The Semiahmoo Resort Company will close the Semiahmoo Hotel in Blaine on Dec. 1.

With the closure, 224 people will be out of work, according to the Washington State Employment Security Department.

The hotel is Blaine’s largest employer. It also contributes thousands of dollars in annual tax revenue to the border city.

The Semiahmoo Hotel has been unable to recover financially from a significant decrease in conference bookings following the start of the recession four years ago, according to a company press release.

Larry MacDonald, general manager of the Lakeway Inn & Conference Center in Bellingham, said in an email that his hotel could possibly offer seasonal part-time work to some Semiahmoo employees. He added that the Lakeway Inn has seen good business in 2012, and news of the hotel’s demise should not be considered a signal of a downturn in Whatcom County’s hospitality sector.

The Semiahmoo Resort Company plans to continue searching for a buyer for the hotel.

The company also owns the Semiahmoo Golf & Country Club and the Loomis Trail Golf Club, both of which will remain open.

Contact Evan Marczynski and evan@bbjtoday.com or call 360-647-8805.