Located In The Heart Of Victoria - Affordable Accommodation. Genuine Hospitality - Since 1938

The man himself. Paul Arsens. Cook from Paul's Diner recognizing the record breaking heat frying an egg on the pavement. This 1956 photo of the ground-breaking ceremony at Paul's Motor Inn is a testament to Paul Arsens originality and sense of humour. Paul with Bob Hope in the Terra Cotta room, a fine dining room, in the Dominion Hotel owned and operated by Paul. Paul was always up for doing something original and humorous. At times he asked to have his billboard hung upside-down or side ways to attract attention. 1959.

History

Paul Arsens was a true trendsetter in the restaurant and hotel industry in Victoria. The Motor Inn started with a family style restaurant named, you guessed it - Paul’s Restaurant in 1958. This was just one of many businesses this Ladysmith entrepreneur opened in Victoria. Shortly after the success of the restaurant, Paul and his wife Artie, decided that they would try their hand at a motor inn. So they set about building Paul’s Motor Inn with 78 rooms that would be attached to Paul’s Restaurant.

Paul was always up for doing something different and humourous - at times he would have his billboard advertising hung upside down or sideways to attract more attention. He once got international attention in the Boston Globe and New York Times by having restaurant guests decide what price they would pay for dinner, and even went so far as to have them ring in their own bills and make their own change!

No wonder we are such a unique and fun loving group.