In the heart of downtown Calgary, where the Bow River quietly meanders and the city’s skyline reaches for the clouds, lies a hidden gem that invites travelers to step into the pages of a classic novel. The Dorian Hotel, a boutique establishment barely two years old, offers more than just a place to rest your head – it promises an immersive experience steeped in literary charm, British wit, simple indulgences, and intentional hospitality at every turn.

As Oscar Wilde said, “To live is the rarest thing in the world. Most people exist, that is all.” The Dorian embodies this spirit, encouraging guests to savor every moment, whether you’re enjoying afternoon tea or relaxing with a good book. From the moment you step inside, you’re transported into a space where every detail tells a story.

The hotel’s exterior is a striking juxtaposition of glass and darker elements, a modern homage to the duality in Wilde’s famous novel, “The Picture of Dorian Gray.” Inside, the lobby greets you with a check-in desk adorned with a gold textile design and a marble feature wall, setting the tone for the aesthetic that continues throughout.

Wilde once remarked, “Things are because we see them, and what we see, and how we see it, depends on the Arts that have influenced us.” Here, art is both muse and mentor.

Each of the 137 rooms is a carefully crafted tableau, with deep blue hues, fanciful print wallpaper, white lounge furniture accented by bronze elements, and art deco-inspired lighting and mirrors for a touch of contemporary elegance. It’s as if the rooms themselves are a canvas, painted with the same care and attention to detail as the portrait in Wilde’s novel. Speaking of which, you’ll find a copy of “The Picture of Dorian Gray” on your bedside table – a literary nightcap, if you will.

For those who love a touch of whimsy and interaction, the lobby houses an intriguing installation: The Mark of the Craft, an interactive portrait of Dorian Gray. Here, guests can anonymously share confessions and judge those of others, watching as the portrait changes in response to the collective conscience of the hotel’s inhabitants.

When it comes to dining, The Dorian doesn’t disappoint. Wilde himself proclaimed, “I can’t stand people who do not take food seriously,” and here, the food is as serious as the philosophy that underpins it. The Wilde on 27, the hotel’s main restaurant, offers a rooftop dining experience with 7-foot glass walls and panoramic views of Calgary. Executive Chef Josh Dyer brings a fusion of global influences to Western Canadian cuisine, creating dishes that are as much a feast for the eyes as they are for the palate.

For a more intimate setting, The Prologue bar invites guests to unwind with craft cocktails and DIY charcuterie boards. Don’t miss their signature honey-based drinks, the main ingredient harvested directly from the hotel’s own rooftop beehives – a sweet testament to The Dorian’s commitment to sustainability. 

Beyond its walls, The Dorian serves as a perfect launchpad for exploring Calgary. The nearby CORE shopping center, complete with a rooftop garden, offers a unique urban escape. And for those with their sights set on the majestic Canadian Rockies, the hotel provides an ideal overnight stay before embarking on adventures in Banff.

Wilde said, “I am a dreamer. For a dreamer is one who can only find his way by moonlight, and his punishment is that he sees the dawn before the rest of the world.” At The Dorian Hotel, whether you’re an early riser eager to explore or a night owl savoring the last drops of evening, you’ll find a space that caters to your rhythm.

In a world of ordinary hotel experiences, The Dorian Hotel stands out as a narrative waiting to be explored. It’s a chapter in your travel story, a place where literature, luxury, and local charm intertwine to create an unforgettable stay.

Credits:

Written and photographed by Carly Long | @bycarlylong