Cool Hotels

West Point Lighthouse

Lighthouses have an undeniable romance to them. I suppose it’s a combination of isolation, picturesque locations and the old-fashioned work ethnic represented by the lighthouse keeper. Now, sadly, most lighthouses are automated and even if they weren’t, GPS systems probably could prevent most shipwrecks. But that’s neither here nor there.

Those wanting a taste of the mystery, romance and history of the lighthouse and its keepers, can find it at Prince Edward Island’s West Point Lighthouse. The square, tapered lighthouse was built in 1876 and is painted with stripes, as befitting its period and function. Once a manually operated lighthouse that prevented ships from crashing into the shore below, the building has been restored and transformed into an Inn, where guests can get a taste of what life was like for the keepers who tended the flame. The Inn itself is cozy, with each room decorated to evoke the lifestyle those who lived and worked here. There’s also a museum, giftshop and restaurant.

It may not be the biggest or fanciest hotel on PEI, but darn it, you certainly feel connected to the island. And the views are appropriately spectacular. And although I could not find and confirmation of hauntings, I wouldn’t be surprised if you heard an eerie sound or two while spending the night.

Dalvay by-the-sea

Dalvay by-the-sea, a sprawling mansion built in 1895 by the wealthy businessman Alexander McDonald, sits on a big, green meadow overlooking the ocean on Canada’s far-flung and bucolic Prince Edward’s Island. Conceived as a vacation home for the McDonald family, the house was built with all local materials and to fit in with the island’s architecture, but nevertheless with all opulence expected of a high-society family during the gilded age.

Now, Dalway by-the-sea is a luxury seaside resort and has a place on Canada’s historical register. Each of the 26 guest rooms has been furnished with antiques appropriate to the period of the house, and there is also gourmet dining and plenty of activities on premises. It is, however, a summer resort and only opens in season.

And yes, there is an Anne of Green Gables connection. The Dalvay was used as a location in the television productions based on the books.

Ice Hotel

 

 

I fully accept responsibility for the ensuing puns.

Since this is a blog about cool hotels, it make perfect sense to spotlight the coolest hotel in the world. And I mean that sincerely and literally, as I am talking about Quebec City's Ice Hotel, or as they say in the native French, Hôtel de Glace.  Hôtel de Glace sounds so much more sophisticated doesn't it?

A marvel of Canadian engineering and affinity for the cold, each year workers rebuild the hotel out of about 500 tons ice and 15,000 tons of snow.  And while it isn't toasty warm inside, that ice does insulate guests from the bitter winter chill outside. Rooms stay around 25 degrees Fahrenheit or minus five degrees Celsius.  So essentially, it's necessary to dress warmly and stay under the covers to fully enjoy the hotel. 

Don't, however, think the hotel is just a glorified igloo.  More like a real life Fortress of Solitude. Original artwork adorns the walls, many rooms have working fireplaces and some have actual hot-tubs. There's an ice-chapel and better yet, an ice-bar.

People do come from all over the world to stay in the Ice Hotel, and this creates a rare sense of camaraderie among the guests, most all of whom are willing to share their various  "wow" and "cool" and "amazings" with anyone who will listen. Pretty, cool, eh?

photo by Sandra Bellefoy