18/06/2018 | 09:04 AM

OPENINGS, SALES AND RENOS update June 19, 2018

Blackcomb Springs Suites goes back to its roots

WHISTLER, B.C. — ResortQuest Whistler has announce that the Coast Blackcomb Suites has returned to the property’s roots and the hotel was rebranded as Blackcomb Springs Suites effective June 1, 2018.

Located at 4899 Painted Cliff Road, the 186-room hotel will operate as an independent brand while continuing to be managed by ResortQuest Whistler. At the highest accommodation point on Blackcomb Mountain, Blackcomb Springs Suites’ guests enjoy world-class skiing, exhilarating hiking, and extreme biking at our doorstep. Daily complimentary continental breakfast, an outdoor mountainside heated pool, two soothing hot tubs, and ski, board and bike storage are all included in every guest’s stay.

As part of the rebranding, the hotel has begun extensive guestroom upgrades. While the hotel will remain open during the upgrades, all refurbishment activities will conclude June 29 for the peak summer months and resume mid-September.

“We are excited to be unveiling not only a great new brand but also a complementing guest experience to one of Whistler’s true mountainside lodges“, said Steve Seatle, executive general manager of ResortQuest Whistler.  “With ResortQuest Whistler’s substantive expertise, we will continue to delight guests and deliver the exceptional service you have come to expect from us.”

Cabot Links upgrade

INVERNESS, N.S. — Cape Breton’s famed Cabot Links golf resort has received a $2-million federal loan, bringing total government funding for the luxurious links to almost $17 million.

The interest-free repayable contribution will go towards spa facilities, upscale culinary services and tennis courts at Cabot Cliffs at Broad Cove, the sibling golf course to Cabot Links, the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency said Friday.

The latest loan will help the picturesque Inverness resort broaden its appeal for families, non-golfers and corporate groups, the agency said. It’s also part of an effort to attract more visitors to the remote resort and bolster tourism in the province, it said.

“The expansion will strengthen Cabot’s international reputation as a luxury golf destination, bringing more visitors to Cape Breton,” the federal agency said in a news release.

Inspired by Scottish links, the courses of manicured turf, woven through dunes land, are located along the coast of the Gulf of St. Lawrence.In January, Cabot Cliffs was listed as No. 9 in Golf Digest’s World’s 100 Greatest Golf Courses list, and Cabot Links was ranked No. 43.

Ben Cowan-Dewar, co-owner of Cabot Links, said the next phase of development “represents a major growth opportunity for our resort.”

“Not only will this phase have a positive impact on our guests and their overall experience, but also, our surrounding community by way of creating more job opportunities in the area,” he said in a statement.

CBRE sells Holiday Inn Express Sarnia

SARNIA, Ont. — CBRE Hotels was retained as exclusive advisor and agent to Venetian Hotel GP Ltd in its sale of the 216-room Holiday Inn Sarnia Hotel & Conference Centre.

As the largest hotel in the market, the Holiday Inn Sarnia also has the most extensive food & beverage and recreational amenity offering. Further, it is the only full-service hotel in Sarnia for self-contained group business, with over 10,000 sq. ft. of meeting space. With the brand having expired January 31, 2018 and the availability of management, there was tremendous opportunity for a new owner to underwrite new brand and positioning alternatives.

CBRE Hotels undertook a broad marketing campaign recognizing the attractive deal size for investors looking to enter or expand their portfolio within the highly sought after Ontario market. Having recently transacted on another property in Sarnia, CBRE Hotels was able to draw on its in-depth local market knowledge to assist buyers in understanding market dynamic and identifying suitable branding options.

CBRE held a structured call for offers process that resulted in multiple bids and led to a competitive second round.

Courtyard by Marriott opens in Prince George

PRINCE GEORGE, B.C. — The Courtyard by Marriott Prince George has opened in Prince George, B.C. The 174-room hotel will operate as a Marriott franchise, managed by Vancouver-based ONE Lodging Management.

“Our guests want a room that has purpose and flexibility that enables a seamless transition between relaxing and working. Courtyard is designed to offer them a relaxing and functional space to work the way they want to, when they want to,” says Callette Nielsen, vice-president and global brand manager, Courtyard.

The new hotel features the brand’s latest room design, which offers hybrid zones for working, sleeping, relaxing and getting ready, as well as indirect lighting and a neutral, tone-on-tone colour palette. Signature furniture and architectural elements replace traditional art in the new design, which also features a light desk on wheels — allowing guests to work from anywhere in the room.

The Courtyard Prince George features the brand’s latest lobby design, which features the Bistro as its epicenter. The Bistro offers guests a wide variety of made-to-order breakfast and dinner items, grab-and-go options and a selection of cocktails, beer and wine.

The six-storey hotel also features an indoor swimming pool and whirlpool spa, a large fitness centre, guest laundry and 6,538 sq. ft. of meeting space.

