The history of Hotel Europa dates back several decades to a time when it was named the “Columbia Hotel”. The Columbia was later town down and the Trennick was built on the grounds. It opened on June 13, 1910 with Mr. Charles R. Newman as the proprietor. Rates for one of the 40 rooms ranged from $2.50 to $3.00 and an American meal plan was 50 cents.
Mr. Newman lived in the hotel until 1916 when he moved into his own home. In 1920, Newman purchased the hotel. He became mayor of Niagara Falls in 1922, a position which he held until 1924. Newman passed away in 1928.
A billiard room was built in the basement as well as sample rooms. Sample rooms were rooms where travelling salesmen could display their products to the public. A 150 person dining hall was on the main floor.
During this era, hotel owners were discouraged from offering music and dancing as it was seen as having a negative effect on the morals of young people.
The LCBO also didn’t approve of using dancing to promote drink sales. The LCBO felt that hotels shouldn’t be focusing on selling drinks. As Niagara Falls was a tourist destination, hotel owners were facing pressure from guests to provide some enjoyment. Music in beverage rooms was not permitted yet many hotel proprietors ignored the rule.
Dining rooms however could have a record player, piano or small band.
When a liquor inspector found a piano in the ladies and escorts room of the Trennick, the manager explained that the piano was, “placed in this room to provide necessary music to a tap dancing class or school.”
The hotel underwent further name changes, becoming the Metropole in 1942 and underwent renovations. Ivan Popvich was the manager according to my research. It then became the Mohawk Hotel and in 1967, the Lord Nelson Hotel.
The City Lights Night Club operated out of the main floor.
The hotel has been abandoned since the early 2000’s.
See also Abandoned Mansions Ontario Wiki
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That’s awesome I am one of the squatters here, if you come through next time yell out for Dylan
It would definitely be cool if someone restored it to its original form. I wonder who owns it now.
Can you still go to this site?
All boarded up.
I noticed there was a tag that said Poltergeist is this hotel suspected of Paranormal Activity? I love this bldg i live nearby and enjoy walking by. Wish there was a way we could see the inside at look back in time. I love old bldgs. ☺
No, it’s because I PhotoShopped The Ring onto the television set 🙂
Andrew and Attila don’t own it any more? I was the DJ there at the club! lol
Who owns it now?
Being one of the former Dj’s there, I’d buy it the building just to open it back up again as:
Dj LexXxus’s – “City Limits 2xXx”.
3 X’s signifying the date is at least until the year 3000.