August’s Business of the Month

The Oak Harbor Chamber of Commerce and its Business of the Month Committee are pleased to award the August Business of the Month to Best Western Harbor Plaza and Conference Center.

The Best Western Harbor Plaza and Conference Center opened in August of 1985 and has continued to serve the community on Whidbey Island for 25 years. The current ownership and their philosophy for the highest quality service and guest experience are responsible for the Best Western Harbor Plaza and Conference Center/Garden Venue  receiving the Best Western International Director’s Award.  The Director’s Award is only given to the highest rated Best Western hotels worldwide.   The partners have remained in ownership since 1985.

The hotels innovative interior/exterior improvement programs ensures every guest receives First Class hotel accommodations in their stay, including a Conference Center equipped with state of the art sound system, iPod capability, enhanced lighting and contemporary event rentals. The Whidbey Island economy enjoys many benefits from the guests utilizing the hotel venues for retreats, weddings, and corporate seminars.  The events not only bring hotel guests, but also local and off island vendors such as caterers, photographers, florists, entertainers and rental companies to name a few.  The hotel staff knows that referral of guests to our local businesses is a two way street.  The guests see the beauty of our local area, city and the guest has an enhanced association with the hotel venues. In March of 2010, the staff worked with many local wedding/event vendors to produce Whidbey Wedding Inspirations Bridal Faire. This event brought 35 local vendors together to promote weddings and events on Whidbey Island and provided a great networking opportunity for local businesses. 

The hotel’s exterior improvement program includes the recent design and construction of the beautiful outdoor Garden Venue for weddings and special events.  The Garden Venue provides exceptional privacy, beautiful landscaping and will accommodate up to 500 or more. An example of the functionality of the Garden Venue, will be demonstrated on September 4, 2010 when the Deadliest Catch-Northwestern Crew and Seabolt’s Smokehouse sponsor one of the largest community events this year. 

The Best Western Harbor Plaza and Conference Center/Garden Venue lends support to all community events on Whidbey Island and non-profit charities such as, Holland Happening, July 4^th, Race Week, Whidbey Is. Marathon and Lions/Kiwanis. The hotel continuously gives special rates to local events, including sports teams, the local school districts, local marina events/business, the Oak Harbor Chamber of Commerce and NAS Whidbey.

It is the core practice of ownership, management, staff and the Best Western Harbor Plaza and Conference Center/Garden Venue, to ensure that the hotel continues to support our greater Oak Harbor community.