A family's planned hiking trip near Mount Rainier was disrupted when their lodging, the Gateway Inn in Ashford, Washington, was abruptly closed due to unresolved safety violations. Sarah Ruppenthal and her family discovered the closure on August 5th upon returning from an early morning hike to find utility workers preparing to shut off electricity.
They were informed they needed to vacate the premises immediately. Ruppenthal recounted having to quickly pack and use phone lights for basic tasks before finding alternative lodging. The family eventually secured a more expensive room at the nearby Nisqually Lodge. Pierce County had ordered the closure after an investigation revealed the hotel had been operating despite a previous shutdown in February for numerous safety hazards. These violations included issues with electrical systems, non-working smoke detectors, unsafe exits, and risks associated with chimney problems, according to Pierce County spokesperson Christina Rohila. Enforcement notices posted at the property had also been removed.
Another guest, Marilyn Mitchell, learned of the closure only after a long journey involving flights and driving. She and her family had to arrange for a stay at an Airbnb and have not yet been reimbursed.
Janine Andrews and her husband were more fortunate, having seen a Facebook post warning of the hotel's closure before their arrival. The post featured an "orange sign on the hotel's front door warning visitors, DANGER, DO NOT ENTER OR OCCUPY."
When contacted, Hotels.com staff stated they were unaware of the Gateway Inn's closure. Andrews was able to find a reservation for the same dates at the Packwood Lodge for a slightly higher price and received a full refund from Hotels.com. The Gateway Inn is expected to remain closed until the identified safety issues are rectified.