Downtown in Victoria in Capital, British Columbia — Canada’s West Coast (North America)

The Oriental Hotel

Built 1883;1888

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, September 14, 2011

1. The Oriental Hotel Marker

Inscription. William McKeon operated the Oriental Saloon on this site, at the corner of Oriental Alley, prior to 1883. That year, he commissioned architect John Teague to build the Oriental Hotel on the lot next door. Teague doubled the size of the hotel in 1888, adding this corner entrance and an imposing tower.

The hotel then had about 80 bedrooms, each with a fireplace and closets. On the ground floor were ladies’ and gentlemen’s dining saloons able to seat over 200 diners.

McKeon operated the hotel until 1903. Under different owners the hotel was later known as the St. Francis. Although the tower has been removed, the building remains one of the most significant structures in Old Town.

[Photo credit]
BCARS HP11814

Erected by British Columbia Heritage Trust.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1883.

Location. 48° 25.617′ N, 123° 22.148′ W. Marker is in Victoria, British Columbia, in Capital. It is in Downtown. It is on Yates Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 550 Yates Street, Victoria

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Regionally, this marker is on British Columbia’s Vancouver Island.

Globally, it is in North America,

in the Inside Passage,

on the Ring of Fire,

in the Pacific Rim,

in the Western Hemisphere,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once a British colony.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Thomas Earle Warehouse (a few steps from this marker); Leiser Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Waddington Alley (within shouting distance of this marker); Shop/Warehouse (within shouting distance of this marker); S.J. Pitts, Importer (within shouting distance of this marker); Victoria, B.C. (within shouting distance of this marker); The Majestic Theatre (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line); Market Square’s Main Gate Fountain (about 90 meters away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Victoria.

Detail from the Oriental Hotel Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, September 14, 2011

2. Detail from the Oriental Hotel Marker

Note the original tower.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, September 14, 2011

3. The Oriental Hotel Marker

The Oriental Hotel Under Renovation image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, September 15, 2011

4. The Oriental Hotel Under Renovation

Credits. This page was last revised on February 16, 2023. It was originally submitted on November 3, 2011, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 860 times since then and 16 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on November 3, 2011, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.