Magnuson Hotels, the world’s largest independent hotel group, announced today the complete rebranding of the Magnuson Hotel Creston in British Columbia. Formerly known as the Hacienda Inn Creston, the hotel will upgrade its market position to attract travelers via an affiliation with Magnuson Hotels’ global portfolio of nearly 2,000 hotels
-Homewood Suites by Hilton,Hilton Worldwide's international brand of upscale, all-suite, extended-stay hotels, continues its expansion into Canada, with two new hotel openings in Q1 2014, and four more properties slated to open in the market in Q2 2014. The brand's eleventh Canadian property in Hamilton, Ontario, opened on February 21. Homewood Suites Winnipeg Airport-Polo Park opened March 12, and is the brand's twelfth property in Canada and first hotel in the Manitoba market.
InterContinental Hotels Group and Maplewood Hotels & Resorts today announced plans to develop 15 new-build Candlewood Suites® properties in target markets throughout Canada over the next few years. Formed in 2013, Maplewood is a joint venture between Driftwood Hospitality Management and Pacrim Hospitality Services Inc.
DelSuites has added a new property to their list of short term apartment rentals. The Hullmark Centre at 2 Anndale Drive is situated in the heart of North York and offers the benefits of city living in a quiet suburban setting.
The Vancouver luxury hotel has named Glenn Eleiter as hotel manager. He will now "oversee guest experiences at the historic hotel and maintain the superior luxury standards synonymous with the Rosewood brand." He comes to Rosewood from the L’Hermitage Hotel in Vancouver, where he was general manager. He began his hotel career with Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts in 1991, remaining with the brand for 11 years.
During the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympic Games, Mr. Koskela served as general manager at the Metropolitan Hotel Vancouver. Mr. Koskela spent five years in the United States from 2005 to 2010, where he honed his senior management skills as director of food and beverage for the Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas, and as hotel manager of The Ritz-Carlton, Washington D.C.
TrustYou, the global leader in online reputation management (ORM), continues its international growth in a new partnership with Check In Canada. The booking site for The Alberta Hotel and Lodging Association in concert with other Canadian hotel associations -www.checkincanada.com-now ranks hotels based on their overall TrustScore, as well as providing detailed semantic reviews summaries of all the pros and cons based on reviews across the web. A hotel's TrustScore is a figure determined by compiling guest feedback from over 250 hotel review sites worldwide to measure how a hotel is ranked. The TrustScore provides guests with one single, easy-to-read figure for comparing hotels. Additionally, TrustYou scours millions of travel reviews with semantic analysis, making summaries about the details of a hotel available (ratings for service, food, ambiance, internet, and so forth). The Review Summary is a synopsis of the ways in which a hotel is excelling and where travellers believe a property needs improvement, if any.
Officials of New Castle Hotels & Resorts, a leading hotel owner, operator and developer, today announced the appointment of Denise Bradbury to director of sales and marketing for the Algonquin Resort in St. Andrews-by-the Sea, New Brunswick, Canada. Most recently, Bradbury was the director of sales for the New Castle owned and operated, Westin Nova Scotian in Halifax, where she and her team bested the brand average for 2013 Meeting Planner Satisfaction scores and delivered nearly 50 percent of the hotel's annual room nights and 70 percent of the hotel's food and beverage revenues. The Algonquin Resort will reopen this spring following an ambitious, roof to floorboard, renovation in excess of $35 million.
Good or bad, the online opinions expressed by hotel guests are rich in data and trends that help to drive strategy and underscore the importance of delivering exceptional service. The Alberta Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) has partnered with TrustYou, the global leader in online reputation management (ORM) and travel-technology company, to provide detailed sentiment analysis to over 800 hotels in Alberta. TrustYou will enable the AHLA to see how its members are doing related to a vast number of sentiments, including categories such as cleanliness, service, price, food and beverage, amenities, etc. AHLA members are also able to see how they benchmark against the competition, the number of total reviews, and new reviews among other important data points.
Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH), one of the world's largest hotel companies, today announced a partnership with Maplewood Hotels & Resorts to develop new Cambria Suites properties in Canada. Maplewood is a joint venture between Driftwood Hospitality Management and Pacrim Hospitality Services Inc. "The lodging sector in Canada is experiencing momentous growth, making it the ideal market to bring the Cambria Suites brand to key locations," said Carlos Rodriguez, Driftwood's executive vice president. "Through our strategic partnership with Pacrim, Maplewood is perfectly poised to introduce Cambria Suites to today's Canadian traveler in key urban markets." "Choice Hotels is excited to share the Cambria Suites experience with Canadian travelers. The brand continues tremendous growth in top-tier, key markets and Canada is an ideal location," said Michael Murphy, senior vice president, upscale brands, Choice Hotels International. "The unique blend of style, smart design and sophisticated technology that is the Cambria Suites experience is sure to resonate well within this market." "Pacrim has been a major hotel developer in Canada since the mid-1990s, and we are looking forward to developing Cambria Suites across Canada. Our joint venture in Maplewood Hotels and Resorts with Driftwood Hospitality Management provides outstanding opportunity to enhance our portfolio through new build opportunities in Canada, the U.S. and beyond," said Glenn Squires, CEO of Pacrim. "We expect to have a minimum of five Cambria Suites Hotels under construction in 2014 with openings to occur starting in Spring of 2015." Designed as a lifestyle hotel brand, all Cambria Suites properties are new-construction and feature a larger lobby to give guests a more social atmosphere; all-suite rooms that are larger than standard hotel rooms and include separate living, working and sleeping space; and the latest MediaHub technology that allows hassle-free Internet connectivity for a variety of electronic devices during their stay. Like all Cambria Suites hotels, the properties in Canada will also feature the core fine amenities for which the brand has become renowned: Reflect, a contemporary bistro featuring a dinner menu comprised of local specialties, as well as a full bar and freshly prepared grab-and-go gourmet salads and sandwiches; Refill, a barista bar featuring coffee and a hot breakfast buffet; and Refresh, a state-of-the-art fitness center. For more information about Driftwood Hospitality Management, and to stay up-to-date on the latest news, visit TheDriftwoodDifference.com or follow Driftwood on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. For more information on Pacrim Hospitality Services, visit PacrimHospitality.com. About Driftwood Hospitality Management Based in North Palm Beach, Fla., Driftwood Hospitality Management, LLC is a leader in providing solutions-based services for the domestic and international hotel industry. Guided by The Driftwood Difference – Flexibility, Diversity, Integrity, Accessibility, Originality, the company covers the full spectrum of lodging business needs. From full-service, upscale and upper-upscale hotels to mid-size extended-stay, select and limited-service properties, Driftwood's portfolio represents virtually every segment of the hospitality industry. Focused on strategic acquisition, development, third-party management, asset management and receivership, Driftwood has extensive management experience and relationships with most major brands, including Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Hilton Worldwide, InterContinental Hotels Group, Inc., Carlson, Choice Hotels International, Inc. and Wyndham Worldwide. With offices in Costa Rica, Scottsdale, Ariz. and Miami, Fla., the company and its hotels have received more than 20 industry awards in the past three years. About Pacrim Hospitality Services Inc. Pacrim Hospitality Services Inc. is one of Canada's largest, privately-owned hotel management and development companies with a portfolio of 46 hotels throughout Canada and the United States totaling more than 4,800 hotel rooms and suites. Formed in 1997, Pacrim has a wealth of expertise to offer clients such as acquisition and disposition support, concept design, development, centralized Accounting and Purchasing, e-marketing as well as property and asset management services. Pacrim's team has acquired, sold, developed and managed over 100 multi- branded hotels within Canada and the United States. Pacrim is the winner of the 2008 Pinnacle Award as Canada's Hotel Company of the Year and the 2009 TIAC National Award for Tourism Excellence as Business of the Year - Multiple Unit. Pacrim's portfolio of hotels have received numerous industry and community awards. Pacrim is headquartered in Bedford, Nova Scotia. About Cambria Suites Cambria Suites offers contemporary, upscale accommodations at affordable prices. Designed as a lifestyle hotel brand, Cambria Suites offers more than just a place to sleep at night. It features a larger lobby to give guests a more social atmosphere, all-suite rooms that are larger than standard hotel rooms and include a separate living, working and sleeping space, providing business and leisure travelers a haven to relax, socialize and network. There are currently 18 properties open across the country and nearly 30 under development. For more information visit www.cambriasuites.com About Choice Hotels Choice Hotels International, Inc. franchises more than 6,300 hotels, representing more than 500,000 rooms, in the United States and more than 30 other countries and territories. As of September 30, 2013, 371 hotels, representing more than 29,000 rooms, were under construction, awaiting conversion or approved for development in the United States. Additionally, 84 hotels, representing approximately 7,200 rooms, were under construction, awaiting conversion or approved for development in more than 15 other countries and territories. The company's Comfort Inn, Comfort Suites, Quality, Sleep Inn, Clarion, Cambria Suites, MainStay Suites, Suburban Extended Stay Hotel, Econo Lodge and Rodeway Inn brands, as well as its Ascend Hotel Collection membership program, serve guests worldwide. All hotels are independently owned and operated. Choice Hotels International offers the Choice Privileges rewards program. With more than 18 million members worldwide, is one of the fastest growing hotel loyalty programs in the travel industry. Additional corporate information can be found on the Choice Hotels International, Inc. web site, which may be accessed at www.choicehotels.com. Choice Hotels, Choice Hotels International, Choice Privileges, Comfort Inn, Comfort Suites, Quality, Sleep Inn, Clarion, Cambria Suites, MainStay Suites, Suburban Extended Stay Hotel, Econo Lodge, Rodeway Inn, and Ascend Hotel Collection are proprietary trademarks and service marks of Choice Hotels International Inc. [if !supportLineBreakNewLine]
Canada's tourism operators feel good about 2014, but are less certain through the end of the decade as the industry faces challenges that could affect travel patterns around the world.
