Historic Sites of Manitoba: Alexandra Block / Mariaggi Hotel (231 McDermot Avenue, Winnipeg)

This three-storey brick structure on McDermot Avenue, in the Exchange District of Winnipeg, was constructed in early 1902 and supervised by local architect William Barnes Lait on behalf of hotelier Frank Mariaggi. Known initially as the Alexandra Block, the main floor was intended to house a large restaurant and stores, while the upper two levels were going to be “suites for bachelors.” Within a year, Mariaggi had turned the building into a hotel with single rooms and suites each equipped with telephone and bath, separate dining rooms for women and men, and a private dining room in a basement grotto that was meant to resemble Italian caves.

In the 1980s, businessman Don Laluk and his three children extensively renovated the hotel, converting it into 15 theme suites representing countries around the world. Each suite features art, statuary, and furnishings that represent the theme country, and each is equipped with a hot tub, steam room, sauna, piano, sound system and television, and balcony. Larger suites also have a pool table or shuffleboard table and a small kitchen. In-suite services such as massage therapy and meals are available.

The hotel can be reached by telephone at 204-947-9447.

Mariaggi Hotel (circa 1903) Source: An Illustrated Souvenir of Winnipeg by W. A. Martel & Sons Postcard view of Mariaggi Hotel (circa 1907) Source: Gordon Goldsborough, 2020-0072 Mariaggi Hotel (February 2019) Source: George Penner Gentlemen’s dining room in the Mariaggi Hotel (circa 1903) Source: An Illustrated Souvenir of Winnipeg by W. A. Martel & Sons Suite in the Mariaggi Hotel (circa 1903) Source: An Illustrated Souvenir of Winnipeg by W. A. Martel & Sons Refreshment bar in the Mariaggi Hotel (circa 1903) Source: An Illustrated Souvenir of Winnipeg by W. A. Martel & Sons Private dining room in grotto in the Mariaggi Hotel (circa 1903) Source: An Illustrated Souvenir of Winnipeg by W. A. Martel & Sons Site Coordinates (lat/long): N49.89720, W97.14068 denoted by symbol on the map above

See also:

Memorable Manitobans: William Barnes Lait (1855-1928)

Memorable Manitobans: Frank Mariaggi (c1847-1918)

Historic Sites of Manitoba: Albert Block (86 Albert Street, Winnipeg)

MHS Centennial Business: Mariaggi Hotel

Sources:

“Progress of the prairie capital,” Winnipeg Tribune, 12 January 1902, page 5.

We thank Lowell Laluk for providing additional information used here.

This page was prepared by Gordon Goldsborough and George Penner.

Page revised: 21 May 2023

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