03/11/2017 | 04:37 AM

OPENINGS SALES AND RENOS — Oct. 24-Nov. 7

Sheraton Centre deal largest Canadian single hotel transaction

TORONTO — In Canada's largest single hotel transaction, CBRE has sold the Sheraton Centre in Toronto for $335 million. 

CBRE Hotels was retained by an affiliate of Marriott International Inc., to globally market the 1,372-room, 4-star Sheraton Centre Toronto, the second largest hotel in the country after the Chelsea Toronto.

Built in 1972, the Sheraton Centre is an iconic hotel within Toronto’s financial core with a direct connection to the world’s largest underground retail system. It is the largest convention hotel in the city with upwards of 130,000 sq. ft. of function and pre-function space.

Two years ago, the hotel undertook a comprehensive $110 million capital refurbishment program, positioning the property for immediate rate upside and a return to historically strong occupancy levels. The hotel was already a leading international upscale brand, and the acquisition by Marriott enabled Sheraton-branded properties to benefit from over 100 million combined loyalty members with Marriott Rewards, The Ritz- Carlton Rewards and Starwood Preferred Guest.

CBRE Hotels brought local market knowledge to the process, working with the client to convey the operational and financial metrics of a leasehold property in the midst of a substantial renovation against the tremendous opportunity to acquire one of Toronto’s most significant hotels. With the sales undertaking occurring during Marriott’s acquisition of Starwood, CBRE worked diligently with the client to provide meaningful updates to the investment community to ensure continued deal momentum.

Marketing efforts garnered multiple offers, with the team assisting the client in selecting the strongest offer in terms of asset purchase, long term management terms and purchaser’s wherewithal to close.

Calgary Marriott Downtown revamp aimed at business travellers

CALGARY — Business meets leisure in the heart of the city at the Calgary Marriott Downtown. The recently redesigned Marriott hotel features innovative, business-friendly amenities. Guests can now work, unwind and relax in their updated suites designed with the business traveller in mind.

Guests can work in comfort in their spacious accommodations which include work desks with ergonomic chairs, numerous charging stations, as well as the TED app to help keep your brainstorming ideas flowing. Close to major businesses in the downtown core, the hotel includes an on-site Starbucks.

The hotel's restaurant, ONE18EMPIRE, includes a stylish whiskey bar. This year, they have created a Canada 150 signature cocktail, named "The Walter Stanley" in honor of two legendary Canadians — Walter Chell, who created the Caesar cocktail and George Stanley, a native Calgarian who designed the Canadian Flag. The drink boasts a maple syrup and bacon rimmed Caesar cocktail made with Canadian rye and garnished with a combination of Canadian inspired bites.

Mobile key and mobile check in/out capabilities allow for quick access  while large, flat-screen TVs offer the Marriott's MVP, a digital platform that replicates the in-home entertainment experience seamlessly, with access to Netflix, YouTube and more.

Comfort on the move with 10 hotels in three months

ROCKVILLE, Md. — The Comfort hotel brand continues to show aggressive growth and to showcase the brand's Move to Modern initiative. With 10 new hotel openings in the last three months, the brand is on track to successfully execute its strategy of opening one hotel per week in 2017. As part of Choice Hotels International, Inc., one of the world's largest hotel companies, the new Comfort properties reflect the brand's transformation and new design, which includes a refreshed, modern look and feel.

"The Comfort brand has been reimagined. Our Truly Yours prototype offers a superior level of accommodations that help drive guest loyalty and a strong return on investment for franchisees," said Anne Smith, vice president, brand management and design, Choice Hotels. "As we rapidly expand, guests are experiencing the new Comfort, and developers and hoteliers can see the positive impact."

The Truly Yours design package, which includes a contemporary, welcoming exterior, lobby and guest rooms, is the cornerstone of the Comfort brand's Move to Modern initiative, introduced to enhance the brand's existing portfolio of hotels. Move to Modern is a phased approach, with all public spaces and guest rooms fully renovated across the brand by the end of 2019.

"Our development momentum demonstrates our commitment to have the Comfort brand lead in the upper midscale segment," said Brian Quinn, vice president, franchise development, Choice Hotels. "We don't just look at what our hoteliers need today, we also consider the long term, always providing franchisees with the tools to be successful for years to come."

The recent Comfort hotel openings are located across the Canada and the U.S.. Here in Canada, the Comfort Inn & Suites in Kemptville, Ont., which has 74 guest rooms, will open in 2018.

There are more than 1,800 Comfort hotels open across North America.

Le Germain Calgary unveils The Hatstack

CALGARY — Le Germain Hotel Calgary has unveiled "The Hatstack", a new public artwork created by renowned Albertan artist Walter May.  The sculpture permanently graces the exterior entrance of the boutique-hotel on the corner of 9th Avenue and Centre Street SW across from the Calgary Tower.

The cast-bronze and cement freestanding pillar is comprised of 33 identical stacked modules. When seen from a distance, the 19 feet tall sculpture displays balance, lightness and rhythm through its repeated geometric shapes, reminiscent of Constantin Brancusi’s “Endless Column”, which is considered to be one of the 20th century’s great modernist abstract monuments.

"Approaching the work, the solidity and weight of the modules become more prominent along with the recognition that they are, in fact, representations of hats stacked brim-to-brim and crown-to-crown," says artist Walter May.

The hat-shaped elements are based on John B. Stetson’s 1865 design for what many consider to be the first mass produced western hat, known as the “Boss of the Prairies”. With its tall, rounded crown and flat brim, often creased and shaped by individual owners to their liking, this hat is now recognized as the ubiquitous western cowboy hat.

"We are delighted to present this sculpture to both hotel guests and Calgarians," says Lionel Houliat, general manager of Le Germain Hotel Calgary. "This collaboration is in perfect continuity with our ongoing commitment to feature local talents." Similar to all Group Germain Hotels in Canada, Le Germain Hotel Calgary is adorned with original works of art by Canadian artists such as Christian Grandjean and Pascale Girardin.