The Howard Johnson Harbourside Hotel in downtown Nanaimo will close its doors after more than 50 years in operation.
The hotel, built in the early 1960s, will shut its doors as a provider of accommodations in Nanaimo on Oct. 31.
“Having spent 20 plus years of my hotel career at this hotel it is sad to see it close, but we are excited to see what the future holds for the property,” said Erik Brook, hotel operations manager, in an e-mailed announcement Wednesday, Sept. 5.
The e-mail said the staff and management extend their thanks to guests who stayed at the hotel over the years, members of the hospitality community, community groups and organizations, community partners, vendors and suppliers.
Over the years of its operation as the Howard Johnson Harbourside Hotel, and formerly the Tally Ho Hotel, the hotel was home to a number of businesses that included pubs and lounges, restaurants and a fitness centre, which still operates in the building.
In recent years, proposals have been put forward to convert the property into a multimillion-dollar hotel, entertainment and sports multiplex.
In 2017 there was a fatal shooting in the hotel’s lobby.
The hotel was also the former home to a Greyhound bus terminal, which relocated in 2013.
The announcement said businesses operating in adjoining buildings will remain in operation after the hotel closes and that future plans for the hotel property are not yet known.
Attempts to reach Brook or a contact spokesperson named in the release for further comment have been unsuccessful.
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