It's hard to miss the new, five-storey Raven Inn hotel on Second Avenue and Keish Street. Even at first glance, it has an urban, boutique hotel feel, which is different from other properties in Whitehorse.

Whitehorse's newest hotel opened in March of this year, and was completed in time for the Arctic Winter Games.

The Games were, of course, cancelled due to the COVID-19 crisis, leaving Raven Inn empty and shuttered until a new business plan was developed and the restaurant could re-open following the COVID guidelines set by the Yukon government.

"It wasn't like we said: 'Let's open a hotel during a pandemic,'" laughs Sarah Stuecker, general manager for the hotel.

Stuecker, who has managed other properties in the Yukon before joining the Raven Inn, is amazed by what the owners have been able to achieve with this building.

"The hotel is just really beautiful. It’s a clean design, urban and modern, with quiet rooms, but a very down to earth feel - much like Whitehorse," she says with a smile.

"We are getting well-known as a destination or short-stay property for the cosmopolitan visitor, but where you are welcome with your work boots."

Raven Inn is a full-service property with a total of 57 rooms, of which 19 units are short-term apartments, open to hotel amenities and services.

The hotel even offers a Penthouse Suite which can be booked for small events, complete with private chef. The Raven Inn has published attractively priced “room and food” packages for the season leading up to Christmas.

"Although COVID-19 has put a damper on our opening, it has allowed us to focus more on Yukoners with room specials, as well as offering clean, convenient, 'self isolation' suites and the time to get to know our regulars on a first name basis," says Stuecker.  

The property takes the "Safe Six" very seriously, with employee masking, deep cleaning and sitting empty protocols for rooms, spaced seating in the restaurant and more.

Vera Volkova, manager of the hotel's Railwork Lounge & Bar, wishes she could fill the popular eatery to capacity, but maintains that lunch and dinner patrons, combined with room service, keep the chef and staff hopping. She points out the Yukon community as having been their greatest supporters since the re-opening.

"Our chef creates spectacular menus," says Volkova, from the White Pass-themed space. "We make most of our items from scratch and use locally sourced ingredients as much as possible."

Volkova describes the cuisine as "comfort food" with staples like mac n' cheese, chicken and waffles, prime rib night and now also Sunday brunches.

The bar is fully stocked with business class favourites to local beverages.

You can find out more about available packages and deals by visiting http://www.raveninn.com

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