Disappointing Sunday at the El
We arranged to meet friends for a Sunday lunch/brunch at the Hotel El, mostly because of the scenic setting.

Upon arrival, we discovered that the Hotel only serves its buffet-style Sunday brunch at a hefty $20+ price tag (I believe the waitress mentioned $24). We gulped, and asked if there was anything else we could have, like some toast, a sandwich, or a snack. No, said the server (who had obviously fielded this question all to often), there was only the brunch. She said the kitchen staff wasn't even in, and you could not order off the menu until after two.

The patronizing white lie about the kitchen staff (it's pretty unlikely that there would no one in the kitchen to, say, replenish the food trays) didn't sit well with us. Nonetheless, we wanted to meet with our frinds. I ordered a glass of import beer, and my partner a glass of diet Coke.

The "Coke" turned out to be Pepsi, which my partner was able to identify by taste, and point it out to the waitress. "That's all we have, sorry" she huffed.

The bill, which contained a whopping $8.25 for the glass of import brew (no pint, this), and a charge for the soft drink, was a bit too much for me. I pointed out to the waitress that we had complained about the soft drink. She made a fuss, and had to ask the manager before taking the $2(!) off my bill. (I tipped anyway.)


The Hotel Eldorado has been a wonderful establishment in Kelowna for many years. They have been pioneers in service and cuisine in the early days, and I've many a romantic dinner there in the past. But, while they can still deliver with setting and atmosphere, my recent experiences show that the service and kitchen end of things often falls down pretty badly. Let's hope it improves soon.    [23 May 2004 21:31:06]

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     ­Anonymous   

A pricey, beautiful view
I have been to the Hotel Eldorado on many ocassions, the service has been usually very good, the prices are quite high though, the portions are often quite small and every time I have had lunch or dinner it has taken too long (at least an hour longer) to receive our food, leaving us famished with little satisfaction from the smaller portions. I have also had the opportunity to try their Sunday brunch, which is pricey ($20+/person) but does include a nice variety of fresh seafood selections, as well as the usual 'brunch' type foods. Though quite pricey, if you are in the mood for gourmet (especially seafood as it is usually wonderful, though do make sure it is fresh), the food does usually taste good and always presents nicely. As for atmosphere, it is one of the best in Kelowna, especially on beautiful days and sunset where dining on the deck is one of the best for atmosphere in Kelowna.    [29 Apr 2006 20:34:44]

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Recommended Dishes: Seafood

     ­Anonymous, Kelowna