Fort Garry Hotel

I was really excited to stay at the Fort Garry Hotel. I’ve never had the chance to stay in such an old historic place!

The hotel is one of Canada’s classic railway hotels. This one was built in 1913 by the Grand Truck Pacific Railway. Later it was owned by the Canadian Pacific Railway, and now it is run as an independent hotel and isn’t operated by a big chain.

Train station less than a block away:

Right from check-in, the place had a familiar vibe – not that I had been there before, but more like I think I’ve seen this place in horror movies!

The hotel is on a busy boulevard, but there is a small round driveway up to the front steps of the hotel. The guest assistant was busy, so I carried my luggage up the stairs where he rushed to greet me and assist with my luggage through the turning circular door.

When I checked-in, the man at the front desk asked if I wanted a feather bed, or a posturepedic bed. I asked for his suggestion and he said if I had a bad back, then I should go for their posturepedia bed. However, my new Walmart luggage had WHEELS, so knowing my back was fit as a fiddle, I jumped at the chance for my first feather bed.

The build has a very historic feel to it. The hallways was so old and grand looking. I admit there were times I was imagining I was back in the railway days. To keep the experience complete, the rooms are not modernized either, and I didn’t mind in the slightest.

I googled the hotel after I was in my room. There actually ARE haunted tales from this hotel – mostly from room 202. I was in 120 so I was safe :yes: There are many stories on the web about ghosts appearing at the foot of people’s beds and in hallways.

My Room, Room 120

The walls were paper thin in this hotel, but for some reason I didn’t mind it – it just seemed like part of the atmosphere.

Feather bed was majestic:

There was a walk-in closet beside the bathroom with an automatic light, extra pillows, robes, blanket, and an iron and ironing board.

When I stepped outside my door, here is the view to the left:

View to the right:

View straight ahead:

Old mail shoot near the elevator on my floor:

Elevators on my floor:

Beside the elevator, these are the stairs down to the mezzanine, and then down to the lobby.

The back of the wings had these old looking staircases. I think they are still the fire exits for the guest floors. Here are two of them:

I thought the fixtures were neat:

Here is my room service the first night. A delicious club house sandwich and fries.

My bathroom tiles:

I thought the bathroom tiles were old, but I did notice that they were put on top of an earlier set of little 1 inch square tiles, so I don’t think they are actually that old. The bathroom had a big deep tub so I took advantage of it and had a wonderful bath. I know people get squeemish of hotels, but I figure the bathtub should be clean. I mean who knows about the sheets, but at least I was in soap and water 😛

Bathroom light fixture:

I’m guessing this door went to the next room, but it was locked and I’m sure I really wanted to investigate further.

More of the hotel

Hotel Photos at Night:

If you ever get a chance, I’d recommend this hotel. In fact, I’m regretting not exploring more of the building. Except maybe Room 202.