Airline Hotels Canada | Company History

“If you take care of your associates, they will take care of your customers and your business.” Harold Latrace

When entrepreneurs Vilda and Harold Latrace became partners in the Deer Lodge Motel in the 70s, (known as Travelodge Hotel Saskatoon today) they did so to help the previous owner who’d fallen on hard times. It quickly became like the Latrace’s home: they opened it to guests like they would their own family. Over forty years later, our second-generation hotel company is still run with the original sense of hospitality and family.

1972

First Purchase

Deer Lodge Motel purchased; Board of Directors assembled.

1973

A Rebranding

Deer Lodge Motel branded as Travelodge Saskatoon.

1986

Joint Venture

Joint venture partnership in Vagabond Hotel Regina.

1973

1988

Rebranding of the Vagabond

Vagabond Hotel branded as Travelodge Regina.

1992

Brian Henderson steps in as Chairman of the Board.

1996

A New Leader

Betty Anne Latrace-Henderson steps in as Vice President and in 2000 becomes President.

1996

1992

2001

Sale of interest in joint venture partnership with Travelodge Regina.

2001

Murray Gottschlich hired to help expand the company.

2003

Betty Anne changes Board; third party Board of Directors hired.
(April) Renovation and rebranding of Chateau Edmonton to Four Points by Sheraton.
(August) Renovation and rebranding of the Quality Hotel to Hilton Garden Inn.

2003

(January) Quality Hotel Saskatoon purchased.
(September) Chateau Edmonton purchased.

2006

Corporate office entity Airline Hotels established with 3 positions. First and second 3rd party management agreements signed.

2007

(May) Valhalla Inn Thunder Bay purchased.
Airline Hotels corporate office expands to 6 positions.