Oak Bay is now home to the Hotelier of the Year, according to Toronto-based Kostuch Media, which produces Hotelier and Food Service and Hospitality magazines.

Madone Pelan, the general manager of the Oak Bay Beach Hotel, accepted the award on Dec. 6 at the Pinnacle Awards in Toronto. Past honourees include renowned hospitality leaders, including Isadore Sharpe, founder of Four Seasons Hotels. 

Pelan, who has dedicated over 30 years to the hotel and hospitality industry, joined Oak Bay Beach Hotel in 2015 and became the general manager just weeks before the pandemic began. 

"Under Madone鈥檚 leadership, the Oak Bay Beach Hotel has flourished as one of Canada鈥檚 premier luxury boutique hotels," the establishment, which offers views of Mount Baker and the Salish Sea, said in a news release.

In 2021, the Conde Nast Traveler Readers鈥� Choice Awards proclaimed the establishment 7th best hotel in Western Canada, based on more than 520,000 Conde Nast Traveler readers submissions. 

鈥淭o be named this year鈥檚 Hotelier of the Year ... is the highlight of my career," Pelan said in the release. "I am deeply humbled to join the ranks of the inspiring alumni who have shaped and inspired my journey.鈥