travel
Hotel guests return from hike to find premises has shut down
Two families had spent the day hiking beneath the breathtaking scenery of Mount Rainier, expecting to return to their hotel and unwind after a day in the wilderness, however that would not be the case.
TL;DR
- The Gateway Inn in Ashford, Washington, was unexpectedly ordered to close on August 5.
- Guests, including two families, returned from hiking in Mount Rainier National Park to find the hotel shut down.
- The closure was due to multiple unresolved safety violations, including electrical concerns and malfunctioning smoke detectors.
- Guests were given a limited time to collect their belongings and had to find new accommodation, often at a higher cost.
- One family had traveled for 13 hours and faced significant difficulty finding alternative lodging.
- The hotel had previously been ordered to close units in February due to safety concerns but resumed accommodating guests.
- The Gateway Inn's website was still advertising rooms and taking bookings despite the closure.
- Visitors are warned that obtaining accommodation near Mount Rainier during peak season can be challenging.
- Pierce County officials stated that the hotel must correct violations, obtain permits, and pass inspections to reopen.