Category Archives: Property Spotlights

Silver Falls State Park Press Release

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Guest Services, Inc., Launches Smith Creek Village At Silver Falls State Park

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Pictured: Smith Creek Cabins.
(Photo Courtesy of Oregon State Parks.)

GUEST SERVICES, INC., LAUNCHES SMITH CREEK VILLAGE AT

SILVER FALLS STATE PARK

Expanded Hospitality Amenities Include Lodging, Dining, Retail, Market, Event Space, More

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SILVER FALLS STATE PARK, OREGON (June 2025) – Guest Services, Inc., the premier national hospitality management company and concessionaire for parks and public spaces across the United States, announces its official expansion into Oregon with the launch of year-round operations at Smith Creek Village inside Silver Falls State Park. This landmark park nestled in Oregon’s temperate rainforest welcomes 1.6 million annual visitors and is renowned for its 7.2-mile Trail of Ten Falls hike boasting 10 scenic waterfalls. With Guest Services as manager and operator of Smith Creek Village, the park will now offer an expanded slate of accommodations and amenities for the public to enjoy.

Slated for a full opening this June, Smith Creek Village will provide guests with full-service lodging, dining, retail, event spaces and future mountain bike rentals. Offerings include 19 distinctive lodging units designed to suit a variety of travelers, from solo hikers to large families and wedding parties, including:

  • Four family-sized lodges for up to 12 guests each.
  • Eight cozy tiny cabins accommodating two to three visitors each.
  • Four duplex-style cabins for two guests per unit.
  • One luxurious private cottage for four people.
  • Access to two nearby ranch properties, including the historic 1880s Davidson Ranch (known locally as Old Ranch) for event rentals for up to 100 guests during the day and 75 bunk-style accommodations for overnight use.

Dining options include South Falls Café, a fast-casual eatery located near the South Falls trailhead, and The Big Leaf Market & Grill, a full-service, family-friendly restaurant within Smith Creek Village. Here, guests can enjoy fresh, locally sourced meals, grab-and-go items, beer and wine and shaded outdoor seating areas surrounded by the park’s natural beauty.

Retail services will be anchored by Ten Falls Supply Co., featuring hiking gear including trekking poles, waterproof backpacks, water bottles and trail snacks as well as souvenirs and sustainable, locally made goods, such as soaps, patches, apparel and local coffee roaster products. The retail concept also serves an educational function by integrating interpretive materials that promote environmental awareness and sustainability.

Supplementing lodging and dining are multiple venues for private and public events. Smith Creek Village features two indoor meeting halls and several scenic outdoor ceremony sites such as the Elopement Arch, Ceremony Lawn and Mackenzie Meadows—making it a sought-after wedding destination.

“Silver Falls is an extraordinary place, loved by locals and travelers alike for its unmatched natural beauty,” said JJ Condella, general manager for Guest Services, Inc. at Smith Creek Village. “We’re honored to help elevate the experience for every guest through thoughtful stewardship, warm hospitality and authentic, locally driven experiences.”

For more information on Guest Services, Inc., visit www.guestservices.com.

 ABOUT GUEST SERVICES, INC.

Since 1917, Guest Services, Inc. has earned the reputation as a premier hospitality management company and national and state park concessionaire that has taken great care and pride in delivering best-in-class food, lodging, retail and recreation services. The Fairfax, Virginia-based company and its subsidiaries employ more than 3,500 staff at more than 250 facilities, which welcome approximately 30 million guests annually across the United States. Guest Services, Inc. is proud to welcome visitors at Mount Rainier National Park, North Cascades National Park, Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area in Washington, several parks in the Washington, D.C. area and state parks such as Bear Mountain in New York. To learn more visit www.guestservices.com.

ABOUT SILVER FALLS STATE PARK

Often called the “crown jewel” of the Oregon State Parks system, Silver Falls State Park is a standout scenic treasure that puts Oregon firmly on the national—and international—stage featuring 10 waterfalls including the 177-foot South Falls. The park offers scenic beauty, boundless recreational opportunities and historic structures built by the Civilian Conservation Corps nearly 100 years ago. To learn more about Oregon State Parks including Silver Falls, visit stateparks.oregon.gov/

MEDIA CONTACT:

Vanessa Thill/Erika Pope
The Vox Agency
vanessa@thevoxagency.com /erika@thevoxagency.com
(469) 226-4723/ (702) 249-2977

 

Honoring the Legacy of The Indian Craft Shop

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After over 87 years of celebrating and promoting American Indian arts, Guest Services will no longer be operating The Indian Craft Shop and will have its final day of business on June 6. For generations, the Shop has been a beloved cultural gem inside the U.S. Department of the Interior, connecting visitors with authentic Native American art, jewelry, and traditions from across the country.

