The Muckleshoot Tribe has said it has no current plans to ask the U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs to move the land into federal trust, which would allow it to develop a casino on the property. Given that the Snoqualmie Tribe, which made a bid for the lodge, is developing a casino on Interstate 90, just outside Snoqualmie city limits, the Muckleshoot Tribe's interest in the land may be to develop additional lodging in support of the casino. In 2004, Cornerstone had the land rezoned for a 250-room hotel, conference center and 110 housing units.

Alan Tantleff, executive vice president for Jones Lang LaSalle Hotels, which brokered the sale, says that is indeed the case. "The Muckleshoot Indian Tribe will have the opportunity to bring the Salish Lodge & Spa to the next level," Tantleff says. "The additional parcel of land adjacent to the property is one of the key drivers of this deal - it allows for the opportunity to develop additional hotel and residential units, thus taking the property to a whole new level."

Located 30 miles east of Seattle, the Salish Lodge & Spa is set above Snoqualmie Falls. It has a four-diamond rating and has been recognized in publications such as Condè Nast Traveler, Travel+Leisure, Wine Spectator, and Wine Enthusiast. Columbia Hospitality, which specializes in luxury hotel and resort management, will operate the Salish Lodge for the Tribe under a 20-year management contract.