97 replies to this topic

[Mike K.]

Doubles is getting the knife as well? Nooo...

[sdwright.vic]

^ My source has told me the Barts space will reopen after the remodel. ave been told the new chef was trying some of the menu changes out on the Barts gang

[Mike K.]

I had heard that as well, but I'm not sure if it will bear much resemblance to the existing pub.

[sdwright.vic]

^Same here.... but they better keep it a little edgy or it will be a hard room to fill.

[VicHockeyFan]

Insider information indicates that when Bart's closes in a couple weeks, that'll be it. No plans to re-open. Also Bellmiro's has declined its own Christmas party reservations, not sure what that means.

Facebook:

October 14
GREAT NEWS!
Hotel renovations will not be as intrusive as planned. As a result, (Belmiro's) will remain open through the month of December!

Hmmm, their website allows us to make reservations in November. So not sure what's up...

EDIT: Now website shows nothing available after November 11.

Also:

CELEBRATE OUR HISTORY - $79 SPECIAL
As the Executive House Hotel prepares for an exciting renovation that will see the expansion of the lobby and updates to the guest rooms, spa and fitness facility, we would like to invite you to celebrate our 48 years of service.

Experience the views from your spacious One Bedroom Suite, dine-in at our authentic English-Style Pub, Bartholomew's, a Victoria classic since 1975, and see the sights of Victoria, right from your doorstep!

Enjoy the rates of yesteryear with One Bedroom Suites (featuring a separate King bedroom, full kitchen, living room and balcony) for only $79!

Rate includes complimentary wireless internet, cable TV and access to our Day Spa with whirlpool, steam room and fitness centre.

Three in-house dining options including Bartholomew's Pub, Doubles Lounge and Belmiro's Restaurant & Lounge.

Located one block from Victoria's Inner Harbour, Historic Downtown and picturesque Beacon Hill Park.

Special is available Oct.15 - Oct. 31 & Nov.4 - 15, 2013. Subject to availability.

Reserve your One Bedroom Suite today!

BOOK ONLINE

CALL US: Toll Free: 1.800.663.7001 or Local: 1.250.388.5111

[jonny]

So are the renos on this happening, or have they already happened?

[Mike K.]

Still ongoing. Opening in the Fall I think?

[jonny]

Guess you are right. I just tried to book a room online for this weekend and it told me "Coming Soon!".

 

http://doubletree3.h...DSDT/index.html

[Mike K.]

Why can't it say "Coming this Fall" or "coming in August" or whatever. Businesses can be so ridiculously cryptic at times.

[sdwright.vic]

Website say scheduled to open December 2014.

[Mike K.]

Oh well there we go. So much for coming soon, and it looks like their fall opening has been delayed until early winter.

[VicHockeyFan]

Bart's has re-opened.  Doubles is still closed.

 

[VicHockeyFan]

Hilton Hotels plans to open its first property in Victoria in the spring after a $20-million renovation of the former Executive House Hotel.

 

The 19-storey, 181-room property on Humboldt Street downtown is being flagged a DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel and Suites, considered a mid-level, full-service brand by the global hotel giant catering to business and leisure travellers.

 

“Hilton is always looking for the right properties in specific locations and this was a good one,” said Francis Mairet, principal of Mairet Consulting and Management, which is overseeing the renovation and will manage of the hotel.

 

He said the DoubleTree brand is a fast-growing segment in the Hilton portfolio as it chooses existing properties that are being repurposed, as opposed to new construction.

 

There are 400 DoubleTree hotels around the world and Victoria is the seventh location in Canada and second in B.C., after Kamloops. Hilton has 4,200 hotels in 93 countries under 12 brands.

 

The Executive House was built in 1964 as a hotel and apartment complex by local entrepreneur Derryck Jackson. His daughter, Andrea Phillips, took over operations in 1985 and remains involved as owner.

 

- See more at: http://www.timescolo...h.OoG9XjcO.dpuf

[Bingo]

Recycling Day

 

 

[Mike K.]

Great shot, Bingo.

[Matt R.]

Huh, Francis Mairet was the GM at the Atlific/Marriott hotel when I worked there years ago.  That property was top ranked of all Marriott's in the world in 2007 and won an ops award in 2008 (thanks to me I'm sure.)  

 

Looks like he's been tapped to manage this property, I would expect some big things.

 

Matt.

[D.L.]

 

[VicHockeyFan]

Latest news says this will be July or August to re-open.

[Nparker]

Latest news says this will be July or August to re-open.

In what is proving to be a busier than usual tourist season, I bet they wish they had pushed to be open earlier.

[VicHockeyFan]

In what is proving to be a busier than usual tourist season, I bet they wish they had pushed to be open earlier.

 

I suppose.  But they no doubt take a pretty long-term view for the retruns.