Hotel Eldorado – Kelowna, British Columbia

We participated in the Kelowna Pre-Excursion to the Wine Bloggers’ Conference 2013 (WBC13) which was organized for us by Tourism Kelowna. They along with hotel and wineries in the Kelowna area sponsored the trip.

Our lodging for the Pre-Conference Excursion to the Wine Blogger’s Conference 2013 (WBC13) was the Hotel Eldorado, a boutique hotel on the shores of Okanagan Lake. Its colorful past dates back to 1927.

Originally built by Countess Bubna Litite of Austria, about 3 miles down the lakeshore from its current location, it was called the Eldorado Arms Inn. Though it began as lodging for local ranch hands, it eventually became an elegant hotel with extensive gardens and was well known for quality dining and lodging. It attracted visitors from all over Europe and North America.

The hotel operated under a series of owners until the late 1980s. It was purchased by Jim Nixon in 1989 and saved from demolition. The hotel was moved by barge to its current location in March of 1989 but burned to the ground in April of 1989, the victim of arson. Nixon had the structure re-built to as near an exact replica of the original as possible using the original foundation, photographs and original blueprints as guides.

As you walk into the hotel the architectural style, the antiques and memorabilia from “back in the day” transport you to the past. There are spectacular photos of the arson fire that destroyed the original building. The wooden floors and stairways feel solid. The bar and dining room are comfortable and have lake views. Outside dining is available along the dock.

Our room, located in the newer Eldorado Arms wing of the hotel, was spacious and comfortable with cork flooring, large windows and high ceilings.

The location along the shore of Okanagan Lake is ideal. We each enjoyed a glass of Okanagan Valley wine as we sat dockside enjoying the lake view and watching kitesurfers skip across the lake.

This boutique hotel, which continues to be owned and managed by the Nixon family, is a real gem. It is located close to the city and to wineries, but is quiet and peaceful. It was a great place to begin our excursion to the wineries of the Kelowna area.

Thank you to Tourism Kelowna and to Hotel Eldorado for organizing and subsidizing our stay.

Cheers!