The Hotel Eldorado has an interesting history. Originally built for Countess Bubna Litite of Austria, the Eldorado Arms was a place where the Countess’ weary European visitors could relax and enjoy some of the luxuries they had grown accustomed to in their homeland.
Originally located one mile south of its current location, the 1926 hotel was moved in the early 80’s by barge to where it now stands. You may wonder why an entire hotel was relocated just one mile away. The heritage building was slated for demolition at the old location, and this was the only way to save it. And once the move was finally complete, the hotel was burned to the ground by an arsonist. So much for preserving the Eldorado!
The current owners decided to rebuild “The El” using original blueprints and photographs. In 2006, an additional 39 rooms were added to the property, following the style of a 1940’s Hampton beach house.
If this is enough to perk your curiosity, it should. The Eldorado is a wonderful hark back to the 20’s, complete with wainscoting, old style lamps and furniture, and an imposing location on the lake. I stayed in the new Eldorado Arms wing of the hotel, containing 30 guest rooms.
My room had cork flooring, duvets, a flat screen TV, and a higher-end bathroom, as opposed to the “older” part of the hotel. I slept very well in the comfortable king bed. No iPhone dock in the room, but a desk lamp with several outlets on top made charging easy enough with the cable I’d packed.
The hotel offers 19 heritage guest rooms and 36 boutique-style guest rooms and suites. My room was bright and airy, with every amenity necessary for my comfort. Terry robes are provided for the spa and pool, both located indoors on the property.
I had a 4th floor tree top view, which gave me the chance to pull out my zoom lens and try to capture some local bird life.
There’s also a steam room and exercise equipment for guests. In-room high speed internet as well as wireless internet are both available.
The small but well-varied daily breakfast menu offers dishes using local ingredients in a beautiful room to greet the morning stillness of the Eldorado Marina.
The El’s Sunday brunch has been voted Best Brunch in the Okanagan for several years straight.
I didn’t have the opportunity to try the Bar at the El nor the hotel’s lakeside restaurant, but both are welcome additions to the relaxed atmosphere. The restaurant’s wine list alone offers over 150 different labels.
Other hotel amenities include meeting rooms perfect for business, receptions, and private parties, as well as a wedding venue.
There’s even the Kelowna Liquor Store at The El conveniently located next door, great for both local and imported wines not available at government liquor stores. The store is also proud to stock the coldest beer in Kelowna. A Wall of Spirits allows access to a wide variety of brands.
The Hotel Eldorado is located at 500 Cook Road in Kelowna. My accommodation and breakfasts were compliments of both The Hotel Eldorado and Thompson Okanagan Tourism.
