The Inn

History

Welcoming Visitors to our Victoria BC Hotel for Hundreds of Years

Paul’s Restaurants Ltd. Was established in 1938 by Paul Arsens, a trendsetter in Victoria’s hospitality industry. Paul and his wife Artie owned and operated several restaurants, a motor inn and eventually, the Inn at Laurel Point hotel. The Arsens always found unique ways to create memorable moments.

Positioned near the entrance to Victoria's Inner Harbour, the peninsula at Laurel Point is a natural welcoming spot. The First Nations people used this very site for potlatch ceremonies hundreds of years ago. Today, we greet visitors to our shores with equal enthusiasm. In fact, you could say hospitality is in our blood.

Inn at Laurel Point History

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Paul & Artie Arsens with business associate Big Jim Ryan, entertaining their staff at a yearly staff party

Attracting attention for the restaurant on the roadside-in front of an upside down restaurant billboard!

Mrs. Artie Arsens with the waitress staff

Christmas uniforms – made by the staff themselves

In 1956, the Paul's Restaurant sign was the largest plastic sign in the world

Breaking ground at Paul's Motor Inn (1956)

Paul Arsens with Bob Hope in the Terrace Cotta Room, a fine dining restaurant owned and operated by Paul

When civilization arrived, the hospitality industry burgeoned. Delta Hotel bought the land and built the present building in the 1970s.

Recognizing a gem, the late Paul Arsens (of Paul's Motor Inn and Paul's Restaurant) purchased the building in 1980 and called it the Laurel Point Inn (now called the Inn at Laurel Point).

In 1989, Arsens commissioned renowned Canadian architect Arthur Erickson to design a second wing for the hotel - hence the name, Erickson Wing.

The result was a series of graded silver-blue balconies attached to spacious rooms overlooking the harbour, with a cross between modern and classic interior design.

Giving history a fine future.

Fast forward to 2007. After nearly twenty years, the Erickson Wing was ready for a facelift. A floor to ceiling renovation has created a classic and warm style. Light maple furniture, artistic accents and chocolate-brown leather chairs are splashed with rustic and earthy textiles. The décor complements the ceiling-high windows, generous balconies and marble washrooms.

2008 has seen the completion of turning the lobby-level lounge into a destination restaurant. Aura is a 66-seat waterfront dining venue with a lounge bar and adjacent 58-seat patio overlooking the picture-perfect Inner Harbour.

Today, the team continues to honour the legacy of Mr. & Mrs. Paul Arsens as the hotel continues to evolve into one of Victoria's most beautiful and welcoming hotels.

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