The Chronicle, circa 1927 - when it all began
How It Started
Look, I'm not gonna lie - when the Warspire family first opened these doors back in 1927, nobody thought a boutique hotel could make it in Vancouver's competitive scene. But here's the thing: they weren't just building a place to sleep. They were crafting something that'd become a landmark.
Old William Warspire, the founder, had this vision. He'd traveled through Europe and seen how historic hotels there weren't just accommodations - they were experiences. So he brought that sensibility back home, mixing it with West Coast charm in a way nobody had done before.
The original building had just 32 rooms, each one designed with meticulous attention to detail. Hand-carved woodwork, imported marble, crystal fixtures that caught the light just right. People thought he was crazy spending that much on finishes, but William knew what he was doing.
Through the Depression, two world wars, and countless changes to Vancouver's skyline, we've stayed true to that original vision while evolving with the times. That's not easy, trust me. But it's what makes this place special.
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