Exploring Wine and Fall Fun in Walla Walla: Temporary Closure of Iconic Marcus Whitman Hotel

As autumn starts to paint the leaves in vibrant hues and the wine season reaches its peak, Walla Walla becomes an enticing destination for tourists seeking wine and fall fun. However, this year, visitors will have to make alternate lodging arrangements as the beloved Marcus Whitman Hotel abruptly closed its doors earlier this month.

Guests staying at the 95-year-old hotel had to pack their bags and scramble for accommodations when the city Fire Department discovered a significant gasoline spill in the basement. The inspectors later determined that the gasoline likely originated from a nearby Chevron station, seeping into the hotel’s infrastructure.

This unexpected closure took place during a crucial period for Walla Walla’s wine industry, which experiences the highest tourist influx in the spring and fall. Guy Glaeser, Executive Director of Visit Walla Walla, acknowledged that some people will miss the experience of staying at the Marcus Whitman, with its rich traditions and cherished memories. Nonetheless, he assured visitors that Walla Walla still offers a vibrant wine scene beyond the iconic hotel.

David Gavaldon, the general manager of the Marcus Whitman, is actively collaborating with the Fire Department and the state Department of Ecology to ensure a safe reopening. The well-being and safety of guests, team members, and residents remain their top priority. Since its forced evacuation on September 14th, the 133-room hotel has remained closed, redirecting conferences to alternative venues or canceling them altogether. However, Glaeser assured travelers that there are still available rooms in other hotels to accommodate their stay.

Surprisingly, even with the Marcus Whitman closed last weekend, the overall lodging occupancy remained high at 95%. Although the gasoline spill has been pumped out of the hotel, its reopening hinges on a plan developed in collaboration with the Department of Labor and Industries. According to Glaeser, they are aiming for a reopening date next Friday.

Although the gasoline leak expanded to the adjacent post office, Walla Walla’s water supply remained unaffected and clean, according to Brenden Koch, a city spokesperson. Despite this temporary disruption, the Chevron station owner has been cooperative and has granted access to investigators. At this time, the owner has not responded to requests for comment.

Looking ahead to the future, the Marcus Whitman Hotel is expected to be open for wine events such as the Walla Walla Fall Release Weekend in November and the Holiday Barrel Tasting Weekend in December. These festivities attract countless tourists to the region, and Glaeser assures everyone that while a major landmark like the Marcus Whitman may experience minor disruptions, the Walla Walla valley remains open, beautiful, and brimming with exceptional wine.

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