This weekend we were in Chilliwack, here for a staycation at their new boutique hotel, located in the heart of the stunning District of 1881. This is Hotel Morado, a self serve accommodation of sorts, where check-in and out is automated after the initial greeting email and there is not really a person on site to default to.
The hotel is part of the area’s Grand Hall that serves as an event space with an art deco theme rich with jewel tones, geometrics, and golds. Case in point, the wedding scheduled the evening of and the focus for our visit this afternoon. This was the inaugural year of Soup Du Jur, Chilliwack’s late winter soup event in support of the charitable organization: Bowls of Hope. There were 6 bowls by 6 local caterers to try. More about this event in its own post.
After we tried each bowl, we returned for our favourites, and after we had wanted our fill, it was time to check-in to our accommodations for the evening. This is done self serve via app. The easy process include the inputting of your personal information, registering of your car, and a leaving credit card on file for deductibles.
Once confirmed, you are given a code to enter the hotel lobby. There is a lock box that you input your information into, in order to open and release a couple of keys to your assigned room. There is a warning that if you lose either of said keys, that there is a $150 fine to replace each.
The hotel is two stories, with cascading staircase and elevator to get you up and down. Located across the way from the Grand Hall, you get a good view of it and the rest of the District 1881’s lane ways. This is currently lined with red paper lanterns, in celebration of Chinese New Year. Each stay include one complimentary parking stall per room rented.
Hotel Morado features 12 mid-century-inspired rooms in four distinct styles, based on its colour pallet. Rooms come standard with a single queen-size bed, although they do also offer accommodations with an adjoining room for those traveling with children or additional family members. There is also a wheelchair-accessible room for guests requiring additional ease of access.
In-room amenities include free wifi, Smart TV, touch screen central air conditioning and/or heat, mini bar, and complimentary coffee and tea packets with electric kettle to boil the water. The beverage mini fridge includes bottles of water and containers of milk for the coffee.
The three-quarter bathroom with walk-in shower had a miniature bar of local branded soap, shampoo, and conditioner. My only complaint was the streams of water from the waterfall shower head. It lacked water pressure and as a result I was never able to get and stay warm under it. Ultimately I made the decision to not shower to conserve body heat. I did appreciated the extra towels and hair dryer in that regard.
We were housed in their largest unit with a robust maroon paint job. Located at the furthest end of the hall, Room 11, is the perfect accommodation for a couple of friends like us. Two rooms, two queen beds, with the ability to separate the two with a door. I took the first with two window boxes and the above mentioned view of 1818. My guest has the other with the closest access to the washroom and everything else the room had to offer.
I liked my simple room just fine with sound proof walls, vaulted ceilings and skylights, plus the ability to close and open the blinds with a push of a button. The bed was comfortable like sleeping on clouds with 2 soft pillows, 2 firm pillows, and a long body pillow for wrapping your limbs around. The comforter was hotel white with a starchy crisp texture.
We spent our 1 night and 3 days in District 1818 going out for dinner, taking advantage of Dine Out Chilliwack promotions, drinking and talking in the comfort of our room, then brunch the next day on our way home to Vancouver from Chilliwack. More about each of those meals in its own post.
Check out was as easy as check-in, simply returning both hotel keys to the secure lock box and forgetting our assigned door code.
In short, if looking for a unique getaway befitting of the appeal and vibe of District 1881, I recommend looking to Hotel Morado.
Hotel Morado
#201 – 45936 Thunderbird Lane
District 1881, Chilliwack BC, V2P 0J6
+1 (604) 997-3213
hotelmorado.ca
