Back to the Past

This may be the best kept secret in the Nicola Valley, I don’t know. I’ve passed this hotel a few times, but have never stopped.

I’ve been missing something!

One of the Christmas parties we attended this year was held at the Quilchena Hotel and oh my, what a gorgeous place. The antique furniture, the stunning wide staircase leading up to the narrow hallways and hotel rooms, the absolutely breathtaking Christmas decorations all over the place, the antique photos on every wall, the REAL gunshot hole in the bar, the mouthwatering prime rib (a little rare for me, but so tasty!) and the fun party made it a great night.

Dave and I decided to get away from it all, and go back in time by staying in the century old hotel overnight. (Apparently, only one other couple had the same idea that night.)

We were the first ones at the hotel Saturday afternoon. We rang the bell, and the old wooden door  creaked open.   “You must be Dave…. we’ve been expecting you….”. We looked at each other with raised eyebrows. This would be interesting.  (and we were called by our first names the entire time—how special is that?)

Let the adventure begin!   Cold water (we had to run it for a LONG time!) …. cold room… ceramic water heater that took forever to warm up… piles of blankets on the bed…NO TV!!.. tiny bathroom that had just been added recently —it was that or a walk down the hall to the shared bathroom/shower facility (that’s how it was up till recently). Oh, and apparently the hotel is a safe place. We misplaced our room key, and found it in the door key slot  the next morning!  Truly an experience from another time. We had a few laughs about that.

The next morning Dave and I shared a brunch in the dining room… just us… we had the server all to ourselves. So cool.

Our room:

The bar/pub:

The way it was a hundred years ago:

The way it is now:

The banquet room:

You really should check it out sometime.  Great food, great service. Well worth the hour long drive.

I’m afraid it’s closed for the winter season (except special occasions).

They say the Mother’s Day brunch is fantastic…