Founded in 1938 and managed by Guest Services, Inc. since its inception, the Shop has served as more than a retail space, providing a hub for learning, cultural appreciation, and human connection. Whether you were a first-time visitor, a long-time regular, or even a third-generation supporter, The Indian Craft Shop became part of countless personal journeys and family traditions.

Join Our Final Celebrations

As part of its farewell, the Shop is hosting two Open House Celebrations. The first, held on May 8, welcomed guests for an afternoon of connection, shared memories, and celebration. Attendees enjoyed cake and refreshments in the sculpture garden behind the Shop. 

During the event, Guest Services President & CEO Nico Foris and Michael “Mick” Rusten, Director of Facilities and Administration for the Office of the Secretary, had the honor of cutting the ceremonial cake. (Photo by Susan Schramm)

The final celebration will take place on Thursday, May 22, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., and all are invited to stop by, wear their favorite pieces collected over the years, and join in recognizing the community the Shop has fostered for generations.

Visitors can also take part in a blowout sale from May 20 to May 30, featuring the last of the Shop’s beautiful and unique inventory as one final chance to take home a meaningful treasure from this historic space.

Honoring Susan Pourian’s 42-Year Legacy

The closing coincides with the retirement of Susan Pourian, who has worked for Guest Services for an incredible 42 years — managing the shop, as district manager in specialty retail, working special events, and even in Marketing at the corporate office. Coming full circle to directing the Shop, her legacy is one of deep knowledge, tireless dedication, and unwavering support for Native artists and their stories. Her passion has shaped the Shop into the remarkable place it is today.

“Let’s take this time to celebrate the many years of special arts, people, experiences, and shop connections,” the Shop team shared in their recent newsletter. “This is indeed a time to have a look back and celebrate.”

Looking Ahead with Hope

As the Department of the Interior works to identify a new operator for the Shop, there is hope that another entity will carry the baton forward and continue to showcase American Indian arts for another 87 years to come.

Guest Services, Inc. extends heartfelt gratitude to the Shop’s dedicated team, its talented artists, the Department of the Interior, and every visitor who has helped make The Indian Craft Shop a vibrant and meaningful part of our shared history.

DoubleTree Naples Earns Hilton’s Prestigious 2024 Award of Excellence

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Guest Services, Inc. is proud to announce that DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Naples has once again earned the Hilton Award of Excellence, one of the most coveted recognitions across the global DoubleTree portfolio. This honor acknowledges the hotel’s unmatched dedication to service, guest satisfaction, and quality values deeply rooted in both the DoubleTree and Guest Services culture.

Located along the shimmering Gulf of Mexico coast in Naples, Florida, this award-winning property continues to raise the bar in hospitality. Just off the scenic Tamiami Trail, beside the Cocohatchee River, the hotel provides easy access to Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park, Vanderbilt Beach, and the upscale Mercato shopping and dining district. The riverfront pool, just steps outside every suite, offers a serene escape for those seeking relaxation without ever leaving the property.

This achievement is especially significant, as it marks a celebrated return to the Hilton spotlight. While the DoubleTree Naples has been recognized in the past for its commitment to excellence, being named a 2024 Award of Excellence winner signifies a powerful comeback and underscores the property’s resilience, adaptability, and unwavering hospitality. “We’re thrilled to be ranked #2 among all DoubleTree properties,” said General Manager Jennifer Robbins. “This recognition reflects our team’s passion for delivering an exceptional experience, every step of the way.”

And of course, no stay at a DoubleTree would be complete without the signature warm chocolate chip cookie at check-in—a symbol of the comfort and care that defines the brand.

Over the years, the DoubleTree Naples team has embraced feedback and responded with meaningful renovations, rolled out in carefully planned phases. These upgrades have helped refresh the guest experience while maintaining the warm, welcoming atmosphere that loyal guests have come to expect.

Even among challenges like renovations and evolving travel expectations, the Naples team remained committed to excellence. “Their dedication is genuinely inspiring,” said Shawn McAteer, Global Brand Leader for DoubleTree by Hilton. “When we CARE, it shows.” Their recognition this year is a tribute to that perseverance.

Congratulations, DoubleTree Naples! Your excellence is well-deserved and deeply appreciated.