The Castle By The River

A few words about our home away from home before departing ...
They've used four hotels, by my count, to house everyone here over the past several days at the 2009 BMO Canadian figure skating championships. As we've mentioned earlier, our home base has been the Delta Bessborough, known here in Saskatoon as "The Castle By The River" because of its proximity to the South Saskatchewan River.
If you've seen any photos of Saskatoon, you've probably seen The "Bess" — it's the signature landmark in the heart of this lovely Prairie city.
Taking a walk through the hallways of The Bess is like a trip through time. You notice neat old things like mail chutes by the elevators and gorgeous carpeting and chandeliers. Then again, it's what you would expect from one of the grand railway-style hotels built in the early 20th century (think Chateau Frontenac, Chateau Laurier, Hotel Vancouver).
The Canadian National Railway constructed The Bess between 1928 and 1932. The Great Depression kept its doors closed until Harold N. Stovin became the first registered guest on Dec. 10, 1935. (which, by the way, explains the name of Stovin's Lounge just off the main lobby).
Renovations in 1999 and 2003 restored many of the historic features of the hotel, preserving its old grandeur in a much more modern time. Combine that with a healthy dose of Prairie hospitality and it's felt like, well, home for a few days. Who could ask for more?