How We Got Here
The Beginning
Started as a modest 12-room inn by the Ward family. Margaret and Thomas Ward had this wild idea - what if you could wake up to the harbor without selling your kidney? Back then, waterfront meant either luxury you couldn't afford or sketchy motels. They wanted something in between, something real.
The Fire
Yeah, there was an actual fire. Kitchen mishap during the dinner rush. Nobody got hurt, thank god, but half the building was toast. Insurance company wanted us to rebuild somewhere cheaper. Instead, we doubled down - used the rebuild to expand to 45 suites and added that restaurant everyone keeps talking about.
Going Boutique
Elena Ward (Thomas's daughter) took over and had this vision - we're not competing with the big chains, we're doing our own thing. Added the spa, redesigned every room with local artists, started the coastal tours. Basically said 'screw cookie-cutter' and went all-in on being different.
Sustainability Push
Installed solar panels, switched to geothermal heating, partnered with local fishermen and farmers for the restaurant. Not gonna lie, it was expensive as hell. But watching cruise ships dump waste into the harbor while we're right there on the water? Couldn't just sit back and pretend it's fine.
Today
Three generations later, we're still family-owned, still waterfront, still doing things our way. Got 62 suites now, a restaurant that locals actually eat at (not just tourists), and a team that genuinely gives a damn. The fire-meets-water thing? That's us - resilient, adaptable, and always flowing forward.
The People Behind Your Stay
Why We're Different
Look, we're not gonna pretend we're perfect. Sometimes the wifi's spotty on the third floor. The elevator makes a weird noise on Tuesdays. But here's what we do have:
- A team that actually lives in Vancouver and loves showing it off
- Rooms designed by local artists, not some corporate chain's cookie cutter
- Food sourced from people we know by name
- A view that'll make you forgive that weird elevator noise
- No hidden resort fees or surprise charges (we hate that crap too)
We've survived fires, recessions, and that time a seagull got into the lobby and caused absolute chaos. We're still here because we care about this place and the people who stay here. Simple as that.