27/11/2018 | 12:59 PM

OPENINGS SALES AND RENOS Nov. 27, 2018

Bayview Hospitality plans new Springhill Suites

TORONTO — Alnoor Gulamani, president and founder of Bayview Hospitality Group, plans to build a 10-storey, 171-suite Springhill Suites by Marriott at 5270 Solar Drive, in the Toronto Airport Corporate Centre. The hotel will feature 3,000 square feet of meeting space and lots of parking.

"We're pretty excited, he told CLN. "We have already had a Hampton/ Homewood in the area for eight years, and we've been able to grow into that market. We bought the site some time ago and decided to go ahead. We will have the Springhill breakfast and bar area, as there is a shortage of restaurants in the area."

Gulamani added that he was excited about the transit improvements in the area, along Eglinton Ave.

Bayview chose the Springhill brand because, Gulamani said, he likes brands that are more than a room. "The room layout is very spacious and has a nice feel to it. Every unit is a suite, and they've done a good job of layout having a desk in the middle, a spacious, large bathroom and a sofa bed in the living room. There is also a kitchen with a microwave and fridge."

The clientele will be airport corporate guests, airport related business people, plus sports groups and families. Gulamani expects there will be a little bit of extended stay business as well. "We can play in a lot of spaces," Gulamani said.

Shovels should be in the ground by next spring.  Bayview Hospitality has 11 hotels, most of them in the GTA, Ottawa area or Cambridge, Ont.

Ruth's Chris opens at Marriott Markham

MARKHAM, Ont. — Ruth’s Chris Steak House – Markham has opened at 170 Enterprise Blvd at Birchmount Rd. in Downtown Markham, next to the Marriott Markham Hotel.  

Co-franchisees Lana Duke and R. David Duke marked the Grand Opening of their third Ruth’s Chris Steak House in the GTA, located in the Marriott Markham Hotel at 170 Enterprise Blvd in Downtown Markham. 

"It was terrific," Lana Duke told CLN in an interview. "We had rehearsal dinner parties on Friday and Saturday, and on Monday [Nov. 12] we cut the ribbon. We had a soft opening with the staff and it was a great experience.

“We are thrilled to be able to open in this vital community," she noted. "We’ve been part of the Greater Toronto Area restaurant scene since 1995 when we opened the first Ruth’s Chris in Canada at our downtown location in the Hilton Toronto on Adelaide St. W.  Almost a year ago to the day, we moved our Mississauga restaurant to 970 Dixon Rd., across from Pearson Airport.  All our venues reinforce the Ruth Fertel New Orleans tradition of sizzling steaks, fine wines and exceptional service."

Duke is especially proud of the decor. "My son put it together, and I am passing the baton to him, and our daughter in law, who works as our office manager in New Orleans, and handles all our gift card sales."

When she first came to the area two years ago, Duke thought that coming to Markham might be a little premature, but she is amazed at the growth taking place and planned for the future. Markham is a higher income area with a strong Asian market, and "they love our steaks," she said.

“At our Grand Opening, we’ve continued to support the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada, and know our dinner guests demonstrated their financial support of this worthy organization,” she added. The Duke family has a special connection to this organization. When David's son was four, his best friend had leukemia, and since then he has made the society the company's charity.

Cartoon Network to open first U.S. hotel

LANCASTER, Penn. — The network announced recently that a partnership between Cartoon Network and Palace Entertainment will bring a hotel with 165 rooms to a nine-acre destination on Route 30 in Lancaster, Penn., next to Dutch Wonderland Family Amusement Park. Hershey Entertainment sold Dutch Wonderland to Palace Entertainment in 2010.

Cartoon Network Hotel will feature the animation and antics of characters from shows like Adventure Time, We Bare Bears and The Powerpuff Girls.

“With just the right mix of technology, design and animation, we’re aiming to bring our characters to life in a way that we haven’t seen done before”, said Christina Miller, president of Cartoon Network-Adult Swim-Boomerang said in a news releae. “We can’t wait to be part of many family vacations with the ultimate Cartoon Network experience.”

Highlights of the plan include an interactive lobby, resort-style pool, water play zone, outdoor ampitheater with oversized movie screen, lawn games and fire pits. Inside, plans include an indoor pool, game room and play area.

Guest rooms and suites will feature “interchangeable show theming that can be customized around children’s preferences to make each visit a new adventure.”

Days Inn by Wyndham adds hotel in Saint John, N.B.

TORONTO — Realstar Hospitality has announced the location of its newest Days Inn by Wyndham franchise. Located in Saint John, the conversion property features 86 spacious guest rooms, each appointed with flat-screen TV, free Wi-Fi, plush bedding, mini-fridge and microwave.

Prior to opening, the hotel refreshed its look in all public spaces, guest rooms and the building’s exterior. In order to enhance the guest experience, the project included extensive upgrades to bedding, flooring, furniture and brand new hotel artwork.

“Our goal is to create a welcoming atmosphere with a first-rate level of service that will make our guests want to return,” said Ankit Amin, hotel general manager. “We’re thrilled to build upon the strength of the Days Inn by Wyndham trademark and offer exceptional value to hotel guests.”

Additional onsite amenities include complimentary Daybreak Café breakfast, an indoor pool and fitness centre, meeting space and a business centre, along with free parking.

“Days Inn by Wyndham Saint John is a great addition to the brand, helping to broaden our distribution of Days Inns across New Brunswick,” said Irwin Prince, president & COO, Realstar Hospitality. “With the opening of this hotel, we can offer travellers – both business and leisure alike – an excellent choice in accommodations.”

Motel 6 opens in Fort St. John, B.C.  

TORONTO — Realstar Hospitality announced the opening of its newest Motel 6 in Fort St. John, B.C. on Nov. 14. This is the third location in British Columbia for the brand, adding to the growing franchise system in Canada.

“We’re excited to officially open the doors of our second Motel 6 location while continuing to be part of a well-recognized brand in Canada,” said Gary Patara, hotel owner & GM. “Our guests will enjoy clean, comfortable guestrooms and great value along with superior customer service.”

The conversion property updated its look to feature the award winning contemporary Motel 6 phoenix design. All 61 newly-renovated guestrooms include comfortable and contemporary furnishings, free Wi-Fi, flat screen TVs and micro-fridges. Guests can enjoy the convenience of complimentary morning coffee in the lobby, a coin laundry facility and on-site truck parking.

As we focus our efforts on developing the brand, we’re thrilled to expand our presence in British Columbia,” said Irwin Prince, President & COO, Realstar Hospitality. “There is tremendous opportunity for growth across the country and we look forward to opening an additional two locations before year end.”

Conveniently located at 9810 100 Street, right off the Alaska Highway, Motel 6 - Fort St. John is a great option for those travelling to the Northern Rocky Mountains. Guests will find themselves within easy reach of nearby attractions such as Pomeroy Sports Centre, Totem Mall and North Peace Museum.