UBC Reports | Vol. 48 | No. 8 | June 6, 2002

Welcome to the UBC Hotel

Travel bargains for those in the know.

By Brian Lin

It is one of the best-kept travel secrets in British Columbia.

While the general public may not always be aware, thousands of travelling academics and savvy tourists know that every summer UBC Conferences and Accommodation transforms three on-campus residences -- Gage Towers, Place Vanier and Totem Park -- into comfortable rooms.

Dubbed Vancouver's affordable and most accommodating alternative, Conferences and Accom-modation handles an average of 30 conferences and 300 camps from May to August and stays competitive in the hotel industry by offering the beauty of UBC's campus and great value. Rates range from $22 for a hostel bed to $129 for the fully equipped West Coast Suites.

"Our biggest advantage over downtown accommodation is the large number of rooms available to groups. We can handle up to 3,000 delegates at a time," says General Manager Allan de Jong. "The proximity of rooms to the meeting space is also a big draw for conference organizers. We offer a one-stop service which includes professional meeting planning and registration services."

While many clients are members of the university community -- visiting scholars, ESL students and sports teams -- tourists and business travellers who prefer to stay away from the hustle and bustle of downtown Vancouver can stay at one of 47 West Coast Suites, which are open year-round and equipped with a kitchenette and ensuite washroom.

To meet the enormous challenge of turning dorm rooms into visitor accommodation, the Dept. of Housing and Conferences hires approximately 100 housekeepers a year, many are UBC students; dozens of others are hired to help organize conferences and receive guests.

The operation has consistently been a revenue generator for the university, totalling approximately $6 million in gross revenue per year. The profits go into building new residences, refurbishing existing ones and keeping the rent of student residences low.

more information

For more information and bookings, visit www.ubcconferences.ca or call 604-822-1060.