What’s old is new once again in downtown Edmonton. As the revitalization of downtown continues, a new hotel aimed at getting Millennials and Gen Xers back to the core celebrated its grand opening Friday.
The Crash Hotel is an independently owned boutique-style hotel that features a different theme and design in each room. One of the rooms features a wall made entirely out of vintage suitcases.
“Each technologically advanced room features a unique artist, with one-of-a-kind furnishings straight out of a Hunter S. Thompson novel,” a media release from the hotel said.
“The rooms come in a variety of shapes and sizes, from bunk bed rooms to luxury suites overlooking the Ice District.”
The hotel aims to offer more than just a “cookie cutter” place to lay your head, with entertainment, free snacks and a full service liquor store.
“You’ve heard of Ace Hotels and the Drake in Toronto – Crash offers patrons that same fresh, edgy and unique hotel experience, with an Edmonton flair,” Jon Sharun said.
Located just a stone’s throw from Rogers Place, Crash Hotel has a storied history in Edmonton, dating back to 1904 when it opened as the Richelieu Hotel.
As the years went on, the hotel changed names in 1938 to Kings Hotel and once again in 1940 to what most people will remember it as – the Grand Hotel.
“Yes, it would be easy to knock down and build a huge tower but we thought the city needed something a little bit different. We needed to step back and say, ‘hey, does this need to be another glass tower in the city? Or can we bring back some heritage and recreate something that Edmonton can be proud of?” Sharun said.
“We’re located in the historic Grand Hotel, which has survived world wars, fires and prohibition,” Sharun said. “After a complete overhaul, we’re ready to be back as one of the cornerstones in Edmonton’s hospitality scene.”
The hotel is opening in phases. Denizen Hall and Crash Café were open as of Dec. 9. Twenty-five rooms will be available starting on New Year’s Eve.