The Wedgewood Story > The People at the Wedgewood Hotel in Downtown Vancouver
The People at the Wedgewood Hotel in Downtown Vancouver
ELENI SKALBANIA, Proprietor
The Wedgewood Hotel and Spa was created over 25 years ago by its Greek born owner, Eleni Skalbania and to this day, it continues to be a family-run hotel.
Over the years, the foundation upon which Mrs. Skalbania has built the hotel remains solid and consistent; a commitment to personal service, superb quality and insurmountable warmth.
Through her travels and with her distinct sense of style, she has collected fabulous antiques, sculptures, paintings, and carpets, all of which form an integral part of what the hotel stands for: uniqueness, comfort and elegance.
Providing a home away from home for countless longstanding guests, international celebrities and dignitaries, the Hotel has become respected for protecting the privacy of all its clients. The Wedgewood has set the standard for fashionable small boutique hotels in Canada.
Eleni Skalbania’s attention to detail and her dedication to her guests over the years have led her to become recognized nationally with the Independent Hotelier of the Year Award.
Elpie Marinakis Jackson
Eleni Skalbania’s youngest daughter, Elpie, attended the University of British Columbia where she received her Bachelor in Arts and then moved to the UK to complete a degree in law at the University of Reading.
After returning to Vancouver, she pursued her studies further at the UBC Law School, but she ultimately found her passion for the Hotel business and decided to join her mother at the Wedgewood Hotel. Having been raised in the Hotel business, it quickly became second nature to her.
Sharing her mother's commitment to exemplary service and warm hospitality, they have become a dynamic team, overseeing renovations, refurbishments and ensuring the smooth operations of their Hotel. She can be found regularly circulating through the property meeting with guests and supporting their exceptional team of Staff and Management.
PHILIP MEYER, General Manager
A native of Kent, England, Philip Meyer began his career in UK with his formal training in Hotel Management.
Upon completion, Philip joined the prestigious Queen Elizabeth 2 Luxury Cruise Liner where he worked cultivating his knowledge in Four Diamond, Five Star service and quality.
Following his three years on the QE2, he joined the family owned hotels, the Goring Hotels of London, where he discovered a passion for Managing smaller, more personalized boutique hotels. He then completed several years at some of the top country house hotels throughout the United Kingdom, including the well-known Horsted Place Hotel, until he was offered the opportunity to come to Canada.
For seven years, he was the General Manager of the Sherwood Inn, a double Four Diamond country Inn in the Muskoka region of Ontario.
In 1998, Philip moved to Vancouver, to preside over one of the finest teams as General Manager of the Wedgewood Hotel and Spa.
Philip’s success is truly based on his hands on philosophy and his commitment and loyalty to the spirit of hospitality. Often seen at the front of the Hotel greeting the guests personally and ensuring that their every need during their stay is met.
Outside of the Hotel, one of his other passions is cycling, whether escorting hotel guests on tours of Vancouver and surrounding areas, heading the successful Wedgewood Cycling Club or organizing dynamic cycling events throughout the Province in support of the BC Cancer Foundation.
JOANNA TSAPARAS-PICHE, Director of Sales, Marketing & Public Relations
Joanna Tsaparas-Piché's roots, like her sister’s, originated in Greece. Her post secondary studies brought her to Vancouver many years ago, a city she fell in love with and decided to make her home ever since. Her business background had been firstly in banking and then, for a number of years, in public relations for the oil industry, while simultaneously raising her family of three boys.
It was not until Eleni got involved in the hotel business, that Joanna entered the field. Starting from operations, she quickly entered the sales, marketing and the, all too familiar, public relations areas, where she truly found her special niche. Having the opportunity to market her sister’s new hotel was a wonderful challenge. It was Joanna's love and enthusiasm for the business, however, as well as her natural affinity for people, that have made the task not only easy, but truly enjoyable. Years later, she continues to be an integral part of this beautiful family owned hotel.