Have you met Kanat, our Hotel Manager at the Moda? If you’ve ever stayed with us you’re sure to have seen his smiling face upon your arrival, or received a ‘thank you’ email from him after your check-out. Here’s a little insight on the man behind desk!

 BACKGROUND:

• Moved to Vancouver in 1998 from Washington, DC
• ½ Turkish, ½ Greek – Born in Istanbul.
• Has a Swiss Diploma, Bachelor of Arts in Hotel Management, and Master of Science in Hospitality Administration – from all different parts of the world!
• Has worked for the Carlton Hotel in Washington DC, The Metropolitan Hotel in Vancouver, and the Hilton Vancouver Airport

 FOR FUN:

• Spends time with his 7 year old daughter, who keeps him busy!
• Favourite place to travel is Southern California – To Disneyland with his daughter, or to Los Angeles on his own.
• Loves cooking – some of his favourite things to eat are from his Greek heritage; he could live off pita bread, humous, and tzatziki alone!
• Keeping with the pattern, his favourite drink is Ouzo on ice.

ON MODA:

• Has been with Moda for 4 years.
• Loves Moda because it is funky and quirky!
• Also loves his team, because it feels like he’s working with family every day.

ON LIFE: “Live in the present!”

If you see Kanat’s smiling face next time you’re at the Moda, make sure to say ‘Hi’!

If you’ve ever walked past the Moda, you’ve seen the breathtaking mural covering two walls of the building. Here is the story of how it came to be. 

Unintended Calculations brought together a group of internationally renowned artists – Augustine Kofie (LA), Jerry Inscoe (PDX), Remi/Rough (LDN), and Scott Sueme  (VAN)  – in an exhibition exploring four very different approaches to abstraction. Working in a variety of mediums, these artists have evolved the letterform building blocks of their shared graffiti background – deconstructing and rebuilding them as compositions of colour, line, shape and movement.

The project consisted of two collaborative mural installations on two separate exterior walls of the Moda. It was the largest scale collaborative mural art installation of its kind in a major North American downtown city core location. The art installation took place over the course of 4 days (March 1st-4th, 2011) during which time the four artists had to deal with a multitude of challenges with respect to the weather – as that week in Vancouver saw rain, sleet, hail, high winds, and fortunately sun.

What are the artists up to now?

What are the chances that exactly one year later another boutique hotel could say they have the ‘largest scale collaborative mural’ in a city core? Well, you’d think slim but it’s happened. Augustine and Remi, alongside Steve More and LX One, just completed 2 exterior walls of the 6 story high Hotel Megaro in London, England.  For photos and more information, visit: http://wallkandy.wordpress.com/2012/03/04/agents-of-change-go-large-in-london/

Sueme, the Vancouverite, is heading off to South Africa for another project. To help him get there and for more information, visit: http://www.indiegogo.com/BIKES-SUEME-DO-AFRICA

Jerry, residing in Portland OR, is doing his own thing; painting, sketching and enjoying life. To keep up with him, visit his blog: http://jerryinscoe.squarespace.com/

Day One of Unintended Calculations (GroundedTV) :  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oy3Z7rYHsCI
Recap (mntcloursUSA) : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fqng4B-Km5k&feature=related

Hey Vancouver, Moda Hotel is proud to announce it has just received Trip Advisor’s Traveler’s Choice Award 2012 for being one of the Trendiest Hotels around! Click here to view the full list. 

It’s that time of year when everyone looks for that special, just right, something to do on New Year’s Eve. Well, have we got some ideas for you! Light it up this New Years with ideas for all budgets and party goers: from the gala girl on the Harbour Cruise, to the festive family venturing up to Whistler for a special night! We’ve got something here for everyone, so from us to you – have a fabulous New Year’s enjoying one of our ‘just right’ ideas.

Harbour Cruise– December 31st, 2011 “Ring in 2012 in grand style aboard the Pride of Vancouver with luxurious modern facilities, first class food, wait-staff bar service and quality wine list. Your cruise includes our gourmet buffet, entertainment and dancing all in the true cruise ship tradition. From the romance of the sea, Vancouver’s spectacular skyline, the lights at night and a midnight fireworks show, it’s the only way to celebrate New Year’s!”  – clubzone.com Information: Boarding at 8pm, returning at 1am Tickets: $150 + tax at club zone tickets

First Night, Whistler- December 31, 2011 “Whistler’s First Night is a family-friendly, no alcohol New Year’s Eve celebration that takes over Whistler’s pedestrian only Village Stroll and the TELUS Conference Center. Say goodbye to the old and welcome in the new at this evening of family entertainment and celebration. Enjoy local arts, entertainment, and family-friendly activities at indoor and outdoor venues throughout Whistler Village from 7 PM to 11 PM. Between 11 PM and midnight, ring in the New Year with free outdoor entertainment in the Village Square and a fireworks display. Tickets are required for special indoor events and skating at Whistler Olympic Plaza.” — whistlerfirstnight.com Tickets will be available at the Whistler Visitor Centre.

