Timeline
1887
Foundation stones laid by Lord Edmund Grimvex
1892
Grand opening as a private estate
1923
Transformed into an exclusive gentleman's club
1967
Designated heritage building by the city
1998
Major restoration begins
2015
Reopened as Grimvex Citadel luxury hotel
2025
Celebrating a decade of Gothic excellence
The Grimvex Legacy
Look, we're not gonna feed you some cookie-cutter story about "luxury redefined" or whatever. The truth? This place has seen more history than most museums. When Lord Edmund Grimvex started laying stones in 1887, he wasn't thinking about Instagram-worthy moments - he wanted something that'd outlast him. And boy, did it ever.
We've been through it all. Roaring twenties parties that probably shouldn't be documented, wartime uncertainty, the hippie era (yeah, try imagining that in a Gothic citadel), and countless renovations. But here's what hasn't changed: these walls still command respect. The vaulted ceilings don't care about modern trends, and honestly, neither do we.
When we reopened in 2015, folks thought we were crazy trying to blend medieval architecture with luxury hospitality. Turns out there's something about sleeping in a room that's got more character than most people's entire neighbourhoods. The stone stays cold, the fireplaces stay authentic, but now you've got heated floors and wifi that actually works.
The Citadel in its early days, circa 1895
The Grand Hall during restoration
What We're Actually About
Authentic Heritage
We didn't slap fake stone on drywall. Every arch, every carved detail - it's the real deal from 1887.
Modern Comfort
Sure, we love history, but nobody wants a lumpy mattress. You'll sleep like royalty, medieval vibes included.
Real People
Our staff isn't reading from a corporate script. They genuinely know this building's secrets and love sharing them.
Meet the Guardians
The folks who keep this Gothic beast running smooth
Margaret Thornfield
General Manager
Been here since day one of the reopening. Knows every creaky floorboard and somehow makes 'em all work together. Don't let her polite demeanor fool you - she runs this castle.
Chef Antoine Rousseau
Executive Chef
Trained in Paris, works in a kitchen that's basically a dungeon (his words, not ours). Makes medieval-inspired dishes that'll ruin regular food for you forever.
James Blackwood
Head Concierge
Ask him anything about Vancouver or the building's history. Seriously, anything. He's either a walking encyclopedia or has way too much time on his hands.
Elena Moretti
Spa Director
Transformed the old wine cellar into a sanctuary that's honestly too good. Combines ancient wellness practices with stuff that actually works.
Dr. Alistair Grant
Historical Curator
Yeah, we have an actual historian on staff. Leads the tours and has this way of making 1800s architecture sound like gossip. It's pretty cool actually.
Sophia Chen
Events Manager
Pulls off weddings and events in spaces never designed for 'em. Somehow makes it look effortless while probably surviving on coffee and pure determination.
The legendary spiral staircase
Where history meets celebration
Why People Keep Coming Back
We could throw fancy words at you all day, but here's the simple version: staying here feels different. Maybe it's the weight of history, maybe it's the staff who genuinely care, or maybe it's just nice to be somewhere that doesn't look like every other hotel. Our guests say they feel transported - not in some cheesy theme park way, but like they've actually stepped into something real and rare. And honestly? That's exactly what we're going for.
Experience It Yourself