Witty, Quirky and Fun
The Atlas° Hotel provides a laid back atmosphere
For the past five years the Atlas° Hotel in Regina, Saskatchewan has been welcoming guests with their mission to ‘bring the fun’.
The hotel’s history dates back to 1966 when it opened under its original name – The Vagabond. However, Don Urzada decided it could be more. He purchased The Vagabond with a few other partners and extended it in 1988 when it became the Travelodge Hotel Regina.
The hotel’s story skips ahead to 2009 when Ryan Urzada stepped up to the plate. He had a wild vision that couldn’t be ignored.
“What if we broke free, became independent and crafted a hotel that was all about awesome experiences?” reminisces Ryan Urzada, chief experience officer (CEO & Owner).
From 2015-2019 extensive renovations were done including the main lobby, 15 meeting and event spaces, the second-floor foyer, all washrooms, all guestrooms’ case goods, and the onsite restaurant. Public areas and hallways were renovated with fresh carpet and wall coverings while the waterpark was renovated into Soaked! Waterpark.
After eight years of dreaming, four years (and $10 million) of renovations and two years of meticulous planning Ryan’s vision came to life. The Atlas° Hotel officially opened on November 1, 2019.
The Atlas° Hotel includes 200 guestrooms, pub, restaurant, waterpark and over 15,000 square feet of meeting and event space.
Guest amenities include the Soaked! Waterpark, Knotted Thistle Pub, DISH restaurant, 24-hour gym, meetings & events and no upcharge on room service.
“Our design embraces modern elegance infused with a welcoming warmth. Throughout our interior spaces you’ll find a fusion of contemporary furnishings and stylish décor elements that cultivate a sophisticated yet cozy atmosphere,” shares Urzada.
The hotel has a diverse range of guests from various industries, such as agriculture, sports teams, cultural groups, young families and grandparents.
“Our guests value a laid-back atmosphere and prioritize accommodations that provide consistent comfort and ease of use. They resonate with our approachable and down-to-earth hospitality and appreciate our genuine sense of humour and wit.”
In 2019, the hotel rebranded and took a bold step as they shifted from being a franchise to establishing themselves as a fun, bold, independent brand.
Being independent and locally owned means everything to the hotel. It allows them to have a strong connection with their community, enabling them to be local champions and involved in community initiatives.
“We’re right there on the ground – chatting with guests and understanding exactly what they need. This closeness lets us tailor our services to perfectly fit the vibe of our local clientele. Our mission is ‘to bring the fun’. It isn’t just a slogan. It’s our daily mission made possible by our independent brand.”
When it comes to their brand, The Atlas° is all about injecting some fun and personality into the guest’s stay. They’re a little bit quirky, a little bit witty and a whole lot of fun.
“Our team are the true heroes of our story,” explains Urzada. “Guests aren’t merely checking into a hotel. They’re embarking on a journey into an unforgettable experience. The dedication, hard work and boundless passion of our crew are what makes every guest feel like they’ve stumbled upon a hidden gem in Regina.”
The hotel was named the 2023 recipient of The ABEX Service Award. This was like hitting a home run for The Atlas° Hotel team.
“It felt like we were getting high fives from all our guests, team and community all rolled into one amazing moment. Winning this award wasn’t just about recognition. It was a celebration of our shared commitment to creating unforgettable experiences.”
The Atlas° Hotel is constantly looking ahead and striving to innovate. But their overarching goal remains: to bring the fun by being a champion of hospitality memories one day at a time.
Nicole Sherwood | Western Hotelier