Recent Improvements: from Hotel to Inn
Upgrades and changes to the entire hotel were made annually.
By the mid 80’s the public was requesting outside seating and an application to the liquor branch was granted to allow a deck to be built in front of the cocktail lounge and next to the dining room deck. The one condition imposed by Don Anderson, the director of licensing was “don’t mess up because we are watching you”.
The expansion of a liquor license onto an outside deck next to a restaurant deck had not previously been allowed and this was a test.
The outside deck was a huge success and staff scheduling was done conditional to weather. A sunny day guaranteed us to have a full house for lunch.
In the early 90’s the company made a decision to make the dining room 100% non smoking.
This was early in the non smoking movement and the change almost killed the restaurant business. However, slowly an appreciation for a clean air eating environment caught on.
Phase two of the development was redesigned, condominium presales were set in motion and the old hotel was torn down on May 10,1999.
In October the family had a meeting, rethought the long range plan and pulled the plug on phase two.
The new direction was to try to get out of the build and sell business and to get back into the cash flow business.
The newest wing of rooms that did not get eaten by the excavator was sitting there neglected but still being rented. Denis and Roselyn took a hard look at these rooms and decided that there were only two options left, tear down and walk away or renovate.
Renovations started in 2002. Every room and bathroom was stripped. The staff repainted furniture, Roselyn redecorated, carpets, bedding and beds were all replaced. Returning guests were pleasantly surprised and the comments changed from nice view to nice room.
Three quarters of the way through the rooms refurbishing project a connection was made with a potential tenant.
The idea was that if tenants could be found then a building could be built on the vacant land in the ‘hole’ where the old hotel had stood.
One potential tenant had their architect and offered a proposal for a new restaurant and liquor store. Plans were drawn and changed and eventually scrapped due to irresolvable rent negotiations. More Information Hotel Sidney BC >>>
