next month, following a sale to new owners last summer and a $750,000 renovation. “The extensive remodel has brought the celebrated Sun Valley hotel back to the forefront of Ketchum’s ski-lodge properties,” states information provided by the hotel.
Upgrades have been made to the lobby, guestrooms, in-room amenities and fireplace room and banquet area in anticipation of a Dec. 15 reopening. Columbia Hospitality, a hospitality management and consulting firm specializing in luxury hotel and resort management, will manage and operate the hotel.
The property was bought at auction on July 26 by a group of investors that includes Fred Crosetto, CEO of Ammex Corp. in Kent, Wash.; Eric Bensussen, president and co-founder of BDA Inc. in Woodinville, Wash.; Robert Cimino, CEO of Plaza Provision Co. in San Juan, Puerto Rico; and John Oppenheimer, CEO and founder of Columbia Hospitality.
