There’s new owners at a Vernon hotel, but it also means a return to a local tradition.
Prestige Hotels has acquired the Vernon Atrium Hotel, and it will be switching back to the previous name of the Vernon Lodge.
“It’s a prominent building in town and a fixture,” said David Gibbs, the new general manager, of resurrecting the name abandoned late last year.
“The change has been well received by the staff. We want to go back to the roots.”
It’s anticipated the name Vernon Lodge could appear on signs by Nov. 1.
Prestige Hotels and Resorts owns 12 locations across B.C.
The 32nd Street hotel — with more than 100 guest rooms, three ballrooms, a pub, a restaurant — will continue to operate without interruption, and future guest reservations and event bookings will not be affected.
“It’s business as usual,” said Gibbs, who is a former general manager of the Prestige Hotel in Vernon.
The food and beverage area at the Lodge will now be operated by BRIC Hospitality Group, a local Vernon company, and Don Cherry’s Sports Grill will open in November.
“Several of our Prestige properties currently operate Don Cherry’s restaurants, and we’ve seen tremendous success with them,” said Terry Schneider, Prestige Hotels president.
“We look forward to offering residents and guests an exciting new place to watch their favourite game or enjoy a night out with friends.”
In November 2015, the then owner of the hotel, RPB Group, ended its association with Best Western and the facility became known as the Vernon Atrium Hotel.