thoughts on hotels or anything else?

seems there are no particularly upscale hotels.

Not really - Your most upscale option is probably The Grand:

http://www.deltahotels.com/en/hotels...anagan-resort/

It's nice enough...

Purpose of trip? Vacation or business?

When are you planning to go?

Winter time is pretty dead unless you are into skiing but summer / fall times there are very nice B&B's. There are vineyards that operate B&B's as well. Some are pretty good.

Wasn't there some talk of a Westin? Been up here too much this year for rather sad reasons and haven't heard a peek of it for some years.

The Westin project got shelved with a bunch of other development plans.

The Grand is decent.

However, I much prefer the Manteo Resort.

I stayed for three days at the Grand in 1987 when it was under the CP hotel flag.

Holiday Inns in Kelowna and Westbank are just fine with me. They're about what you would expect from such a property.

Kelowna is a beautiful, underrated place.

I think you're confusing the Grand with the Lake Okanagan Resort. I first stayed at the Grand in 1995 and at that time the paint was still drying...

We've stayed at the Westbank HI. It's pleasant enough and I'd stay there again but it's something of a drive into Kelowna.

My bad, it was the Lake Okanagan resort that I stayed at. I was under the impression that the CP chain was sold off to Fairmont and Delta.

There are no major business chain properties; it's just not a sustainable destination for them I suppose.

A bit of a drive (1/2 hour) but the Penticton Lakeside Resort is definitely a cut above anything in Kelowna.

Seems like the best place for this post:

Spent two nights in Kelowna staying at "A Touch of English," which is a B&B in Kelowna.

The B&B is situated high on a hilltop, in the suburbs of the city itself. It is probably a 5 minute drive from downtown Kelowna. The lounge area in the B&B has two sofas and two arm chairs. There is more seating outside, weather permitting.

The room that we had looked out over the city and the backyard pool. The weather didn't really invite for pool lounging, but the pool looked inviting and the grounds are nicely manicured.

Our room was reasonably spacious, with a comfortable bed (the linens appeared to be Westin-hotel inspired) and an ensuite bathroom that is modern and featured dual shower sprayers. Everything was very clean. I don't think that there was any air conditioning in the room, but with the windows open, we had a nice breeze coming in and were never overly warm.

Breakfast one morning was smoked salmon eggs benedict, with a dill cream sauce of some type, asparagus, and croissants. Exceptionally tasty, and well presented. Breakfast the next morning was whole wheat french toast (I believe..), plated with an array of berries and 2 sausages. Homemade scones were also served. Each morning's breakfast was started with a generous fruit bowl or plate. Breakfast the first day was more substantial and filling than the second day's.

Upon arrival, and at a similar time on the next day, we were presented with an afternoon tea and a small snack (I can't recall what we had the first day, but the second day offered fruit, whipped cream, and an angel food or sponge cake). My wife loved it.

The hosts are very gracious and friendly, and clearly take pride in their home and their offerings. If in Kelowna, and looking for something outside of the typical hotel offerings, you might want to give it a try. We have no complaints* and would certainly book there again if we were in the area and they had availability.


*The only item of concern is that if you have a large car, parking can be a bit tight and slightly nerve-wracking. The parking area looks smaller than it really is, but on first impression, you are going to wonder how in the world you are going to get your car parked and back out out on the street safely.

I have been to Kelowona several times in winter on my BC 'Ski Safaris'then I usually stay at the Sandman. It is fine for what I want and I like the pool in the middle of the property.

I have stayed in Kelowna once during Summer and stayed at www.kelownalake.com which was a great B&B with balconies and a garden that opened straight out onto the lake shore with private access to the lake for swimming. I was stunned at just how warm the water was. It was a great place to stay,