Feb 25

Feb 25 Back to the Roaring 20s - Hotel Saskatchewan

You know when you’ve running out of places to visit when you willing go to Regina – Alex, 2020.

While this is said half-jokingly, I will be devoting the vast majority of my Regina to review to Hotel Saskatchewan. I was very fortunate to have experienced multiple instances of kind and welcoming people in Regina across all walks of life, including a few bus drivers who pointed out that I was going in the wrong direction.

The Hotel

While Regina’s downtown is on the smaller side, Hotel Saskatchewan is located smack in the middle, nearby attractions including Cornwall Center, City Hall and Wascana Park. The outside of the hotel was quite monolithic yet regal, although this was mainly due to the fact it was constructed in 1927, before the era of skyscrapers.

However, the inside was stunning to say the least: I instantly felt as if I were transported back to the Roaring 20’s, in all its magnificent, some would say decadent, splendor. I don’t know for sure, as I definitely was not alive during that time.

*I’mmmm gonna swiinnggg, from the Chandelieeerr*

The style, decour, furnishings, all reminded me of a palace, which very much suited this hotel, as it served as a gathering place for Regina’s rich and powerful in the early and mid 20th century. This was before the invention of shopping malls of course.

Prior to my arrival, I received an email from the Hotel Saskatchewan detailing their pandemic practices and safety measures, including a strict need for facial coverings. It also noted that the Circa 27 Lounge (effectively a bar, not a traditional Club Lounge), Café Royale (a dignified coffee shop), Damara Day Spa and Fitness Center were open with reduce hours and enhanced cleaning protocols.

The check-in desk was manned by Gloria, possibly one of the nicest employees I had ever met at a hotel in Canada. She noted that as a Platinum elite, I was upgraded to a deluxe room, only that I hadn’t seen what a deluxe room listed in the hotel’s manifest. Gloria also confirmed that there wasn’t that much to do in Regina besides work, although she did mention the Lake.

The Room

Now, at the ripe old age of 24 I would like to consider myself relatively well travelled, but I was not ready for the wonderful surprised that came next, particularly as this is a city hotel and not a vacation destination. Upon arrival on the 10th and highest floor, I was greeted with a sign which showed the MISALIGNED name of my suite. Yes, I am too much of a consultant

Already eager with anticipation, I opened the door to this 900 sqft masterpiece, which would be completely wasted on this dude and his lone suitcase. Seriously, this is bigger than my condo in Toronto, and I share that with 2 other people!

*There is a lot of space, I don’t know why*

*Points off as the artwork isn’t perfectly aligned with each other or the sofa…*

*Like most of me, the desk placement was well intentioned but a bit off (better it face a window)*

*Note: This was after I used the machine, not before*

And so, this concludes the first room. I still have no idea why one would need that much space, except to maybe host a party.

For some reason, there was a second TV in the bedroom, which is over the top but also expected for a hotel that aims to set standard for Regina and perhaps Canada. The King Bed was extraordinary comfortable, and next to it were lamps with charging sockets built into them.

One small issue was that there were no slippers in the closet, though this is extremely minor in the grand scheme of things.

The bathroom looks quite similar to the one I had in the Fairmont, complete with the glass shower doors and the circular mirror; however, the issue with this one was that there was no door! Water from the shower would spray out onto the marble, and potentially make the floor slippery when exiting.

The Amenities

Guest were unable to access the gym at will, and needed to check in with the front desk. For everyone’s safety, weights/equipment was disinfected after use (with stickers assuring guests of that), and there was a capacity limit as well to maintain social distancing.

As for what to do after the gym, the spa was open, although by appointment.

There was also a barbershop, which was surprisingly popular.

In simpler times the splendid ballroom would have been host for many a notable event, though when I was passing through the biggest action was a small company training session.

Finally, there was a splendid bar that offered complementary whiskey tasting at 5:30pm every night. Owing to technical difficulties I was unable to capture the scene, but it was quite entertaining: a bartender would pretend to celebrate the end of Prohibition, and toot a large whistle. Social distancing was enforced, though I can see why people might not be comfortable venturing in, especially on more crowded days.

The Service

I was quite impressed with the diligence of the staff: everyone was wearing a mask, and there was time where a staff member kindly asked, and provided, a mask to a guest who did not have one. The suite upgrade was obviously amazing, given that pre-covid such a room would retail for close to $500 a night. Beyond that, the entire staff was delightful, being respectful of social distancing while remaining pleasant, cracking jokes and providing everything guests needed. I was told that the welcome amenity consisted of a build your own old fashioned as well. If only I had visited earlier, then I would have been able to see the full capability of the hotel!

The City

There is absolutely nothing to do in Regina, or Saskatchewan for that matter. End of review.

I am mostly joking, there are a few places of interest, enough to make this city perfect for a 24 hour stopover. That being said, Downtown Regina is probably the only set of tall buildings one will see for quite a while.

*Not sure if there actually condos in Regina as well*

*Main attraction in Regina…outside the Casino*

I will let the rest of the pictures speak for themselves, particularly as it is hard to put such stunning natural beauty into words. Best part is, this is all free!

*Now I know where all the stone went. This was actually built in the 1910’s, before Hotel Saskatchewan*

*Imposing…if this wasn’t in the middle of nowhere.*

*RCMP Training Depot – Every week a new troop starts 6 months of fun*

*No idea how the car got there or why it is there*

This is Indi, the wonderful guardian and mascot of the RCMP training center. She was unfortunately a bit too friendly to have made it through the RCMP canine training program, and now is given the prestigious post of being the duty dog at the visitor’s center.

The training depot has a dedicated visitor’s center complete with a gift shop; entry is by donation, and one can visit several exhibits dedicated to the history of the RCMP, its activities, and its training.

I am guessing the beds will be further apart now

The Point

I was warned before visiting that Regina, and Saskatchewan were pretty flat, and it turns out most people were right. That being said, there is no shortage of natural sites to be explored, particularly if one enjoys parks and the great outdoors. While the Hotel Saskatchewan is amazing, I would suggest visitors plan for a day’s worth of activities and be prepared to marvel at how much space there truly is in Canada!