In her new role, Mackie will lead the Fairmont brand, developing brand strategy, focusing on refining and articulating the brand positioning and communicating Fairmont Hotels & Resorts brand messaging. As part of her responsibilities, Mackie will also define strategies to further enhance Fairmont's competitive position in the luxury hotel segment. She will lead a dedicated brand team in setting brand standards for product, service and communications and will personally lead Fairmont's sustainability strategies for which the brand has long been renowned.
DoubleTree by Hilton today announced the opening of DoubleTree by Hilton Toronto Downtown in the heart of the city’s financial, research and shopping districts. Now a part of Hilton Worldwide’s award-winning Hilton HHonors guest loyalty program, the former Metropolitan Hotel Toronto has completed a multi-million dollar renovation that will conclude in spring 2014 and includes modern updates across the landmark 26-story, 486-room property. The transformation is being led by the hotel’s new ownership and management company, Bayview Hospitality Group.
Magnuson Hotels, the world's largest independent hotel group, announced today the complete rebranding of the M-Star Royal Oak Inn in Toronto, Ontario. global portfolio of nearly 2,000 hotels.
DoubleTree by Hilton today announced the opening of DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel and Conference Centre Regina, marking the debut of Hilton Worldwide's globally-renowned hotel brand into the market. The hotel, formerly the Regina Inn Hotel and Conference Centre, unveils property-wide upgrades following a 10-month, multi-million dollar renovation that includes a total refurbishment of its 235 guest rooms, 18,000 square feet of flexible conference space and a new full-service restaurant. The hotel is owned and operated by SilverBirch Hotels & Resorts.
An optimistic outlook for the lodging industry marks the 2013 edition of the groundbreaking HVS Canadian Hotel Valuation Index. Following the moderate demand recovery that took place in 2012, the Canadian lodging market has seen stronger occupancy growth through 2013 in addition to gains in average room rates not seen since 2010. The transaction side of the business has increased considerably from the nadir witnessed in 2009, when the transaction volume was a mere 10% of what had been recorded in 2007. Numerous high-profile assets have come to market, and fierce bidding is commonplace among active institutional buyers and investors. These investors are aggressively pursuing assets for which the values are seen as below their long-term potential.
Mr. Halliday was selected from among key British Columbia industry influencers for his work defining standards for excellence in hospitality management, as well as his lasting contributions to making Vancouver, Canada’s premier luxury hotel capital. HSMAI BC will present the Lifetime Achievement Award at its annual Holiday Networking event from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. November 27, 2013, at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver. Prior to his retirement this past August as Managing Director of the Rosewood Hotel Georgia, Mr. Halliday spent 26 years in senior positions within Pan Pacific Hotels Group, most notably as Vice President and General Manager of Pan Pacific Vancouver for more than 10 years, first opening the hotel in 1986 for the World's Fair. To celebrate Mr. Halliday’s contributions to the industry, HSMAI BC will make a donation in his name to the BC Hospitality Foundation.
DoubleTree by Hilton today announced the opening of DoubleTree by Hilton Gatineau-Ottawa, marking entry of Hilton Worldwide’s globally-renowned hotel brand into the Canadian province of Quebec. Formerly the Château Cartier, the stunning landmark located in the National Capital Region unveils an updated look and enhanced amenities following an 18-month, $3 million revamp of the hotel’s guest rooms, public areas and amenities. The hotel is owned and managed by Ken Pierre Investment LPD.
Ignite magazine has announced fresh new dates for its annual Ignite Business Event (iBE) Expo, now being held April 8 – 9, 2014 at the Direct Energy Centre in Toronto. The move is announced after a survey of planners and suppliers alike answered "YES" to changing the dates to an earlier time frame. The two-day expo is open to people who plan business events.
Delta Hotels and Resorts unveiled its flagship hotel in Toronto'sSouth Core neighbourhood during a topping off event, marking the completion of the hotel's 46th floor. Scheduled to open in late 2014, the Delta Toronto at Southcore Financial Centre will usher in the next generation of four-star full-service hotels for the Delta brand.