18/07/2013 | 09:25 AM

Omni to manage King Edward

TORONTO—Omni Hotels & Resorts announced today that it would operate and manage the The King Edward Hotel as of Aug. 1. The iconic hotel will also wear the Omni name. 

The company will join the ownership group King Edward Realty Inc. Skyline International Development will retain its ownership position and continue its existing role as asset manager of the Canadian-owned King Edward Realty Inc., along with partners Alex Shnaider, Serruya Realty Group, Dundee KE Limited Partnership and now Omni Hotels Corporation. 

The venture continues Omni’s strategic expansion to own, operate and manage distinctive luxury hotels and resorts in North America.

“The King Edward Hotel is a very unique property with a rich history from more than a century of hosting guests, as well as being a great source of pride for the city of Toronto,” said Mike Deitemeyer, president of Omni Hotels and Resorts, in a release.

Built in 1903, The King Edward is a Toronto landmark located within the city’s Financial District, and has hosted a number of dignitaries in its 110 years, including namesake King Edward VIII, former president Theodore Roosevelt, Ernest Hemmingway and Mark Twain.

As part of the partnership, the King Eddie is undergoing a $40 million renovation that will include the hotel’s rooftop Crystal Ballroom being restored as a party hall. The ballroom, with its 20-foot ceilings, has been closed since the 1970s and overlooks the city from the 17^th floor. As well, the hotels 301 rooms and suites will be modernized with new bathrooms. The first 50 guest room renovations are set to be complete this fall. The renovation will maintain the hotel’s old-world charm and elegance while updating the rooms, lobby and adding a new fitness centre. 

“Omni is committed to making this incredible hotel the place to stay in Toronto, whether travelling for business or leisure. As an extension of our city centre portfolio, The King Edward Hotel is a marquee property that allows us to offer our award-winning personalized service to our guest who visit Toronto,” said Deitemeyer.

"We’ve worked closely with The King Edward’s operations team since the hotel was purchased in March 2010 and that relationship will certainly continue with Omni,” said Kevin Toth, President & COO of Skyline Hotels & Resorts.

The Omni King Edward Hotel will be the brand’s second property in Canada along with the Hotel Omni Mont-Royal in Montreal’s downtown.