BLAINE - Semiahmoo Resort Co. is moving forward with its plan to shut down the Semiahmoo Hotel at the end of the business day Saturday, Dec. 1.

The company announced the hotel closure at the end of October as the majority owner, the Upper Skagit Indian Tribe, continues to search for a buyer of the facility.

More parties have expressed interest in purchasing the property since the October announcement, but it's still too early to determine if a deal can be finalized anytime soon, said Harry Chesnin, an attorney for the tribe.

Along with the hotel, the health spa and the two restaurants at the hotel, Stars and Packers, will close. The Semiahmoo Golf & Country Club and the Loomis Trail Golf Club will remain open for business.

In the original announcement, Semiahmoo Resort Co. said the hotel has been unable to survive the collapse of its conference booking business since the national financial meltdown in 2008. The bankruptcy reorganization of its part owner, David Syre, also complicated the financial condition of the company.

As a result of the closure, more than 200 people will lose their jobs. Semiahmoo said in a press release that employees will receive their current salary and benefits through Dec. 31, 2012.

Reach DAVE GALLAGHER at dave.gallagher@bellinghamherald.com or call 715-2269.