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Have You Made You’re New Year’s Resolution Yet?

As 2012 draws to a close, many of us are starting to make plans for 2013. The start of a New Year is a great time to set new goals – it’s the reason we make New Year’s Resolutions.

Lose weight: This one is probably the most common resolution. The holiday season is the hardest time because of the non-stop eating and family celebrations, most of us gain a few extra pounds and as a result we decide to lose those extra pounds in the new year. So what do we do, we set up a diet plan to eat more healthy by adding more fruits and vegetables, drink more water and of course – exercise.

Exercise: The second most popular new year resolution, whether you decide to join a gym or just to get out there and start walking or jogging every day, this is a great way to kick start a healthier schedule. Read More

By Kate Coulombe on December 31st, 2012 | Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »

It’s the holiday season in Vancouver, let the fun begin!

Canyon Lights

Join Harbour Cruises this holiday season as the local waters of Vancouver come alive with light! Sing Christmas Carols or dance the night away on a Harbour Cruises as part of the Carol Ships Parade of Lights Festival, also don’t forget to check out the Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge a spectacular holiday light display, offers extra sparkle for the 2012 holiday season a must-see holiday event for all ages, park guests will be dazzled by the sight of hundreds of thousands of lights glittering throughout the rainforest, across the Suspension Bridge and on Cliffwalk, the Park’s newest attraction.

Come and join The Vancouver Trolley Company and sing your favourite holiday carols while visiting two of Vancouver’s most spectacular light displays. The tour will depart from the Vancouver Christmas Market and guests will sing their way past downtown before arriving at Bright Nights at Stanley Park. The second stop will be at VanDusen’s Botanical Gardenwhere guests can enjoy the Festival of Lights. read more holiday season fun things

By Kate Coulombe on December 12th, 2012 | Posted in Community, Entertainment, Experience Local | 1 Comment »

Richmond BC Hotel , A Good Base to Check Out Michael Jackson

Kelsey Janssen Expedia Cruiseship center Duncan BC

Kelsey Janssen Expedia Cruiseship Center Travel Agent

Accent Inns enjoys working with our partners in the travel industry, especially local community travel agents.
See below for a guest post from Kelsey Janssen.

Kelsey Janssen, Travel and Cruise Specialist, Expedia Cruise Ship Centers Duncan share’s on of her travel experiences.

In 2011 when Cirque du Soleil, Michael Jackson “The Immortal Tour” came to Vancouver I knew I had to attend.

After purchasing tickets, I called the Accent Inn, Richmond BC to book my overnight hotel and complimentary parking. It worked out very well! We checked into the hotel and then took the complimentary shuttle to the River Rock casino. We then took the sky train and were in downtown Vancouver in 25 minutes. The show was incredible and our accommodations worked out great. ..more about Michael Jackson and other events

By John Espley on December 11th, 2012 | Posted in Entertainment | No Comments »

Family Support Institute Welcomes Accent Inns

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Accent Inns joins the Family Support Institute in supporting families in BC. New Westminster, BC, November 30, 2012 – The Family Support Institute (FSI) is excited to announce a new partnership that has developed between FSI and Accent Inns. This partnership will benefit thousands of families all over BC and speaks to the level of commitment both groups have for families and individuals living with disabilities in this province.

“Strong, healthy families lead to strong healthy communities”

Accent Inns has agreed to support the Family Support Institute in a variety of ways. They have donated several rooms to FSI for use by our families when needed throughout the year. They have also offered a special room rate to the Family Support Institute that is $5 below any advertised room rate with the Accent Inns. For every room booked, where individuals mention FSI and take advantage of this special rate, Accent Inns will also donate an additional $5 to FSI! This rate and donation are available to anyone who mentions FSI upon check in. The key is to remember to mention the Family Support Institute! read more about the family support institute

By John Espley on December 7th, 2012 | Posted in Community, News | No Comments »

It’s Ski Bus Season again

Relax and enjoy the scenic journey to and from Mount Washington Alpine Resort aboard one of Smith Transportation’s dedicated ski buses. Enjoy the views of the rugged peaks of Strathcona Provincial Park and the Strait of Georgia. Mount Washington Alpine Resort boasts one of the most incredible and scenic alpine settings in North America; you’ve got to see it to believe it! Did you know that Mount Washington welcomed many athletes as they trained for the 2012 Vancouver BC Olympics. On several occasions Mount Washington has boasted the highest base of any Ski resort in North America. read more about the ski bus

By John Espley on November 27th, 2012 | Posted in Sports, Travel | No Comments »

CHEK Christmas Drive Thru

Help Support the Salvation Army at the CHEK TV Drive Thru

December 7th will see the “cast and crew” of CHEK TV descend upon the Accent Inn in Victoria BC. Just like Santa’s Elves’ they will be working hard to to prepare and host the 19th annual CHEK Christmas Drive Thru.

