For many travelers, waking up in hotel rooms can quickly become a blur of beige walls and stale continental breakfasts.

"Rebels against the ordinary" serves as Hotel Zed’s motto, and selling a fun and unique experience along with a quality night's sleep is the company’s ambition.

Photo Credit: Contributed by Hotel Zed.

Whether it’s the vintage VW Westfalia shuttles, typewriter stations or the selfie disco room, those staying at the motel's downtown Kelowna location often find themselves doing much more than watching pay per view movies.

“A large part of Hotel Zed’s vision is these fun, quirky, outside of the box ideas,” said Lindsay Rainbird, who is one of Hotel Zed’s managers for the Kelowna location. “The first Hotel Zed opened in Victoria two years ago and it was such a success that when this waterfront property in downtown Kelowna become available it was a no-brainer to expand here.”

Hotel Zed prides themselves on being “ridiculously fun, eclectic and hip” and the brand's innovative ideas exemplify that.

Photo Credit: Contibuted by Hotel Zed.

When looking for rooms in a similar price range, it’s not just the funky colored walls and vinyl record play stations that stand out from ordinary hotels. Hotels Zed has 12 different room types in hopes of appealing to travelers looking for different or unique sleeping arrangements.

“There's lots of different, fun arrangements for families or groups of people,” said Rainbird.

“You can add a bunk bed to a room with king or queen sized bed, there's a room called the sixer which has a queen sized bed with a queen sized pull out couch and bunk bed or for long stays there’s full kitchen and separate living area options in some rooms.”

Photo Credit: Contributed by Hotel Zed.

According to Rainbird, different room arrangements is an area largely missed in the market place. For many families with more than two children, it’s a big expense to get that second room, so the option of bunk beds and pull out couches has been a popular choice.

“The response has been super positive. When opening a hotel in a new location you’re always nervous of what’s to come, but the response has even surpassed what we were anticipating,” explained Rainbird.

Part of the reason for the positive response have been Hotel Zed’s open minded concept of what a hotel can provide to people.

While Hotel Zed does offer a fun alternative for corporate retreats or birthday parties (think ping pong room and rooftop patio) the company also encourages people to come forth with their own interesting ideas.

Photo Credit: Contributed by Hotel Zed.

“We've had different types of parties for all different groups of people. Its brought dj’s and bands to the hotel, even magicians,” said Rainbird. “Some of the most interesting experiences have been hosting photo shoots for hairdressers and retail photo shoots that incorporate our unique vibe, decor and atmosphere.”

So why expand the Hotel Zed brand from Victoria to Kelowna?

According to Rainbird, Kelowna’s evolution into an exciting destination for business and tourists alike, combined with an opportunity to have a location right on the waterfront in the downtown core made the decision easy.

After opening less than a year ago, the Hotel Zed team is excited to experience spring time in downtown Kelowna and the boutique motel with a down to earth vibe will be a great fit for fun and playful season.