Hotels have been around for a while. Like hundreds of years. They provide a great service for visitors and help to stimulate local economies. Can you Imagine travelling without hotels?
There are people in Ladner that don't want a hotel in their town and cite traffic, effects on the “heritage” of the village and other suggestions that should be considered for the site.
While noting that some businesses in Ladner have been suffering and or have closed of late, you would think that the correlation between economic stimulus and business success could be easily seen. Ladnerites are apparently unable to support some businesses on their own and that should change for the benefit of the store owners and the public. Adding a boutique hotel to the economic mix in Ladner Village is a good way to start.
Heritage, and the look and feel of a building is subjective. Although there aren’t any defining design sense answers here, many believe themselves to be “heritage look” experts.
We can only offer suggestions. I have one.
Considering there was a hotel on this site more than 100 years ago, I would encourage any successful proponent to consider a design that would cater to those who are concerned about heritage. Rather than a ground level restaurant and bar in the hotel, perhaps consider a design that harkens to the Ladner of yesteryear - a saloon!
With swinging front doors, perfect for throwing drunks out on to the street, the hotel and saloon could become a famous destination, sort of like Planet Hollywood!
You could only get bottles of whisky and shot glasses served to you. Smoking would be mandatory, and Miss Kitty and her entourage could be looming around to make sure everyone is having a good time. Now that’s heritage!
Cheekiness aside, hotel guests generally shop for personal mementos or buy something for their families while travelling, and the businesspeople I have spoken to say bring it!
Ladner Village shopkeepers and businesses need the additional revenue and if they don’t get it you are going to start seeing the tumbleweed rolling down Ladner Village streets.
