Nelson House B&B is at the very centre of it all. Since 1990, it’s been Vancouver’s favourite gay and lesbian accommodation.

Owner/Innkeeper David Ritchie explains more.

What made you decide to open the guesthouse?
I first got the “travel bug" in a year off of University, spent backpacking through Europe and then overland to India and back. Within a few years, I entered the Canadian Foreign Service and found a way to be paid to travel. After 15 years on the diplomatic circuit, I figured that only self-employment could beat that and why not invite the world to come to downtown Vancouver? In fact, why not invite the Gay/Lesbian World to Nelson House B & B? That`s what we did in 1990.

In your opinion, what is its best feature?
To me, a classic B & B is both a character property with "location, location, location" and an ambience that makes you feel relaxed and able to be your (best) self. In the case of Nelson House B & B, our downtown, West End location ensures that a traveller can immediately experience Vancouver`s world-class quality of life. This Edwardian house sits behind it`s own quiet garden, on a tree-lined street, ending in spectacular mountain views. At the same time, it`s only a few minutes stroll from our garden gate to Robson St. shopping, Denman St. cafes and Davie St. nightlife; 6 blocks to the beach and 1000 acre Stanley Park, all downtown attractions within walking distance.

What’s been the most memorable moment for you while running the guesthouse?
The best memories are all about the guests. I believe all regular B & B guests are a cut above the hotel-tourist. B & B`ers are often very well travelled, smart, independent, interested and interesting witnesses to the world. Our guests tend to be 90 % gay/lesbian, 10 % straight but hip. Having reversed the demographics, conversations around our breakfast table are all over the map, civil debates, "family" humour, info-swapping, entertaining, sometimes personal, sometimes a revelation and education for all.

And the worst?
The worst memories are all about the guests...just kidding. Those I take to the memoirs with me! Honestly, anyone with first-hand knowledge of owning an old house can probably imagine the little incidents that keep you on a first name basis with a legion of plumbers, electricians, appliance repairers etc., etc.

Is there a gay scene nearby?
Vancouver`s gay scene, the largest in Western Canada, is becoming increasingly integrated as advances in gay rights in Canada have often been experienced first in this very open-minded City. The clubs are still clustered along Davie St., only three blocks from the B & B, but visitors will definitely detect a sense of freedom and acceptance when travelling anywhere in and around the urban area.

What is there to do in the local area?
There is everything to do in the local area. Vancouver is so blessed by geography and nature that the clichés always talk about sailing in the morning, golfing in the afternoon and skiing on the lighted slopes of Grouse Mountain that same evening. All quite true but maybe a more realistic agenda for our B & B guests would be a bike rental and 360 degree tour of the Stanley Park Seawall in the morning, a rainbow-coloured "Aquabus" to Granville Island Market for lunch, artsy-craftsy shopping, a stroll by the marinas and houseboats in the afternoon and "home" to the B & B to pretty up in time for martinis at Delilah`s, followed by fine dining (fresh Pacific seafood or any ethnic cuisine imaginable) and still take in "Feathers Boas" or "Shower Power" in the clubs. OK - maybe not so realistic but certainly FUN.

Is there an `average` gay traveller who uses your accommodation?
An "average" gay/lesbian traveller at Nelson House B & B has a certain "sensibility" - respect for oneself and for others. Sure there are plenty of differences (our broad range of rooms attracts both singles & couples, those that want luxury & those that need budget, those that want a private, romantic getaway & those that would like to meet new friends, young & young at heart) but since we have been open, our guests have paid us the ultimate compliment of referring their friends and loved ones and so the diversity grows.

What services and facilities do you offer?
Nelson House B & B offers 6-guestrooms/4 ensuite & 1 hall bath (& 2 vanity sinks in the rooms that share it) in a 1907, three-story, character home. The guestrooms are all large, corner rooms (Q-beds, armchairs, bright & airy) and each is dedicated to the whimsical allure of world travel. Comfort, convenience & quality are foremost, but the decor doesn`t take itself too seriously. For example: Will it be "Hollywood" (art deco forties bedroom suite, glass & red brick bathroom, movie glamour & tinsel touches) or the Canadian "Cabin" (knotty pine, scenic wall mural in the bath, an old "wood-stove", antlers & Mountie prints)?

The top-floor "Studio" is actually a romantic suite with Asian decor - a private getaway with kitchenette, tv/vcr, deck, fireplace, private bath with jacuzzi & skylight. Several rooms offer desks for necessary business and a high-speed internet connection is available for laptops in the living room. The public rooms offer two more fireplaces, stained glass, books, music and a potential visit with Ozzie, our Cairn Terrier. All of our rates include full, healthy home-style breakfast, free local calls and off street parking - plus access to all of our local lore to optimise your time in Vancouver.



Where do you like to go when you go on holiday?
My partner, O`Neal & I have a soft spot for Puerto Vallarta, probably as a contrast to Vancouver`s incredible glowing green and "liquid sunshine". We opened Nelson House B & B the year that Vancouver hosted the Gay Games and we have visited, participated or competed in every ‘Gaymes’ since. We greatly enjoyed Sydney and already look forward to Montreal. Then, on any given day, we look around and realize how lucky we are to be in beautiful Vancouver. Good for the soul.


Accommodation Details:

Nelson House B & B
977 Broughton St., Vancouver, BC. V6G2A4Tollfree (Canada & USA) 866-684-9793. Otherwise: 604-684-9793

For more information contact David Ritchie on info@downtownbedandbreakfast.com or visit his website at www.downtownbedandbreakfast.com.


If you own a gay hotel or B&B and would like to be featured in our next gay accommodation fact file click here and get in touch? Email rainbow@gaydarnation.com for more information.