Our Story Isn't Your Typical Hotel Tale

It's about taking risks, chasing dreams, and building something that actually means something to us

Wellness Experience

2018

Year We Opened Our Doors

Where Fire Meets Tranquility

Look, we're not gonna feed you the usual "passion for excellence" spiel. The truth? We got tired of cookie-cutter hotels that felt like they came off an assembly line.

Started this place because we wanted somewhere that actually felt alive - where the energy of Vancouver's downtown scene meshes with that deep-breath-you-need moment. That's the fire and tranquility thing we keep talking about, and yeah, we know it sounds a bit dramatic, but it's real.

Every corner of this hotel's been designed with intention. Not just throwing fancy stuff at walls and calling it luxury. We're talking about creating spaces where you can actually unwind, recharge, and maybe remember why you love traveling in the first place.

The People Behind the Vision

Spoiler alert: we're just regular folks who happened to be really stubborn about making this work

Elena Marchetti, Founder & Visionary

Elena spent fifteen years climbing the corporate hotel ladder before she had her "what am I doing with my life" moment. Walked away from a cushy GM position in Toronto to build something from scratch here in Vancouver.

She'd been sketching out ideas for Ignivarion Spirex on napkins for years - yeah, literally napkins, we've got a framed one in the office. The concept was always about blending that high-energy vibe with genuine relaxation, not just slapping a spa onto a business hotel and calling it a day.

"I wanted guests to feel something when they walked in," she tells people. "Not just impressed, but actually moved. Like they'd found their Vancouver home base." That's Elena - she gets emotional about lobby lighting and it somehow works.

Her favorite spot? The corner table in our restaurant at 6am, second espresso in hand, watching the city wake up.

Elena Marchetti
Marcus Chen

Marcus Chen, Co-Founder & Culinary Director

Marcus came on board when Elena was still looking for investors and he basically said "forget the money, I'm in for the creative freedom." Guy's a James Beard nominee who got burnt out doing tasting menus for people who Instagram more than they taste.

He designed our restaurant concept around the idea that fine dining doesn't need to be stuffy. "Food should start conversations, not just fill bellies," he'll say while simultaneously plating something that looks like edible art.

What sold him on joining forces? Elena's promise that he could source locally, change menus seasonally, and never have to make "hotel food" just because that's what people expect. Seven years later, his menu's still evolving and we wouldn't have it any other way.

Catch him at the farmer's market every Saturday morning, haggling over heirloom tomatoes like his life depends on it.

How We Got Here

2016

The Crazy Idea Phase

Elena quit her job. Everyone thought she'd lost it. Spent six months traveling to boutique hotels across Europe and Asia, taking notes, dreaming big, maxing out credit cards.

2017

Making It Real

Found this gorgeous building on West Georgia that'd been sitting empty. Convinced some investors (and Marcus) to believe in the vision. Construction started and so did the sleepless nights.

2018

Opening Night

Soft launch in March, full opening in May. Our first review called us "audaciously different" which we took as a massive compliment. Booked solid within three months.

2021

Surviving & Thriving

Yeah, the pandemic hit us hard. But we pivoted fast - turned rooms into long-term stays, offered spa packages for locals, kept our team employed. Came out stronger and honestly, more connected to our community.

2025

Today & Tomorrow

Expanded our wellness center, added new suites, and we're still evolving. The goal isn't to become some massive chain - it's to keep doing this one hotel really, really well.

Meet the Dream Team

The folks who make this place actually run, and they're pretty great at it

Team Member

Sarah Kowalski

Head Concierge

Ten years making Vancouver magic happen for guests. She knows every restaurant owner, every theater manager, and somehow always has tickets to sold-out shows.

"My job's basically professional problem-solving with a smile"

Team Member

Dr. Amara Patel

Wellness Director

PhD in holistic health, certified in about a dozen massage modalities. She designed our entire spa menu and trains every therapist personally. Total perfectionist in the best way.

"Wellness isn't luxury, it's necessity"

Team Member

James Richardson

Guest Experience Manager

Started as a front desk agent, worked his way up through pure dedication and genuine love for hospitality. Remembers every repeat guest by name, their coffee order, and their dog's birthday.

"Details matter, but kindness matters more"

Team Member

Chef Isabelle Moreau

Sous Chef

Marcus's right hand in the kitchen. Trained in Lyon, worked in Montreal, brought her magic to Vancouver. She's the genius behind our weekend brunch that people line up for.

"French technique, West Coast soul"

Team Member

Raj Mehta

Events & Conference Director

Pulls off corporate conferences and intimate weddings with equal finesse. His superpower? Staying calm when everything's going sideways. Which in events, is basically every day.

"No such thing as perfect, just prepared"

Team Member

Catherine Liu

Operations Manager

The person who actually makes sure everything runs smoothly behind the scenes. Supply chains, staff schedules, maintenance - she's got spreadsheets for days and we'd be lost without her.

"Someone's gotta keep this ship sailing"

Recognition & Standards

We don't chase awards, but we won't pretend they don't feel pretty great

Forbes Travel Guide

Four Star Rating 2024

Honestly didn't see this one coming but we'll take it
TripAdvisor

Travelers' Choice 2023 & 2024

Our guests are the best hype people
AAA/CAA

Four Diamond Award

Sustained excellence since 2020
Conde Nast

Readers' Choice Top 20 Canada

2024 recognition that made us tear up a bit
Green Key Global

Level 5 Certification

Sustainability matters to us, a lot
Spa Excellence

BC Spa Association Award

Dr. Patel's baby, she's so proud
Heritage Vancouver

Restoration Recognition

For keeping the building's original charm
SafeStay Canada

Verified Health & Safety

Your safety's non-negotiable

What We Actually Stand For

Not corporate buzzwords - stuff we genuinely care about

Real Hospitality

Not the fake "have a nice day" stuff. We mean actually giving a damn about whether you're comfortable, happy, and getting what you need. Our team's trained to think, not just follow scripts.

Environmental Responsibility

We're not perfect, but we're trying. Solar panels on the roof, locally sourced everything, waste reduction programs.