OPENINGS SALES AND RENOS July 9, 2019

Before & After: Days Inn Vancouver guestrooms

VANCOUVER — Days Inn by Wyndham Vancouver Downtown has completed approximately $1 million in guestroom renovations in order to provide greater value and luxury to guests. In line with its mandate to enhance the customer experience, the completion of this six-month project promises guests a more upscale and modern environment.

The fully upgraded guestrooms feature new contemporary furniture, flooring, wall paint, mattresses, TVs, lighting fixtures, artwork and drapery. On every floor, corridors have been brightened with fresh paint.

“Right from the beginning, our vision was clear. We wanted to render a more sophisticated and contemporary look to complement our amazing location and top-notch guest service team,” said Dave Stevens, hotel general manager. “These modifications will provide our guests with a refreshed experience, modern accommodations at a reasonable price.”

Phase two of the hotel renovation project will see upgrades to the building’s exterior and all common areas.

Located in the heart of Vancouver’s financial district at 921 West Pender Street, the 85-room hotel is within easy reach of shopping, restaurants, entertainment, Canada Place Cruise Ship Terminal and the Vancouver Convention Centre. Guests can discover the Chelsea Restaurant & Lounge, onsite at the hotel, offering tasty fare in a casual setting at reasonable prices. The Butcher and Bullock is also onsite and features pub fare, friendly service, and a great atmosphere.

Bisha Hotel's contemporary artists

TORONTO — Bisha Hotel Toronto has launched the Creative Collective — a new initiative that highlights works from some of the world’s most celebrated contemporary artists — through a partnership with Taglialatella Galleries.

With locations in New York, Paris, Palm Beach and Toronto, Taglialatella Galleries’ roster of emerging and acclaimed artists includes Mr. Brainwash, Keith Haring, Banksy, Damien Hirst, Jeff Koons and Andy Warhol, among many others. Toronto got its own outpost of the Galleries, known best for their pop and street art, in June.

Creative Collective will launch with an exclusive exhibition by Toronto-based artist and designer, Ben Johnson at Taglialatella Galleries’ Yorkville location, which runs from June 20 to July 6. During this time, the artist will create a mural at Bisha Hotel, incorporating his signature typography, lettering and hand-crafted approach. The new work will line the stairwell connecting the hotel’s 43rd and 44th floors, leading up to the rooftop restaurant KŌST and the infinity pool.

“We want every part of the Bisha experience to be absolutely immersive in unexpected ways,” says Jacques Lapièrre, general manager, Bisha Hotel Toronto. “With more than 3,000 pieces of art, our hotel has always had a gallery-like feel. And, through this partnership with Taglialatella Galleries, we’re able to offer our guests even more access to original works to elevate their travel experience.”

Throughout the year, the hotel will play host to additional murals and installations from sought-after contemporary artists, visionaries and creative vanguards. Each artist will host an exclusive exhibition at Taglialatella Galleries to coincide with their showcase.

Drake Motor Inn opens in PE County

PRINCE EDWARD COUNTY — The Drake Devonshire set a trend when it opened in Wellington, Prince Edward County in 2014. This was the first stylish boutique property aimed at the areas many wine-lovers. Five years later, the Drake Motor Inn has opened, ushering in another reason to make the two-hour drive east of Toronto – this time in a motel, retro-revival.

The former Cribs on the Creek Hotel has been transformed into twelve super-chic rooms spread over two buildings. All rooms are back onto the parking lot where guests can drive in and get on with their stay without a cumbersome check-in process.

The Motor Inn has tapped into the modern travellers' needs, doing away with a traditional concierge, while still understanding that most guests appreciate an element of hospitality during their stay. Similar to Toronto properties like the Anndore Houseand the Annex Hotel, the Motor Inn has a keyless check-in system to facilitate a seamless entry and exit – though staff will be on hand to answer questions and ensure visitors are settled in.

Several rooms have multiple beds or a sofabed meaning that families can book a stay without forking out for additional rooms. In addition to the colourful exterior artwork which beckons guests driving in, the nostalgic element is played out even further, with a retro red sign to advertise vacancies (or a lack thereof).

Hotel Arts has a new pool

CALGARY — Hotel Arts is excited to announce the opening of Poolside by Hotel Arts!

A year-round oasis in the heart of Downtown Calgary, guests will be transported to South Beach North while they dip and dine poolside. With nothing like it in Western Canada, Poolside by Hotel Arts attracts both tourists and locals alike for a great summer experience…year-round!

