Our Story
Where Ancient Grandeur Meets Modern Elegance
Look, we're not your typical hotel. Built into what was once a historic fortification overlooking Vancouver's stunning waterfront, we've spent years turning stone walls and heritage architecture into something you'd actually want to stay in. It's been quite the journey, honestly.
Originally constructed as a coastal defense structure, this fortress watched over Vancouver's harbor for decades. Pretty serious business back then - all military precision and strategic importance.
Declared a protected heritage site, the fortress sat empty for years. Locals would walk by and wonder what could possibly be done with such an imposing structure. Turns out, plenty.
Our founders saw something different - a chance to preserve history while creating something genuinely luxurious. It took some convincing, a lot of paperwork, and probably too much coffee, but the vision started taking shape.
Four years of careful restoration. Every stone wall was preserved, every archway maintained. But inside? We installed spa facilities, gourmet kitchens, and suites that'd make royalty jealous. It wasn't easy balancing old and new.
We opened our doors and honestly held our breath. Would people get it? Turns out, yeah. Our first guests walked through those massive wooden doors and you could see it click - this place was special.
We're still that fortress, but now we're hosting weddings where cannons used to be positioned. Our spa sits in what were ammunition storage rooms. And somehow, it all just works. We're pretty proud of what we've built here.
We're not trying to pretend we're a medieval castle - that'd be weird. Instead, we're embracing what this place actually is: a piece of real history that's been given a second life.
Yeah, we've got luxury amenities. The spa's incredible, the restaurant sources from local farms, and our suites have heated floors (because come on, it's Vancouver in winter). But walk through our corridors and you'll still feel those stone walls, see the original archways, touch history.
It's about respect, really. Respect for the past, but also for what modern travelers actually want. No compromises on either front.
There are plenty of luxury hotels out there. But how many let you sleep in a building that's got 130+ years of stories in its walls? Not many, that's for sure.
Our guests aren't just here for a bed and breakfast. They're here because they want something different. Maybe it's the history buff who geeks out over our heritage tours. Or the couple celebrating their anniversary in a suite that overlooks the same harbor that sailors once navigated.
Every guest becomes part of the story. That's what keeps us going, honestly - knowing that we're adding new chapters to something that started way back in 1892.
We've got a team that actually cares about this place. Here are the folks you might bump into around the property.
General Manager
Victoria joined us from a boutique hotel group in Switzerland. She's got this knack for remembering everyone's names and somehow manages to keep this whole operation running smoothly. If you see her, she's probably solving three problems at once.
Executive Chef
Our chef's got a Michelin star background but insists on keeping things "honest and delicious" - his words. He's always at the farmers market before dawn, chatting with producers. The wine cellar dinners? Those are his passion project.
Spa & Wellness Director
Amelie brought her holistic wellness philosophy from France and somehow convinced us to install a meditation room in one of the old guard towers. Best decision we ever made. She's transformed our spa into something genuinely restorative.
Chief Concierge
James knows Vancouver like the back of his hand - grew up here, actually. Need tickets to that sold-out show? Restaurant reservation at the hottest spot? He's your guy. Also happens to be our in-house historian and leads some of our heritage tours.
Events & Conference Director
Planning a wedding in a fortress? Corporate retreat in a heritage building? Priya makes it happen. She's coordinated everything from intimate ceremonies to major conferences, and somehow makes it look easy. Spoiler: it's definitely not easy.
Recognized for our restoration work that actually preserved the building's character - not an easy balance
Forbes gave us their seal of approval - we celebrated with champagne in the wine cellar
Turns out those thick fortress walls are pretty energy efficient - plus we've got solar panels now
Our guests voted us best boutique hotel in BC - that one actually made Victoria tear up a little
We could keep talking about our history and what makes us special, but honestly? You should just come check it out. The fortress speaks for itself.
