229 replies to this topic

[Mike K.]

I was thinking the other day that Victoria, being a tourism hotspot and all, lacks the volume of big brand hotels that one would expect in such a market.

There is no Hilton, Radisson, Hyatt, Four Seasons, Ritz, Sheraton, Pan Pacific or Crowne Plaza.

What we do have is a fairly dated Fairmont, a Delta, a Coast and a Marriott (and of course staples like Ramada and Best Western). And the only Westin is way out atop Bear Mountain.

Odd, isn't it?

[VicHockeyFan]

I'm always somewhat amazed that Laurel Point continues to go on with no brand. I thought maybe that Artie wanted it that way, but even well after her death they continue unbranded. And Delta (Ocean Point) is Canadian too, you'd think they'd do better with a brand name US visitors (not on a tour package) would recognize. Surely on any given summer night, there are still more US tourists in there than Canadians.

[Holden West]

In the Internet age does it really matter if a hotel is part of a chain? I think being part of a giant chain robs a hotel of its identity. It's been pointed out before but the little motel on the Gorge and the big hotel on Blanshard near Mayfair are both Comforts, but one in 100 would be able to guess that. They might as well not have names at all they're so anonymous and generic.

If you Google hotel victoria harbour, the Laurel Point pops right up so what more do you need?

I realize that some will say with a international franchise comes support and good managerial oversight which may be why our local Marriott is top rated.

[spanky123]

In the Internet age does it really matter if a hotel is part of a chain? I think being part of a giant chain robs a hotel of its identity. It's been pointed out before but the little motel on the Gorge and the big hotel on Blanshard near Mayfair are both Comforts, but one in 100 would be able to guess that. They might as well not have names at all they're so anonymous and generic.

If you Google hotel victoria harbour, the Laurel Point pops right up so what more do you need?

I realize that some will say with a international franchise comes support and good managerial oversight which may be why our local Marriott is top rated.

Corporate travel is often booked by brand.

[VicHockeyFan]

Corporate travel is often booked by brand.

I also think if you are unfamiliar with the area, you still go with the "safe" bet of a Marriott or Fairmont, or even Best Western rather than relying on the Laurel Point's website. It might be different if there wasn't a choice (like in Tofino etc.) or if your hotel was going to be your resort. In Victoria, you don't expect to spend half your time on the hotel property.

[Mike K.]

Not to mention member perks big chains offer to their frequent customers.

Medium to large firms also have a corporate account with a chain that requires their employees to stay at their hotels and in turn the company will save quite a bit of money on lodging.

So going back to the original question, perhaps the reason we lack big chains is due to the lack of business travel to the city? Tourists alone in a market like Victoria might not be enough to sustain a string of large branded hotels.

[VicHockeyFan]

So going back to the original question, perhaps the reason we lack big chains is due to the lack of business travel to the city? Tourists alone in a market like Victoria might not be enough to sustain a string of large branded hotels.

But when you brand, you simply take your existing hotel (Canterbury on the Gorge) and stick a name on it. Howard Johnson's Gorge. Same owners, same property. Now you must meet minimum standards and pay a fee for their central reservation system and advertising efforts (in the 10-15% range). You weight the cost of that fee vs. the extra business.

[aastra]

So going back to the original question, perhaps the reason we lack big chains is due to the lack of business travel to the city?

Maybe it's also because Victoria has quite a few large non-chain hotels? Executive House, Chateau Victoria, Victoria Regent, Harbour Towers, Laurel Point Inn...

Would any of the above properties be attractive enough for a big chain to want to acquire/rebrand them? I have no idea but I'm thinking probably not, at least not as they are right now.

But I suspect some of the above will eventually be acquired, completely or partially demolished, and then redeveloped as hotel/condo properties.

[AllseeingEye]

Along similiar lines as G-Man's earlier comment on this thread and back to the B&B theme briefly, I have to point out yet another unreal B&B deal in the Rockland area.

