Latest news with #SandmanHotel
Global News
01-07-2025
- Global News
'It's so violating': Manitoba couple's honeymoon ends with hotel break-in scare in Kelowna
What started as a dream honeymoon trip across Western Canada ended in a terrifying wake-up call for a Manitoba couple. Natalie Deroche-Earis and her husband, Adam Earis, were making a final stop in Kelowna, B.C., staying on the ground floor of a Sandman Hotel. After a relaxing evening playing cards, they went to bed around 10 p.m. Fifteen minutes later, Natalie woke to a strange sound coming from the window. 'I assumed it was Adam messing around with the AC unit,' she said. 'Then I heard him say, 'What are you doing?'—thinking it was me over there. That's when I realized it wasn't Adam. I started shaking him and said, 'That's not me. There's somebody in our room.'' Get breaking National news For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen. Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy Adam jumped up and began shouting at the man who had allegedly climbed in through their hotel room window. Story continues below advertisement 'The guy's feet were in the room,' Natalie said. 'When he heard Adam yelling, he jumped right back out the window and slammed it shut. By that time, Adam had the lights on and had jumped out of bed. I ran toward the door—I didn't want to leave Adam alone in case the person came back.' Adam said he had trusted the hotel brand as a reliable and safe place to stay. 'When I'm booking a hotel, Sandman has always just kind of been that middle-of-the-pack, safe place to sleep. At least, I thought so,' he said. The couple reported the incident to hotel staff, but say they were met with little support and no offer of a refund. In a statement, the hotel's parent company, Northland Properties, said it is taking the situation seriously and is continuing to work with local authorities in their investigation. 'We can confirm that we spoke directly with Adam to provide an update on their case, and advise that their outlined requests were being processed. We again offered our sincerest apologies for the distress that Adam and Natalie experienced during their stay with us.' Kelowna RCMP confirmed to Global News that officers responded to the reported break-in. However, due to a lack of witnesses and no video surveillance, no suspects have been identified. 'The feeling of being awoken by a stranger in your room is so violating,' Natalie said.
Hamilton Spectator
25-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Hamilton Spectator
2025 Penticton Elvis Festival ready to rock and roll
The King is gone, but he's certainly not forgotten. With record-breaking advance ticket sales, the 2025 Penticton Elvis Festival promises to be another resounding success, says festival board president Mike Schell, who is marking his 21st year on the organizing committee and third year as president. Canada's largest and longest-running Elvis festival is ready to rock and roll in downtown Penticton, starting with a pre-kickoff party and continuing through Sunday afternoon. A total of 33 Elvis tribute artists are signed up to perform and compete as they pay homage to the legendary Elvis Presley, the man who shook the world when he rose to fame in the 1950s. He remained a music and entertainment juggernaut until his untimely and tragic death on August 16, 1977. Unlike many others, Elvis's stature and popularity have remained remarkably strong nearly 50 years after his death, Schell noted. The festivities begin tonight (Wednesday) with a pre-festival kickoff party at Bar One in the Sandman Hotel from 6 to 10 p.m., featuring early-arriving tribute artists. The official kickoff event for the 2025 Penticton Elvis Festival takes place Thursday evening at The Hub on Martin Street. That event is already sold out. 'We're completely sold out for that event,' said Schell. While the festival has used Okanagan Lake Park in recent years, it returns to its original location in Gyro Park this year, Schell added. The official opening ceremonies will take place in Gyro Park on Friday at 1 p.m. 'The actual contests begin at 1:30 p.m. Friday and run until 5:30,' said Schell. 'Friday evening, we're showcasing four professional Grand Champions from our festival in a special performance.' Each of the four champions—Mat Shank, Sylvain Leduc, Vino Macris, and Corny Rempel—will perform a 45-minute set, providing eight full hours of entertainment in Gyro Park on Friday alone. On Saturday, gates open at 8 a.m., with performances starting at 9 a.m. 'This year, we have 15 professional Elvis tribute artists, 15 amateurs, and three Little Kings competing,' said Schell. 'They're coming from all over the world—Italy, Ireland, Branson, Missouri, Toronto, and more. The love for Elvis is global, and so is the talent that pays tribute to him.' A special addition this year is a visit from Charles and Linda Stone. Charles, who served as Elvis's tour manager during the height of his career, and his wife will host Q&A sessions in Gyro Park on Saturday and Sunday. 