You like grabbing a bite or a coffee at your local drive thru so why not make your donations that way too!

Where else will you find TV personalities and volunteers alike “hustling and bustling” around to unload your donations of goods for the Salvation Army. Sold everything in a garage sale?.. no worries cash donations are more than welcome, in fact a Salvation Army kettle will be on hand and it sure looks great to see it when it’s filled with bills!

Having fun at the CHEK TV Drive Thru

Making the experience even better you’ll have the Salvation Army band serenading you with Christmas Carols, a few special gifts just for you from Save-On Foods and others and even a chance to win a great prize courtesy of Accent Inns and the Victoria Royals! Rumor has it that this night is so special, Santa himself has scheduled an appearance! (why is it we never see Jim Beatty and Santa at the same time…..could it be..hmmmm?)

Please join us December 7th from 5 – 7pm at the Accent Inn at the corner of Blanshard and Cloverdale and help support those in need!

You have a chance to win a “Follow the Royals” prize. A one night stay at your choice of the Accent Inn Burnaby, Kamloops or Kelowna along with an autographed Victoria Royals Jersey!

Follow the Royals with a a stay at Accent Inns on the mainland

By John Espley on November 26th, 2012 | Posted in Community, News | No Comments »

Lights of Hope

Here’s a great opportunity to remember those close to you that have crossed paths with cancer.

November 30, 2012 Accent Inns is proud to support the

Canadian Cancer Society and Shaw TV’s Lights of Hope.

Watch the corner of Blanshard St. and Cloverdale Ave. in Victoria BC where shortly after 5pm both the Shaw Cable building and the Accent Inn Victoria will “light up” as a reminder that there is hope.

Watch the Video below for more details and learn how you can make a difference this Christmas.

By John Espley on November 24th, 2012 | Posted in Community | No Comments »

Kelowna “It” Shopping Destination

Shopping on Bernard St

I was recently in Kelowna on a cool November day with a few hours to kill and a looming deadline of my husband’s birthday fast approaching. I headed for Bernard Street in the cute heritage downtown right by the lake (a short walk from my Accent Inn) and was soon embarrassed by the obscene number of shopping bags I was holding!

The shopkeeper in Blackfish Apparel assured me that all the bags was a very good thing, especially shopping local and supporting a vibrant downtown Kelowna. Well, I sure did my part in her store which is unbelievable for ladies looking for funky but low priced dresses. I walked out of there with 3 new little numbers all under $100. The shop owner was so friendly and helpful when I guiltily explained that I was supposed to be looking for my husband’s birthday gift; she pointed me in the right direction down to X.10.Sion (yeah, I haven’t a clue how to pronounce it either, but it’s right below Earl’s at the end of Bernard across from the lake… speaking of Earls, what an awesome place to have lunch! A beautiful view of the water…. or try the Memphis Blues BBQ one block up on Bernard if you like ribs… wow, they are good). Read More about the Kelowna's great shopping

By Mandy Farmer on November 22nd, 2012 | Posted in "Confessions of a CEO", Experience Local | 1 Comment »

Pass it along

There is a line in a song by the British rock band Chumbawamba that says “Pass it along by word of mouse” This is not just a great lyric but a statement that pretty much defines our world today.

Within moments of taking a photo, receiving a video, a joke or a special offer, we pass it along to all those folks on our contact list without a moment’s though. But should we perhaps give it a moment’s thought?

How many of us pass it along without removing the email addresses of those dozens of people who have passed it along to us? How many of us pass it along to people we barely know without a moment’s thought as to their political or religious views, their workplace email policies or even the validity of the content? Read More

By Karen England on November 13th, 2012 | Posted in Featured | No Comments »