A hotel chain that first popped up on Kelowna International Airport’s (YLW) radar several ago years is now booked to be built.
Sutton Place Hotels, owned by B.C.-based Northland Properties, is building a six-storey, 245-room hotel and a seven-level 1,000-stall parkade across the street from the airport.
“We look at the city of Kelowna and the entire Okanagan as really taking off,” said Steve Sammut, president and COO of Northland. “We look at the region and airport and what you are doing here and that mirrors our values so closely.”
Northland Properties President and CEO Sam Summat speaks about the company’s plan to build a Sutton Hotel at Kelowna International Airport. @KelownaCapNews pic.twitter.com/woOkCCMjJy
— Gary Barnes (@GaryBarnes109) January 24, 2024
Northland also owns Sandman Hotels, Revelstoke Mountain, and Grouse Mountain Resorts.
The hotel will be located on property that is currently the ready lot for car rental properties.
Sammut added that, depending on approvals, Northland expects to begin construction in 2025 and take three years to complete.
“At the top of the hotel we will have a penthouse lounge…so people can watch what’s happening on the tarmac,” Sammut added.
The 4.5-star hotel will also include services such as full-service valet, a concierge, and a restaurant featuring local cuisine.
Northland owns the Moxies, Shark Club, Chopped, and Denny’s restaurant chains.
The company will invest approximately $120 million into the project.
“This new hotel development is virtually important to our region’s economic expansion and to our position as a premiere destination in Canada for tourism and business travel,” said Mayor Tom Dyas.
Kelowna Mayor Tom Dyas speaks about a new Sutton Hotel and parkade that is to be built at the airport. #kelownacapnews pic.twitter.com/3E3kS1WkBt
— Gary Barnes (@GaryBarnes109) January 24, 2024
Airport CEO, Sam Samaddar, said the luxury hotel will appeal to more than just travellers.
“The airport, as you continue to grow these amenities, will continue to become a destination for the locals, and also provide services to the business traveller,” he explained.
Samaddar said the hotel expansion comes at the right time as YLW is projecting 3.5 million passengers by 2045.
There are two hotels across Highway 97 from the airport. The Four Points by Sheraton and Pinnacle Pointe Resort.
In 2022, property in that area was rezoned to allow a hotel proposed by Marriot Resorts.
However, according to city staff, the development permit was never pursued.
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