'They've got some amazing stories and photos from their time with Elvis,' said Schell. Saturday night's sold-out Headline Show at the Penticton Trade and Convention Centre will feature renowned Canadian Elvis tribute artist Pat Dunn and last year's professional division champion, Moses Snow. They will be backed by Schell's 11-piece show band, The Cadillac Kings. On Sunday, the Lions Club will host its annual pancake breakfast in Gyro Park, followed by the always-popular Elvis Gospel Show at 9 a.m. 'Every year, we donate $3 from each ticket to a local charity,' said Schell. 'This year, we've chosen the music program at Penticton Secondary School. 'The funds will help them continue with band trips and other music programs. We want to keep that legacy going—something The King would surely support.' The festival's final concert will take place Sunday afternoon at the PTCC, featuring the top seven professional and top seven amateur tribute artists, along with performances by the three Little Kings. As of Monday morning, fewer than three dozen tickets remained for the Sunday finale. The winner of the professional division will earn an invitation to compete in the world's largest Elvis Tribute Artist competition, held in Memphis, Tennessee, during Elvis Week in August. 'There are 30 Elvis tribute contests recognized by the Elvis Foundation worldwide,' said Schell. 'Winners from each are invited to Memphis to compete for the title of the world's best Elvis tribute artist. Our winner will represent Penticton on that global stage.' Next year, that winner will also be invited back to perform in the headliners concert. Schell, a lifelong fan, continues to be amazed by Elvis's enduring appeal. 'His legacy is as strong as ever,' he said. 'We're seeing more and more young fans in the audience. The recent Elvis movie really helped bring him back into the public eye, and two Netflix documentaries have also played a big role in keeping his name and music alive.' Schell also praised the City of Penticton for supporting the event. 'They've been very accommodating and deserve credit for helping ensure the festival's ongoing success,' he said. And 2025 is shaping up to be the best year yet. 'This is the strongest year in the past 23 when it comes to advance ticket sales,' said Schell. 'The festival continues to grow, and we're thrilled about how big it's become.' An after-party will follow the Sunday concert, just a few doors down from the PTCC at the convention centre. The Penticton Elvis Festival attracts around 2,000 visitors annually, with a significant impact on local hotels, restaurants, and businesses. 'We're expecting 3,000 people in Gyro Park on Saturday and Sunday,' said Schell. 'Many of them arrive early in the week and stay through Sunday, spending big on accommodations, dining, and more. Over 25 years, we've brought millions into the community.' All four contest judges are approved by the Presley Foundation, ensuring fairness and quality in the competition. The Elvis festival originated in Osoyoos but when it folded, then Penticton Mayor Mike Pearce encouraged a committee of volunteers to move it to Penticton. The gospel show was the idea of James Ludvigson. Tickets are $30 for Friday or Saturday, or $45 for a two-day pass. Sunday's gospel show is $5 (cash only) at Gyro Park. For more information, visit: . Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
Hospitality Net
09-05-2025
- Business
- Hospitality Net
Chelsea Borba has been promoted Complex Director of Sales at Flamingo Resort and Spa and The Sandman Hotel in Santa Rosa
The Flamingo Resort and Spa and The Sandman Hotel in Santa Rosa are thrilled to announce the promotion of Chelsea Borba to Complex Director of Sales, effective immediately. In this expanded role, Borba will oversee sales operations for both properties as they transition to the Hilton and Choice hotel brands, respectively. Borba, who was named 2024 Manager of the Year for the Flamingo Resort, brings nearly four years of experience with the organization to her new position. She joined the team in June 2021 as a Sales Manager and quickly advanced to Area Sales Manager before being promoted to Senior Sales Manager in July 2022, where she successfully led the sales team. In her new role, Borba will develop tailored strategies for each property while capitalizing on the brand recognition and extensive networks of Hilton and Choice. Her responsibilities include overseeing all sales initiatives, fostering high-performing teams, and driving revenue growth across corporate, group, and leisure segments. Prior to joining the Flamingo Resort and Sandman Hotel, Borba served as Director of Sales and Marketing at a Hilton property in Windsor for three years. Her hospitality career began in Las Vegas at the Venetian|Palazzo, followed by a position as Sales Manager at The Hermitage Hotel, Tennessee's only 5-Star, 5-Diamond property. Borba, who relocated to Sonoma County with her family in July 2018, is active in the local community and serves on the Sonoma County Tourism Business Development Committee. She is known for her sales leadership philosophy centered around positivity, collaboration, and empowerment.
