Last week, we popped by to score a sneak peek of the brand new Skwachays Lodge, a boutique arts hotel owned and operated by the Vancouver Native Housing Society. We were totally floored by the stylish, sleek, and warm atmosphere they’ve created.
Skwachays Lodge is an innovative approach to sustainable housing that combines cultural authenticity, business excellence, and community economic development. The hotel provides help to emerging artists in need of assistance in getting back on their feet while providing a luxurious escape for visitors on the hunt for a unique place to stay adjacent to the downtown action. Guests can rest easy knowing that 100% of profits from the hotel operation and fair trade gallery help subsidize the 24 Aboriginal artists’ live/work studios housed at Skwachays. They also go towards helping the VNHS’ mandate to improve the well-being of Vancouver’s urban Aboriginal people.
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Located at the crossroads of Vancouver’s Gastown and Chinatown neighbourhoods, the hotel’s architect preserved the century-old brick façade and designed a traditional northern longhouse to sit atop the heritage building. The rooftop longhouse features a 40.5-foot story pole — the Dreamweaver that juts out into the Vancouver skyline.
Skwachays Lodge’s level of personalized services and authentic Aboriginal cultural experience make it a standout in a city overflowing with big brand hotels. We love the fact that guests are able to partake in traditional Aboriginal cultural experiences while staying at the hotel – including tours of the sweat lodge and smudge room, or observing artists at work in the workshop.
Perhaps what’s most awe-inspiring is the guest rooms themselves. Six world-class Vancouver interior designers collaborated with six Aboriginal artists to create 18 distinctly-themed rooms featuring original carvings, paintings, fabric, art, custom furniture, and décor.
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With seasonal rates starting at $149.00 per night, visitors can affordably immerse themselves in Aboriginal culture in a stunning, modern, urban setting. Oh, and let’s not forget about the fact that its central location (29/31 West Pender Street) pretty much lands you in the mecca of some of the city’s best dining too!
For more info and to book a room, visit them online.
If you’ve stayed at Skwachays Lodge, let us know how you enjoyed it in the comments below or tweet us @ViewTheVibe.