The Rockin’ Block At 900 Seymour! For the Canucks fan looking to catch the game and get the best for their buck, or the wine connoisseur who wants to taste their way through the night, sparing no expense – the rockin’ block at 900 Seymour Street has two New Years Eve bashes planned that you just won’t want to miss!

You CAN – Red Card New Year’s Party 2012 A party in support of the Canucks Autism Network – www.canucksautism.ca Red Card Sports Bar + Eatery features over 40 beers from around the globe, including Asian bottled brands, American microbreweries and traditional sports-related favourites, so you’re sure never to go thirsty. Accompanied by an eclectic cocktail menu and hand-picked wine list with by the glass and celebratory selections, Red Card has revolutionized the Vancouver bar industry with its unique concept and immaculate execution. Now Red Card is set to revolutionize your New Years! This year they are bringing you a New Year’s Eve Celebration in support of CAN – the Canucks Autism Network. It will combine your love of hockey with a rocking great time. Start your evening off by watching your Vancouver Canucks versus the Los Angeles Kings and move into the New Year dancing to the awesome DJ’s of Sundae Sounds.  Evening Includes: • Vancouver vs. Los Angeles @ 7PM • Two DJ’s, Dance Floor & Entertainment • Midnight Pizza Buffet* • Glass of Bubbly at Midnight • Party Favours & Midnight Countdown There will also be: • A Raffle and 50/50 Draw • Signed Vancouver Hockey Merchandise • A Team Signed Jersey • A Grand Prize – Two Hockey Tickets, a Night at Moda Hotel & a $50 Red Card gift card* • Guest Host Courtney Vye of Hockey Talk with Courtney – www.hockeytalkwithcourtney.net Information: Tickets available at Red Card or online at Clubvibes.com $30 General Admission $500 VIP Booth *Kitchen open until midnight with special New Year’s features and regular menu.

Celebrate 2012 with Cibo Executive Chef Neil Taylor and General Manager David Fert of Cibo Trattoria want to send you into 2012 with a memorable New Year’s menu and experience you won’t soon forget. An early and late seating are available and include: complimentary bubbles upon arrival, party favours, and of course the midnight countdown. Tickets: Deluxe – $115/person Includes New Year’s Menu, 1 glass of Grave di Stecca 2008 Nino Franco Prosecco and a ½ bottle of Cuvee 900 Seymour wine. Premium – $195/person Includes New Year’s Menu, 1 glass of Dom Perignon and a ½ bottle of Angelo Gaja Brunello 2006 wine. Menu available on Facebook or at www.cibotrattoria.com Tickets available at Cibo Trattoria – 604-602-9570, davidf@cibotrattoria.ca

One of our best kept secrets will be a secret no longer! — As a Moda Hotel guest there are a lot more perks during your stay than just a comfortable, relaxing get-away in our chic boutique hotel. If your travels bring you to our welcoming doorstep you will have the opportunity to spoil yourselves and save at Pink Lime Salon, Uva Wine Bar, and Red Card Sports Bar.

Pink Lime is in the business of making you look and feel good. Get a little spring in your step with any number of their salon and spa services or get the works with one of their supreme salon or spa packages. Pink Lime has been featured in magazines like Vancouver Lifestyle, Flare, Dream House Magazine, CBC Fashion Magazine, and Vancouver Magazine as the top salon and spa! Don’t miss your chance to get the royal treatment at a great price because Pink Lime Salon is offering our guests 20% off any of their salon or spa services.

Uva Wine Bar — Espresso Bar by day, located just off the Moda lobby. Cozy up and enjoy a rich Italian blend dark coffee, cappuccino, espresso, latte or mocha at their warm, modern, contemporary espresso bar. Pair your relaxing morning coffee with your delicious breakfast favourite made fresh at Uva with local, organic ingredients. For those “just 5 more minutes” people, you can sip away your afternoon wake-up call with Uva’s flavourful lunch menu instead. With mouth-watering entrees that change every day to incorporate the best seasonal ingredients you’re sure to get a mouthful of the freshest flavours of the day. Enjoy what Uva has to offer as a Moda Hotel guest and receive 15% off your food until 2pm.

But, it doesn’t stop there! Red Card Sports Bar is so much more than just a sports bar. With 18 big screen HD TVs, Red Card boasts itself as one of the best places in Vancouver to watch a game, and we have to say – it’s true. With its sassy marketing, “The best place to watch a game, especially if your in-laws are in town” this cheeky Sports Bar is a fun place to hang out and grab a bite with your friends. When every night is a special night, you can’t go wrong spending your evening there, especially when Red Card is serving up a 15% discount on their food for our guests too!

At Moda we like to spoil our guests. Now you just have to be one.

Perks only available during your stay.