The future Mrs ASE and I were torn between considering 2-3 possibilities for our upcoming nuptials, including all the usual suspects like Sooke Harbour House etc. That is until a friend brought Villa Marco Polo to our attention. In a word "wow" - we were sold immediately: http://www.villamarcopolo.com/.

I grew up here and along with about 97% of others I have spoken to, had never heard of this place. Phenomenal gem right in the heart of the region. Great facility and property.

[VicBooster]

Looks very nice AllSeeingEye. We have a number of B&B's in the capital area that would blow away even the most discerning visitor.

[Citified.ca]

An artist's rendering of a four-storey addition (at-right) to the Abigail's Hotel property on McClure Street at Quadra Street in Victoria's Fairfield neighbourhood. The addition, if approved, would replace a single-family-dwelling situated adjacent to the primary Abigail's Hotel building.

 

Expansion planned for Abigail's Hotel property in Victoria's Fairfield neighbourhood

https://victoria.cit...-neighbourhood/

[Nparker]

I thought this was announced quite some time ago.

[Jackerbie]

Putting this here rather than the region-specific Victoria hotel thread...

 

Four Seasons Vancouver, located at Pacific Centre, will close by the end of the month. Cadillac Fairview has been secretive about the new hotel operator, but has announced that the new tenant will be a first in Canada. Rumours have been swirling that Riu will be coming to town. via https://urbanyvr.com...asons-vancouver

[Nparker]

I thought maybe "W" might want to set up shop in Vancouver.

[Jackerbie]

I thought maybe "W" might want to set up shop in Vancouver.

 

They do, but they have a location in Montreal so don't fit CF's "first in Canada" announcement. Unless they're intentionally misleading us!

[m3m]

I’d be surprised if it’s either Riu or W. I’m also kinda confused by the announcement that it’s a “lifestyle brand.” The hotel is too big and too prominent to match the profile of a “lifestyle brand” which usually are smaller and have fewer amenities and staff.

I’ve heard the rumours about Riu for years. If the Spanish are going to enter the Vancouver market I think it’s far more likely that it will either be Melia or NH. But this is Vancouver - I think it’s far more likely that a brand with a strong presence in Asia will take over this spot. It makes sense as a mandarin oriental to me, but that is certainly not a “lifestyle hotel”. I’ve heard rumours about mandarin oriental for years too. Asian brands such as shangri la and pan pacific have been successful and mandarin oriental has a lot of hotels that they run under licensing agreements which fits the profile here with Cadillac Fairview retaining ownership of the building.

[Victoria Watcher]

$3,590,000

 

 

1052 Newport Ave

 

Rarely does a property and business with such a renowned reputation, character and charm become available. The Oak Bay Guest House represents a truly authentic and elegant experience. A short stroll from the beach, this property is located in the stunningly beautiful neighbourhood of South Oak Bay, Victoria, B.C. As a thriving business, this delightful property has 11 guest rooms/suites on the main and upper floors, and two one-bedroom apartments on the ground level. 

 

https://www.realtor....y-south-oak-bay

Edited by Victoria Watcher, 24 August 2020 - 06:04 PM.

[Jackerbie]

Putting this here rather than the region-specific Victoria hotel thread...

Four Seasons Vancouver, located at Pacific Centre, will close by the end of the month. Cadillac Fairview has been secretive about the new hotel operator, but has announced that the new tenant will be a first in Canada. Rumours have been swirling that Riu will be coming to town. via https://urbanyvr.com...asons-vancouver

New rumour that the Four Seasons will make a triumphant return to Vancouver as the new operator of the Holborn Group's landmark hotel. It was operated as a Trump Hotel until today. It has now closed and all staff have been laid off.

[Victoria Watcher]

empress will close for 3 months on january 3rd for $3m major mechanical overhaul.

[todd]

Getting the HVAC systems up to snuff?