Update: The Restoration is Complete at Fort Steele’s Windsor Hotel

Great care was taken to restore this iconic hotel with historical accuracy, all the way down to the heating covers.

by Keith Powell — January 05, 2018

The Windsor Hotel, located in the Fort Steele Heritage Town. — Keith Powell photo

Here is an update on the progress of the revitalized Windsor Hotel at Fort Steele, according to the Kootenay Rockies Tourism newsletter.

Built by Robert Mather in the winter of 1893-4, the Windsor Hotel was the better known of the seven hotels operating at Fort Steele during the latter part of the decade. Mather originally named his hotel the Dalgardno House in honour of his wife, Mary-Jane Dalgardno. This building was renamed the Windsor Hotel in June 1899. Including a 40X60 foot annex (which has since been demolished),the hotel boasted twenty-seven furnished rooms, a dining room, a bar, a card room and a hall.

Great care was taken to restore this iconic hotel with historical accuracy, all the way down to the heating covers. Fort Steele's hotels at that time, such as the Windsor, Venosta, International and Oriental, advertised as first-class establishments, which offered elegance and comfort to tired travellers.

The Windsor stands to this day on its original location and is classified as an official heritage building. The opening date is still pending as the finishing touches, including a hand-crafted railing by the onsite Blacksmith, are completed. The restoration includes six rooms (2 suites & 4 rooms),the dining room, and bar in the original structure. The suites include a queen and a separate room with 2 beds and a private washroom.

The regular rooms are smaller (as is historically accurate) with one queen or one double bed and they share washroom facilities. Suites will be available for $250+tax per night and regular rooms for $150+tax per night. Baked goods will be delivered fresh from the bakery each morning, served with hot coffee and a selection of beverages. Overnight room rentals also include admission to Fort Steele Heritage Town, and a horse-drawn wagon or sleigh chauffeur!