Group Germain's lofty new take on Alt

BROSSARD, Que. — Group Germain Hotels recently announced the official opening of the new Alt+ Hotel Quartier DIX30 located in Brossard, on Montreal's South Shore. This brand new banner offers a unique accommodation experience thanks to its loft-style boutique hotel concept.

Strategically located at the intersection of highways 10 and 30 on Montreal's South Shore, the hotel is close to several shops, restaurants, theatres and recreation centres, making it a great location for business and leisure travellers. This is Group Germain Hotel's second property in the area following the opening of Alt Hotel Quartier DIX30 in 2007, which was a resounding success from the beginning. The new Alt+ Hotel Quartier DIX30 is located in the Square, near renowned shops such as Williams-Sonoma, Browns and Apple.

"The creation of the Alt+ brand is the result of a strategic decision that aims to continually meet the expectations of our guests," stated Christiane Germain, co-president of Group Germain Hotels. "The new Alt+ Hotel is the perfect complement to a visit to the Montérégie region and  Quartier DIX30, and we may eventually bring this new hotel banner to other cities in Canada," she said.

Decidedly contemporary and trendy, the hotel was designed by the Quebec firm LEMAYMICHAUD Architecture Design. The 168 studio style rooms feature a vibrant design to be enjoyed to the fullest. Bright and spacious, they offer a number of thoughtful little extras such as a modular desk-dining table, an open wardrobe inviting guests to unpack their luggage, as well as a kitchenette particularly well suited for longer stays. For business meetings and special events, the hotel has six multipurpose rooms offering breathtaking views of the Montreal skyline, totalling nearly 5,000 square feet.

Le Centre Sheraton Montréal sold

CBRE Hotels was retained as exclusive advisor and agent to an affiliate of Marriott International, Inc. in its sale of the 825-room Le Centre Sheraton Montreal for about $92 million, according to Reuters. The hotel has a prime location in Montreal’s central business district surrounded by some 24 million sq. ft. of office space and numerous demand generators including the 21,000-seat Bell Centre.

One of Montreal’s most significant meeting and convention hotels, the property boasts the second largest ballroom and overall meeting square footage in the market. The hotel continues to benefit from a long- term management agreement with Marriott.

The Downtown Montreal hotel market is now at the 75 per cent occupancy threshold, achieving RevPAR growth of 9.5 per cent in 2016 and 8.4 per cent in 2017 and creating a highly favourable operating environment for hotels. 

Ritz-Carlton Toronto ownership change

TORONTO — Cadillac Fairview has acquired the interest of Simcoe Wellington Hotel Limited Partnership, making it the 100 per cent owner of The Ritz-Carlton, Toronto.  As part of this transaction, Marriott International will continue to operate the hotel under The Ritz-Carlton brand.

“As one of the original developers of The Ritz-Carlton, Toronto, we are proud to increase our ownership interest in one of Toronto’s premier luxury hotels,” said John Sullivan, president and CEO, Cadillac Fairview. “Located at the intersection of the financial, entertainment and waterfront districts, we view The Ritz-Carlton, Toronto hotel as a strong complementary asset to our office portfolio in the vicinity, including Simcoe Place, RBC Centre and one future office site at 160 Front St.”

Opened in February 2011, the 53 story building comprises 20 floors featuring 263 luxury rooms, 33 floors dedicated to private Ritz-Carlton Residences and fine dining options at TOCA, DEQ Terrace and Lounge and the Ritz Bar.  The Ritz-Carlton, Toronto is recognized as one of the top luxury hotels in Canada, as demonstrated by its Forbes Five Star Award & CAA/AAA Five Diamond Award. 

Toronto Marriott Markham opens

MARKHAM, Ont. — The Remington Group has opened the 209-room Toronto Marriott Markham Hotel in downtown Markham, Ont. The property is managed by Marriott International.

“The new Toronto Marriott Markham has accomplished a forward-thinking guest experience coupled with aesthetically pleasing spaces and we know their guests will be thrilled,” said Paul Cahill, area vice-president of Eastern Canada for Marriott International.

The hotel is part of the $3-billion, European-inspired downtown community project being developed by Remington Developments. It features the Marriott Hotels great room lobby design, contemporary decor and layout and a  food and beverage offerings that include Ruth’s Chris Steak House, Draco Restaurant and Cacao 70 Eatery.

Guest rooms include open closets, a flexible work surface, locally-inspired accents and deluxe walk-in showers. The hotel also boasts a rotating multi-million dollar collection of Canadian artwork and photography and a unique indoor infinity pool.

The Toronto Marriott Markham Hotel also features The M Club Lounge, an exclusive area reserved for Elite and Club paying members. Offering 24-hour access, the lounge features perks including a range of complimentary food-and-beverage options, as well as free Wi-Fi, printing and power supplies.