Local entrepreneur and developer Rodney Wilson will soon break ground on Beldi, a 48-key boutique hotel in Squamish, British Columbia. Independent hotel management company Life House will oversee operations. The hotel concept and design will be a collaboration between HunterOffice, an architectural firm and urban infill specialist based in Squamish, and Ste. Marie Studio, is a commercial interior design studio and creative consultancy based in Vancouver.
The town of Squamish sits between Vancouver and Whistler where the ocean meets the mountains. Once a “pass-through” town on the way to Whistler, it has become a destination of its own, increasingly popular with adventure-seekers and transplants from Vancouver attracted to a more outdoor lifestyle. The dramatic landscape, defined by the towering granite monolith known as the Chief, lends itself well to activities like mountain climbing, hiking, mountain biking, and kite surfing. The area has now become a buzzing community of outdoor enthusiasts and young professionals with a slew of new coffee shops and restaurants amongst the local attractions.
Beldi will be a 48-room boutique hotel offering a ground-floor restaurant and roof-top lounge area that will serve as both a co-working space by day, and cocktail bar by night. Originally conceived as a micro-hotel, the property will draw inspiration from Rifugi, the classic mountain huts of the Alps that offer travelers affordable accommodations with a focus on community and adventure. These retreats were designed as a homebase for hikers, climbers, and skiers who would come together at night to share stories of their day over food and drink. Beldi’s design will take cues from these traditional spaces, using materials inspired by nature, and built with sustainability in mind.
“Beldi will be the first high-end, lifestyle property in Squamish, and we are honored to be a part of the area’s transformation, offering a new hub for modern travelers looking for adventure but also convenience,” says Wilson who has been a Squamish resident since 2003, “We can’t think of a better partner than Life House who’s tech-enabled platform brings value to the hotel while creating a more seamless experience for the guest.”
Life House will serve as a full-service management partner, overseeing operations, revenue, marketing, and F&B. They currently operate over 60 hotels across North America from roadside motels to 5-star luxury properties, supporting hotel owners with a diverse suite of offerings including tech-enabled management, hotel branding, and Revenue SAAS. While this is the first property in Canada, Life House already has a robust team based in Toronto and Montreal who work across product, design, and revenue.
“We are thrilled to be entering the Canadian market with the Beldi team who shares our passion for creating exceptional guest experiences with a strong sense of community and a responsiveness to the surroundings,” said Bryan Dunn, Managing Director and Head of Growth at Life House. “We expect this will be the first of many opportunities as we expand in the region.”
Hang Eleven Properties are seeking additional hospitality opportunities throughout British Columbia, with target markets including Vancouver, Victoria, Whistler, Sooke and Tofino.