Arts Hotel opening despite the global pandemic

A new low-budget hotel is opening in downtown Charlottetown next week. TheArts Hotel will make its debut on Kent Street after two months of delays caused by COVID-19.

The restructuring of the new hotel has been in the works over the last two years since it was purchased by Richard Homburg, who owns Dyne Holdings. John Cudmore, president of Dyne Holdings andproperty manager of the Arts Hotel,says it was a challenge to deal with delays but he was working with a great team.

"We're of the mind, it's better off opened than closed. There's so many things can happen," he said.

"Through this whole process there's been requirements for accommodations for different purposes wrapped around COVID so we felt, 'Let's get it open. We have the investment into it.'"

The modernized hotel was inspired by European hostels and student rooms; smaller rooms, no TVs or phones and access to the internet everywhere.

The owners hope to tap into a niche market travellers and students looking for a room at cheaper prices in the heart of the city.

"We're noticing a lot of young people aren't really excited about spending two and three hundred dollars for a hotel room. They have money but, you know, honestly, they'd rather spend it on experiential there's great wine, great food, theatre, that sort of thing," said Cudmore.

It will also sell goodiesfrom theSalvador Dali Cafnamed in honour of the Spanish artist which will feature Dali paintings owned by Homburg.

The hotel has 83 rooms at $99 per night with negotiable prices for students and those who choose to stay long term.

Reminiscent of Myron's

Dyne Holdings built the Arts Hotel on the site of legendary Charlottetown nightclub Myron's.

The popular spot had been vacant for nearly 12 years, but some of its original decor has been salvaged and is featured in the new hotel.

Gordie Kirkpatrick, the project manager for the Arts Hotel, had helpedinstall the originaldance floor in Myron's and worked as a night manager for the club.

"It's exciting to be able to take a building that was sitting 12 years vacant and deteriorating and bring it back to life," saidKirkpatrick.

He said the transformation of the building has been "phenomenal," and some aspects of the building have been re-purposedand are reminiscent of the original night club.Amirror that once hung behind a bar in Myron's will be placed in the hotel, along with arecognizablesafe.

Trailside Music Hall

Owners of the former Trailside Music Cafare running their business out of the Arts Hotel as well.

Pat and Meghann Deighan decided to move their business from its Mount Stewart location last year.

Over the last month, Trailside has been operating out of the Holman GrandHotel, offering live music to the public.Meghannand Pathave been preparing to move their business into the Arts Hotel.

"We're getting really excited," Meghann said.

Prior to COVID-19, there was a capacity of 150 people, but the numberhasbeen reduced to adhere topublic health restrictions.

While the Arts Hotel aims to open Aug.14, the music hall and cafwill be delayed.

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