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Rebirth of Oak Bay Beach Hotel Has Many Sighing with Relief

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VICTORIA, B.C.—When the iconic Oak Bay Beach Hotel was torn down in 2007, it was not without controversy. Since the late-1920s, the Oak Bay Beach Hotel was a major fixture of Victoria, drawing both local regulars to its cozy Snug Pub and travelers from around the world to the waterfront grounds, manicured gardens and its traditional British charm. So in 2006, when the building was declared in a state beyond repair and was slotted for teardown, sadness was palpable throughout the community within British Columbia’s capital city. 

Owners, Kevin and Shawna Walker, had a long process with City Council to get the rezoning needed to rebuild the hotel, increase its height and combine hotel suites along with full time residences in order to make the project viable. It would have been easier to simply redevelop what is arguably one of the most valuable pieces of waterfront in Canada into condos, but the third generation hoteliers wanted to continue, and improve upon, the level of hospitality that had been offered at the site for more than 80 years.  

“After being a much-loved fixture of our city for the better part of a century, seeing the original hotel come down was tough for Victoria residents and visitors alike,” said Kevin Walker, co-owner and developer of the project. “Before my wife and I took ownership in ’95, I worked at the hotel, under my dad, since the ’70s—a lot of history there. I’d see the same weekly regulars at the Snug Pub and the same visitors year after year.”

Perseverance Pays Off

When the economic downturn hit and work was slowed on the site, fears rose again that the hotel would not be rebuilt. Perseverance, and some say stubbornness, along with the creation of the popular Discovery Club, a luxury travel destination club providing members owner-like access to a variety of four- and five-star hotels resorts (including the Oak Bay Beach Hotel) and travel adventures and experiences worldwide, helped the Walkers secure the financing they needed to get building. 

Now rising high above the same Pacific Ocean waterfront, across from the famous Victoria Golf Club, the new Oak Bay Beach Hotel pays homage to its original 1920s, Tudor-style grandeur. The $52 million hotel combines luxury hotel rooms, year-round residences and vacation rental suites into its seven stories and is set to reopen in May 2012, just in time for the city’s busy tourist season.

Targeting a LEED Gold certification and 5 Green Keys in the Hotel Association of Canada’s Green Key Program, the Walkers’ environmental sensitivity plan involves reusing a number of original materials in the rebuild, including bricks, windows, beams and furniture. In addition, both the well-loved Snug Pub and dinner theatre program will be key features of the 100-room hotel once it reopens.

First Luxury Victoria Hotel & Spa with Private Residences

And while the essence of the original Oak Bay Beach Hotel has been captured by the Walkers, a number of modern amenities and live-in suites have been added, making the property Victoria’s first luxury hotel and spa with private residences. Hotel guests will have use of the seaside, therapeutic mineral pools, fitness centre and spa; services from an on-staff sommelier and fine dining at The Discovery restaurant; and 24-hour room service, butler, and concierge. Kate’s Café will provide casual dining.

Thanks to its prime, oceanfront location, the Oak Bay Beach Hotel will also offer its guests a range of adventure opportunities, including kayak rentals and tours, whale-watching expeditions, out-island hikes, fishing and sailing charters and more.

“When we envisioned the new face of the Oak Bay Beach Hotel, we wanted it to be a place of luxury—a combination of five-star services and amenities with the peacefulness of home,” said Kevin Walker.

Go to the Oak Bay Beach Hotel.

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