Press Release
April 5, 2001
BRECKENRIDGE, CO -- Gemstone Resorts International, a full-service resort management and ownership company headquartered
in Breckenridge, Colo., announced April 2 that it has been awarded a long-term contract by a San Francisco-based
private investment group to manage the Forest Inn Suites Resort in South Lake Tahoe, Calif. With 119 units located
in seven buildings, the boutique resort is located 100 yards from the base of the newly opened high-speed gondola
at Heavenly Ski Resort in South Lake Tahoe. The Forest Inn Suites Resort is also located adjacent to Harrah’s
Casino in Nevada, just over the California state line.
The complex will begin the next phase of its full renovation this spring with half of the rooms and the lobby already
renovated and the remainder scheduled for completion in phases by fall 2002.
“The Forest Inn Suites Resort is situated in the heart of one of the most dynamic resort locations in America,”
said Mark van Hartesvelt, principal of Gemstone Resorts. “We are putting the property in top-notch condition and
have begun a three-year master plan to further capitalize on this unique property. Two large resort/timeshare
villages will soon go under construction on both sides of our property, which will provide our guests with virtually
every amenity possible in a resort setting. We will distinguish the Forest Inn Suites Resort by taking advantage
of our intimate setting and providing the service and amenities that only a resort of this size can offer.”
Dorcas Beck, Gemstone director of operations for the Western Region said that the property is ideally designed
and located for families, small corporate meeting groups and weddings, as well as being ideally suited for skiers.
More facilities are in the initial planning stages as we are examining an expansion of the existing spa, additional
meeting and function space, expanded family recreation activities, and additional outdoor wedding and event venues.
The Forest Inn Suites Resort already is one of Lake Tahoe’s most charming and unique properties; our goal is to
make it more exciting, yet maintain a relaxed atmosphere with the high levels of personal service that only a small,
intimate resort can provide.”
Van Hartesvelt noted that Forest Inn Suites is the fifth project assigned to Gemstone Resorts within the past 18
months. “We begin each assignment by tailoring marketing and management plans to align with our owners’ financial
interests. Our senior management team has significant, in-depth experience with beach and ski resorts, including
renovating and repositioning to successfully turn-around poorly performing properties. We continue to seek additional
management assignments and currently are in negotiations with a number of other exciting projects.”
Nestled in a breathtaking alpine setting on 5.5 wooded acres, the Forest Inn Suites Resort offers 102 one- and
two-bedroom suites featuring full kitchens and large living rooms, and 17 oversized hotel rooms. The property
also features a wedding chapel that provides a charming setting for year-round weddings. Other property amenities
include two outdoor swimming pools, two hot tubs, health club, game room, on-site massage service, newly built
meeting space for groups of up to 50 people, complimentary breakfast and a lobby bar featuring a large stone fireplace.
Complimentary transportation is provided to all major local ski areas and casinos.
Gemstone Resorts International specializes in complex resorts that comprise multiple operations, such as hotels,
interval ownership, condominium and association management and marketing, restaurants, retail and resort-related
activities. The company is engaged in complex resort marketing and management, asset management and consulting.
Gemstone currently manages projects in Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida and Utah. Additionally Gemstone
serves as asset manager for a Ritz Carlton Resort in California and as the Western U.S. Regional Director for Orlando-headquartered
Westgate Resorts.
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Contact:
Chris Daly Daly Gray chris@dalygray.com