From time-share tradition to rental success at Calabogie Lodge
“Sirvoy gave us exactly what we needed to grow. It kept things simple, gave us clarity, and helped us keep moving forward without losing what makes this place special.” – Sherrill Riopelle, Calabogie Lodge
Balancing the old and the new
Nestled beside the water in Ontario’s Ottawa Valley, Calabogie Lodge has been part of the community for well over a century. It began as a fishing and hunting retreat in 1906, gradually evolving into a time-share lodge that welcomed thousands of guests year after year. At its peak, more than 2,500 members returned every year to the same units, the same weeks, and often the same friendly faces.
But as those families grew older and vacation habits shifted, many owners began using their weeks less frequently. The lodge was still loved, but it was clear something had to change.
Balancing the old and the new
The team saw an opportunity to introduce short-term rentals while continuing to serve long-time time-share owners. It was the right move, but came with challenges. Rental bookings were growing quickly, and managing both models meant a lot of back-and-forth. There were moments when even the most experienced staff had to pause and double-check everything.
Units needed to be blocked off manually. Staff spent time cross-referencing calendars, troubleshooting mix-ups, and working late to stay on top of it all. It became clear the systems they had weren’t built for the kind of hybrid model they were now running.
Sirvoy helped change that. With one login, the team could manage time-share blocks and rental availability without overlap or confusion. Everything from bookings to payments to guest details could be tracked in one place. The system was intuitive enough for new staff to pick up quickly and flexible enough to support the lodge’s evolving needs.
More clarity, less chaos
“We’ve even managed things from our phones during weekends or after hours. It’s made a big difference when the front desk gets busy or someone’s away.”
With things running more smoothly, the team had time to build on what was already working well. Room revenue has nearly doubled, and extras like resort fees, massage bookings, and art classes have added even more value to each stay. Guest profile tools also made it easier to remember the little details, so returning guests always feel looked after.
The front desk feels calmer now. Everything is more organised. And we can even manage things remotely, which makes a huge difference during busy check-in periods or after hours.”
Reaching new guests without losing the familiar
The lodge has also expanded its reach. Direct bookings still make up the majority, which means fewer commissions and more control over the guest journey. At the same time, Sirvoy’s channel manager has made it easy to welcome guests from further afield through Expedia and Google Hotel Ads. The transition has been gradual and intentional, helping the team grow without losing the familiar pace they value.
“We’ve been using Sirvoy for nearly ten years now, and it’s still the right fit. It hasn’t overcomplicated anything. It’s just made everything more manageable.
The next chapter in a long history
Calabogie Lodge was never about quick wins. It’s a place built on loyalty, repeat visits, and guests who feel like part of the story. That hasn’t changed. What has changed is how much easier it is to stay organised, make better use of their time, and keep things running without the stress. And that’s made all the difference.
Making changes doesn’t have to be complicated. Book your free demo with one of our friendly team today.
