Oscar Wilde once said, “I have the simplest tastes. I am always satisfied with the best.” If that’s true, the new Dorian Hotel, inspired by Wilde’s title character in ‘The Picture of Dorian Gray,’ would suit him perfectly.
In a landscape of generic accommodations, The Dorian injects style, sophistication and a dash of flamboyance to the downtown Calgary hotel scene. While the dual-brand Autograph Collection and Courtyard by Marriott boutique hotel is located on 5 Avenue SW, it transports guests to another time and space entirely. To celebrate Oscar Wilde, The Dorian invokes the heyday of Victorian England with décor that reflects the eccentric writer’s love for the finer things of 1800s life, blending British inspiration with Calgary’s western roots to create something that is both beautiful and uniquely Calgarian.
Throughout the property, the décor embraces Calgary’s traditions while challenging the notion that they are something that defines the path forward. The Alberta rose is reimagined in the colours of the peacock made popular in Victorian times and is featured brightly on the wallpaper and along the edge of the English tweed carpet. The hotel also displays glass-blown cowboy hats inspired by Calgary’s western traditions but created in vibrant peacock blues, emerald greens and purples to evoke the similar hats popular in Britain in Oscar Wilde’s day. This reflects the move away from the stereotypical Calgary culture and into something else.
“We’re watching Calgary transform from previously being celebrated for its western heritage and energy-rich industries which allows us now to reflect on the new Calgary and all that it includes – a rich art and music scene, sought-after restaurants and expanding industries that ultimately attract younger people to the city,” says Patricia Phillips, CEO of PBA Group of Companies, developer of The Dorian Hotel.
From top to bottom, the 27-storey boutique hotel boasts a design-forward, vibrant space where guests are able to not just enjoy their stay but have a unique experience that lasts long after checkout. The Dorian is the city’s only dual-brand lifestyle hotel, with the 175 rooms on the Courtyard floors being more traditional Marriott hotel rooms while the Autograph Collection floors above them feature 133 premium Oscar Wilde-themed rooms that tell a story of British whimsy, sophistication and style.
“What makes it unique is that dual-flag development which really has two distinct brands that allow us to target really specific demand segments. And we offer two unique price points with shared amenities,” says Phillips.
This has been popular with future brides and grooms who want to hold their wedding in the 3,345-square-foot ballroom. With two price points on offer and rooms ranging from king and double queen rooms to king suites, there is a selection of rooms that fit the budgets and needs of their guests. That means more family and friends can stay at the wedding venue to share in the couple’s dream wedding experience – a custom-designed menu and curated cocktails in a stunning venue.
Whether hotel guests are there for an event or just spending a night or two, The Dorian’s amenities are enough to make them want to extend their stay. For those looking to stay in shape while away from home, The Dorian features a 1,500-square-foot fitness centre where guests can jump on a Peloton or join weekend yoga sessions.
Luxurious in-room amenities add to the experience of staying at The Dorian as well. Guests can ease into mornings with Premium Lavazza coffee, a selection of loose leaf and luxury teas from TEALEAVES, and a gentle wake up with AESOP bath amenities. Each room also includes a beverage cart that features the property’s own signature Earl Gray Gin as a nod to the British inspiration of the hotel.
The most alluring amenities are the three distinctive but complementary dining options that help tell the story of The Dorian. Prologue Café and Cocktails on the first floor offers guests everything from specialty coffee and fresh pastries early in the day to light snacks, craft beer and curated cocktails at night.
The second floor hosts the fresh and fun Bistro Novelle where diners can indulge in fantastic breakfast, lunch and dinner fare featuring fresh local ingredients.
The Wilde Rooftop Restaurant & Lounge will wow locals and visitors alike with its exquisite food comprised of locally sourced and sustainable ingredients and cutting-edge cocktail culture. Chef Kevin Birch and his culinary team have curated a spectacular menu that is eclipsed only by the Wilde’s views from the 27th floor. And whether it’s local musicians performing on stage or a backstreet DJ party or an ice carvings and vodka-inspired event in winter, it’s clear guests are ready to live, travel and experience new and exciting things again after the past few years of restrictions.
“The Wilde is abundant with drama and eccentric elements. It will be a place where you come as you are but don’t leave as you came,” says Phillips.
The eccentric elements aren’t confined to the fabulous rooftop patio; there are amazing art pieces sprinkled throughout the hotel that tell the story of the life and style of Oscar Wilde through a Calgary lens. One prized art piece in the third-floor conference room features a 3D art installation that creates an Alberta rose from the pages of the hotel’s namesake novel. It was important for Phillips and her organization to feature and support local artists alongside some incredible Canadian and American artists much in the same way as they have supported local entrepreneurs and suppliers.
“We’re going through a cultural explosion in Calgary that will really put it on the map to a national if not world-class level on the cultural front,” Phillips says.
PBA Group of Companies has played an integral part in shaping the city’s downtown skyline over the past nearly 60 years and continues to facilitate the growth of Calgary as a cultural hub with the completion of The Dorian.
“We are extremely excited about The Dorian and the role we envision this hotel property playing in the revitalizing of Calgary’s downtown,” says Phillips.
As it moves from its July soft opening to its grand opening this fall, The Dorian is sure to quickly become a key part of the cultural landscape of the city’s core and a favourite spot for locals and visitors to enjoy first-class food, whimsical design, unique night life and a splendid night’s sleep. Oscar Wilde would definitely be satisfied at The Dorian.
525 5th Ave SW Calgary, Alberta
403-300-6630
www.thedorianhotel.com