Hotel Arts unveiled Canada’s newest poolside hot spot. A year-round oasis in the heart of Downtown Calgary, poolside guests will be transported to South Beach North. With nothing like it in Western Canada, Poolside by Hotel Arts attracts both tourists and locals alike for a great summer experience…year-round!

This urban beach sets the stage for laid-back vibes, perfect for soaking up the summer sun in a vibrant poolside setting. Guests can lounge in luxury furnishings surrounded by modern décor and lush greenery. Take advantage of warm summer nights with dinner on fire-top tables, or dip and dine throughout the day.

Cool cocktails served up poolside evoke the feeling of sun drenched locales and good times. Sip on classics like sangria, margaritas and mojitos or poolside creations like The Zia (El Tequileño Platino, Cointreau, Domaine De Cantone, Lemon, Absinthe) or Big Trouble in Little Tokyo (Toki, Cointreau Lime Juice, Falernum, Bitters). Enjoy a poolside lunch, dinner or a petite bite by the Hotel Arts award-winning culinary team. The summer menu offers fare perfect for patio dining with a focus on gluten free, vegetarian and vegan dishes.

Poolside will build upon the Hotel Arts reputation for design-centric atmospheres, unique dining options, spectacular events and exceptional service. Hotel guests staying at Hotel Arts or Hotel Arts Kensington have priority and complimentary access to Poolside. Non-hotel guests are welcome to experience Poolside by Hotel Arts on a first-come first-serve basis. A pool usage fee will apply for non-hotel patrons who use the pool.

Inn at Fortune Bridge makes its debut

BAY FORTUNE, P.E.I. — Michael and Chastity Smith have launched a sister property to their Inn at Bay Fortune — The Inn at Fortune Bridge.

The six-room boutique inn welcomed its first guests on June 30. The renovated historical property was once the community’s general store and features a blend of French antiques and local art personally curated by Chastity. Guestrooms also include nightly turndown service, complimentary Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, air conditioning, luxury toiletries and Bodum pour-over coffee. A served continental breakfast is offered daily in the lobby, or guests can enjoy a full breakfast at The Inn at Bay Fortune.

Guests also receive an automatic reservation and priority seating for the FireWorks Feast — a communal, multicourse dining experience offered at Inn at Bay Fortune. The Inn at Fortune Bridge also offers complimentary chauffeur service to the FireWorks Feast in an antique car.

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Inn at Bay Fortune being transformed by Chef Michael Smith

The first cobranded Jin Jiang and Radisson hotel

FRANKFURT — Following Radisson Hotel Group’s acquisition by Jin Jiang International and Sino-Cee Fund late last year, Radisson and its shareholders have together identified several opportunities to realize the true potential of the Chinese market. Key initiatives have been defined, with the launch of co-branded hotels being a critical element of the project. The Radisson Blu Hotel, Frankfurt in Germany is the first property to be co-branded with Jin Jiang International.

Federico J. González Tejera, President & CEO of Radisson Hospitality AB and Chairman of the Global Steering Committee for Radisson Hotel Group, said, “We are keen on offering the leading hotel brands from Radisson Hotel Group to guests, owners and talent around the world. The launch of the first co-branded hotel with Jin Jiang International is an important milestone in reaching this goal. The co-branded hotels have a bright future, with the potential to extend to more than 30 properties across EMEA – including five Radisson Collection hotels in key destinations for Chinese travelers.”

Chen Liming, Vice Chairman of the Board for Jin Jiang International, said, “We are thrilled that we will now take the next step in our journey together after the acquisition. China has become the world’s largest travel market, offering a wealth of opportunity and potential. Co-branded hotels are positioned to not only improve awareness of our Chinese and Radisson brands in EMEA and China respectively, but also promote people-to-people exchanges between China and the rest of the world. We very much look forward to making the most of the available potential together.”

The Radisson Blu Hotel, Frankfurt in Germany is the first hotel from Radisson Hotel Group’s portfolio of more than 1,100 hotels to become a co-branded hotel with Jin Jiang International. The choice of Frankfurt was an obvious one, for years Frankfurt has been the number one destination within Germany for Chinese tourists. The presence of the international airport ensures that many Chinese visitors start or end their trips in Frankfurt.

At the newly co-branded hotel, Chinese-speaking guests and travellers will find a range of features designed and curated to provide them with an excellent experience and make them feel at home. New hotel offerings cover all the key moments of the stay, from collateral such as menus and welcome cards being available in Chinese to guests having the ability to pay for anything with Chinese Union pay cards. In the guest rooms, small touches like the provision of tea kettles and a choice of Chinese teas make a big difference. Guests can also relax while watching Chinese television channels or by reading Chinese newspapers, available via the Radisson Blu One Touch app.