Aerial view of hotel showing Swan Lake

Image Credit: Castle at Swan Lake Hotel

The Okanagan Valley is more popular than ever with adventure tourism groups: skiers, mountain bikers, long-distance cyclists, golfers, and lovers of fine wine. One local hotel has capitalized on that trend, and there is an interesting reason behind how it happened.

Hotel manager Danielle Mabb caught up with us this week to talk about tourism trends and filled us in on a unique characteristic of her hotel. "The Castle at Swan Lake in Vernon was founded on the business strategy of catering to guests who prefer fully self-contained units," Danielle says. "And it turns out that suites are exactly what adventure tours and groups are looking for." Each of the many spacious suites have private balconies or patios, too.

Fabulously Marketed - By Accident?

Almost by accident, the Castle at Swan Lake was ideally set up to serve groups—and not just because it is an all-suite hotel with spacious rooms. The property has a range of amenities that visitors love: a large courtyard pool, hot tub and tiki bar, a comfortable conference room, family suites, and a much-loved dining room, the Bistro by Intermezzo.

Castle at Swan Lake Hotel interior

Image Credit: Castle at Swan Lake Hotel

One of the adventure groups that returns every year is a fun-loving group of women who use the Castle at Swan Lake as their home base for wine tour adventures. They are smitten with the Castle's property because of another unique property feature, though: the Castle Chalet. "Guests love our Chalet," Danielle tells us. "It has everything you could possibly want for a group getaway; a massive deck, BBQ, full kitchen, hot tub, a great living room/entertainment space, and five comfortable bedrooms."

Featuring One of the Okanagan’s Most Unique Chalets

The Chalet was originally an executive log home on the property, and when the Castle Suites were built the interior decorating and design team worked their magic on the Chalet, too. The Castle at Swan Lake Chalet blends a lofted timber-frame ambiance with sophisticated modern conveniences, creating a vacation spot that guests cannot say enough good things about.

"We are a destination getaway," says Danielle, "And our guests love the experience of being out in nature." Danielle was born and raised in the Okanagan, so she has a wealth of knowledge about that area to offer guests. Custom-tailoring events for guests is a specialty of hers, and she is happy to help hotel guests plan their visits to BC’s many nearby supernatural spots.

The Castle property lies next to Silver Star Mountain, and the nearby amenities are still a huge hit. Guests at the Castle have access to Splash Down Waterpark right next door, many golf courses, Okanagan and Kalamalka Lakes, the iconic Swan Lake Market right across the street, and countless adventure opportunities in every direction.

Castle at Swan Lake Hotel drone shot

Image Credit: Castle at Swan Lake Hotel

“The Okanagan has become internationally recognized as a hotspot for sun and fun, and the reality is that Kalamalka Lake and Okanagan Lake are no longer a well-kept local secret.”

A testament to the Okanagan's huge draw is the dramatic rise in cycling tourists using the Castle as a home base. One cycling group in particular comes several times a year, often booking out the entire facility, and the main reason is the location. Of course, a wide range of trails depart right from the property, but there is also Silver Star Park—no longer just a winter destination, Silver Star has become a must-see for mountain biking enthusiasts.

The unique offerings of the Castle property work for weddings, family reunions, and business groups. Not many locations in the Okanagan can offer everything that the Castle has; the views, spacious suites, dining, and the poolside garden stand out

The team at the Castle is exceptionally accommodating, too. "There are excellent choices if people want to hire local caterers, AV or decor for their events," Danielle points out. This allows clients to be fully self-contained if they want or to set up any level of catering that they prefer—in-house from the Bistro by Intermezzo or otherwise.

Thinking about setting up your own Castle at Swan Lake adventure? Danielle offers a 20% discount to locals staying in the various suites at the resort, as well as other discounts for longer stays at the Chalet. Check out all that the Castle at Swan Lake offers on their great website, find them on Instagram or Facebook, or stop by to see Danielle in person. Free parking at: 7905 Greenhow Road in Vernon, BC. Book on their website, or call the Front Desk at 778-475-4232 or toll-free at 1-877-854-0490.

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