THE WINNERS’ CIRCLE Feb. 25, 2020

Forbes Five-Star hotels in Canada

TORONTO, VANCOUVER — Forbes Travel Guide is recognized for creating the original concept of Five-Star service, and Shangri-La Hotel, Toronto (pictured above) is the latest addition to its illustrious annual Star Rating list. All of the Star Award winners will be showcased on ForbesTravelGuide.com.

Vancouver now has four five-star-rated hotels: Fairmont Pacific Rim, Hotel Georgia, Shangri-La and the Trump International Hotel & Tower. In Toronto, the Four Seasons, Ritz-Carlton and Shangri-La received five-star ratings. The St. Regis is not yet rated.

An urban oasis where arts, entertainment, and business converge in style, Shangri-La Hotel, Toronto is located at the intersection of the entertainment and financial districts in the heart of downtown. The luxury hotel’s 202 rooms and suites are fashioned with contemporary flair and Asian-accented design elements beautifully complemented by thoughtful amenities and services. Well-known for its fashionable lobby lounge with daily live music, signature afternoon tea and cocktail menu, the hotel’s culinary expertise extends to its in house restaurant Bosk, which celebrates the best of Canadian cuisine and local regional products.

“We have always been known for providing exceptional service, but are elated we now officially have this accolade,” said general manager Nancy Munzar Kelly, Shangri-La Hotel, Toronto. “When guests stay at Shangri-La we want it to feel like their home away from home, and that is only truly felt when every colleague exudes hospitality straight from the heart.”

Hilton, New Castle among Best Workplaces in Canada

MCLEAN, Va., CONCORD, N.H. —For the second consecutive year, Hilton has been honoured for its outstanding workplace culture in Canada, with recognition on the 2020 list of Best Workplaces in Retail and Hospitality. This news comes just a few months after Hilton ranked #2 Workplace in the World by Fortune magazine and Great Place to Work with team members recognizing the culture, benefits and travel perks as some of the reasons why Hilton is a great place to work.

“Our Canadian team members are truly the heart of our business, helping us to deliver on our mission of being the world’s most hospitable company,” said Danny Hughes, executive vice-president and president, Americas, Hilton. “To receive this accolade for a second consecutive year is truly a testament to the benefits, programs and workplace culture Hilton provides our Team Members across the country.”

New Castle Hotels & Resorts, with a Canadian office in Halifax, is also on the 2020 list of Best Workplaces in Retail and Hospitality as well as the 2020 Best Workplaces for Inclusion. In prior years, the company was named to 2019 Best Workplaces in Canada – 1000+ employees; 2019 Best Workplaces in Retail and Hospitality; 2018 Best Workplaces for Millennials; and 2018 Best Workplaces in Retail and Hospitality.

Residence Inn Calgary receives Quebec Design Award

TORONTO — Atlific Hotels’ Residence Inn by Marriott Calgary Downtown/Beltline District has been recognized as ‘Établissement d’hébergement’ by the Grands Prix Du Design 2020 in Quebec. Architecture firm LEMAYMICHAUD conceived of the property’s design and claimed the esteemed prize at the official awards gala on February 5, 2020. The ‘Établissement d’hébergement’ award is considered to be the grand prize in the hotel category.

The Grands Prix Du Design awards recognize Quebec talent including industrial designers, architects and landscape architects in all areas of interior design. The jury reviewed more than 500 projects before honouring the selected winners at one of the most prestigious award galas in the industry.

Residence Inn by Marriott Calgary Downtown/Beltline District was recognized for its brilliant and thoughtful design, inspired by the building’s roots as the beloved Alberta Boot Company. Paying homage to the city’s culture and the building’s heritage, boot-stitching patterns can be found thoughtfully integrated into guest rooms, while age-old advertisements are seen in the lobby.

The 35-storey hotel, which is the largest hotel of the brand in North America, has 390 guest rooms, a complimentary breakfast buffet, free Wi-Fi, a 24-hour hour two-floor fitness centre, and a complimentary grocery delivery service. Conveniently located in the Beltline District in downtown Calgary, the Residence Inn by Marriott Calgary offers quick and easy access to the city’s top attractions, including the Calgary Tower and Scotiabank Saddledome.