Gastown's only hotel is opening later this month | Daily Hive

Gastown's only hotel is opening later this month and rooms start at $259

Derrick Pham for Studio Sylvie/Submitted

If you’re looking for a staycation right within Vancouver, you might want to consider Block House, a new hotel opening in Gastown soon.

The new hotel has loft-style suites in the top floors of a 1893 commercial building located at Columbia and Powell, on the eastern edge of Gastown. Its opening date is March 21, 2026.

“It’s notably the only hotel accommodation within Gastown itself, offering travellers the rare chance to stay inside one of the city’s earliest heritage buildings while being steps from the waterfront and Chinatown,” reads a release from Kalido House Hotels, the company that owns it.

At the time of its build, it was called the “Commercial Block” and was a hub for rail-based trade. It used to house wholesale merchants and distribution businesses.

It was also home to one of the first elevators in Vancouver.

What is the new hotel like?

Photo submitted/Kalido House Hotels

Block House only has 19 suites, which it says are “uniquely designed” and “inspired by mid-century aesthetics and flexible living.” Some are equipped with full kitchens, other kitchenettes.

Javier Cepeda, a managing partner of Kalido House Hotels, said in a release that they are “creating stays that feel more personal, design-driven, and connected to their neighbourhoods.”

“We’re proud to introduce a space that celebrates Vancouver’s history while meeting the way people want to travel today — with more room, more flexibility, and a stronger sense of place.”

Booking opens on Friday, March 13, and April rates start at $259.

Hotel shortage

Vancouver is currently facing a severe hotel room shortage, with Destination Vancouver estimating that it needs an additional 10,000 rooms to meet demand in the coming years.

Despite a surge in tourists in recent years, the city has the same number of hotel rooms it had in 2002.

Photo submitted/Kalido House Hotels

According to Destination Vancouver, the city’s hotels are already operating at near-capacity, with an 80 per cent average annual occupancy and up to 95 per cent during peak seasons.

With the FIFA World Cup less than 100 days away, this shortage is keenly felt. According to a report from Deloitte, there will be 204,000 tourists visiting Vancouver and needing accommodation during this time.

While Vancouver has over 5,800 hotel rooms across 29 projects in its development pipeline, the challenging development environment due to rising construction and borrowing costs means there’s a risk that many of the projects won’t go through to completion.

For example, a proposed 23-storey hotel tower in the West End has been facing backlash from residents and Park Board commissioners.

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