Our Story

Where Elegance Meets Canadian Hospitality

Lumirion Empire Hotel Lobby

How It All Started

Back in 1987, our founder Margaret Chen had this wild dream of creating a place that'd feel like home but with that extra touch of luxury you don't really get anywhere else.

She'd traveled across Europe, spent years working in Toronto's finest establishments, and kept thinking - why can't Vancouver have something that blends old-world charm with that laid-back West Coast vibe we all love? So she took a chance on this gorgeous heritage building on Georgia Street. The place was a mess, honestly. But Margaret saw what it could become.

Three years of restoration work later, we opened our doors. That first year was rough - we had maybe six rooms booked on a good night. But word started spreading about this little spot where you'd get treated like family while surrounded by genuine luxury. Now, almost four decades in, we're still doing exactly what Margaret envisioned.

"Luxury shouldn't feel stuffy. It should feel like coming home to the best version of yourself."

- Margaret Chen, Founder

What We're All About

Real Hospitality

We're not about fake smiles and scripted greetings. Our team genuinely cares about making your stay memorable. Whether you need restaurant recommendations that aren't touristy or just wanna chat about the Canucks game, we're here for it.

Attention to Detail

It's the little things, right? Fresh flowers from Granville Island every morning. That perfect pillow menu because we know everyone's got their preference. Water pressure that actually works. We sweat the small stuff so you don't have to.

Local Connection

Vancouver's our home, and we want it to be yours too while you're here. We've partnered with local artisans, feature BC wines in our restaurant, and our concierge team knows every hidden gem from Deep Cove to Steveston.

Meet the Folks Behind the Magic

Sarah Mitchell

Sarah Mitchell

General Manager

Been with us for 12 years. Started as a front desk agent and worked her way up. She's the one who remembers your coffee order from three visits ago.

Marcus Beaumont

Marcus Beaumont

Executive Chef

Trained in Montreal, fell in love with Vancouver's food scene. His wild salmon dish has been on our menu for eight years because guests won't let us take it off.

Linda Park

Linda Park

Head Concierge

Vancouver native who knows literally everyone in the city. Need tickets to a sold-out show? She's got a guy. Best dim sum that tourists never find? She'll draw you a map.

James Rodriguez

James Rodriguez

Spa & Wellness Director

Came from a holistic wellness background. He's transformed our spa into this peaceful sanctuary where even our most stressed guests leave looking like they just had a week-long vacation.

Lumirion Empire Team

Why We Do This

Look, running a hotel isn't just about clean sheets and room service.

It's about creating these moments people remember. That businessman who finally got a good night's sleep before his big presentation. The couple celebrating their anniversary who didn't have to worry about a single thing. The family whose kids still talk about their Vancouver trip years later.

We've got this amazing team - about 85 people total - and honestly, they're what makes this place special. Yeah, we've got beautiful rooms and great amenities, but it's the people who make guests wanna come back. Our housekeeping supervisor Maria has been here 18 years. Our night auditor Tom knows more about Vancouver history than most tour guides. This stuff matters.

Every morning, we gather for our daily briefing, and I love hearing about the little wins from the day before. Someone's proposal went perfectly. A guest found their lost wedding ring thanks to our housekeeping team. A first-time visitor to Canada felt welcomed. That's the real stuff that keeps us going.

Come See What We're About

Seriously, we'd love to have you. Whether you're here for business, pleasure, or just need a break from life, we've got you covered.

Get In Touch