Some Royal ideas

The purchase of the Royal Hotel sparks suggestions and memories

In the Times story on the sale of the Royal Hotel reported last week, the proud new owner, former provincial finance minister Greg Sorbara asked our readers to share their dreams, aspirations and suggestions for this landmark property.

Well you had no shortage of ideas and you shared them with us online at wellingtontimes.ca

Among the more colourful suggestions came from writer Janet Kellough who is simply looking for a sleazy bar with cheap beer. A place to go a fight on Friday night. Others are clearly aspiring for a different future for a restored Royal Hotel.

Liz Hamilton wrote to say she would like to see an upscale drinking establishment with comfortable seats. Others suggested that it shares features of the former Rickerton Hotel.

Many are simply pleased to know this iconic property will rise again.

Rachel McLachlan wrote : “My father, Regent Dubois, worked there as manager- maintenance man for as long as I can remember. I grew up in the Royal running the halls before it opened and playing never-ending pinball because dad had the magic key— no quarters required.

“I have seen parts of the old Royal that the public probably doesn’t even know about . I have many, many happy memories there. To me it was never a dive. I’m glad to see it being restored.”

Pam Boone, another Times reader, wrote with fond memories of the Royal Hotel.

“My mother and one sister ran the Jester in the basement, when it was an arcade. Another sister worked as a bartender. My mother cleaned The Royal top to bottom for years and lived there after she and my father split. One of my sisters and I lived there for a short time until we could find an apartment. And, yet another of my sisters lived there with her family after they were burned out across the street (where the Post Office is now).

“ I used to meet my mother there in the mornings before work to have breakfast with her in the dance hall and spent many holidays in her suite for meals. Although some people may think of this as horrible, the Royal was like a second home in many ways. We were connected to it for so many years. I think my entire family spent a great deal of time there playing pool, listening and dancing to the bands and drinking. I met a lot of people over the years. I will love to see it restored. I would really love to see it again.”

Not everyone expects the restoration of the Royal Hotel to be meaningful contribution to the town. While Paul Cole is pleased the Royal will rise again—he is skeptical that it will cater to folks beyond tourists and retirees. Another reader doubts Greg Sorbara will return it to the “same ol’ good times Royal”.

It will be just like every other business popping up in the County lately,” wrote Laura. “Overpriced and geared toward the tourists.”

Most comments on the story echoed those of Carolyn Somers who wrote:

“I would love to see the community get behind this project, even if it is only in moral support for the grand old lady to be a vital part of the downtown core again. Bravo, to Peter Sage for starting the vision as well as to Greg Sorbara for taking up the gauntlet as a personal project. I can’t wait to see the vision unfold.”