Vacant Ready

Top 5 Reasons for Meeting Planner Site Selection

2007-12-04T11:35:46-08:00

Knowland Group Research Reveals That Price Isn�t Everything

From unique meeting needs to prestigious reputations, Knowland reveals the top five reasons behind the �why� of site selection. The results may not be what you think!

1. Location
Planes, Trains, and�Nightclubs
A coordinator for a northwest sports association explained to Knowland researchers their only requirement is that the event be located near downtown nightlife. �We have a large group that likes to enjoy post meeting activities,� she states, stressing the importance of keeping the attendants happy.

Whether the criteria includes nearby golf, proximity to an airport, or indulging in local culture, Knowland reveals that location is the most important factor for 44% of event planners.

2. Successful Past Experience
Disaster Averted
During a training session for a bioengineering company, one planner recalled having miscalculated the guests to food ratio which caused a disastrous situation. The kitchen was unable to accommodate the rather large oversight; however, quick thinking by the hotel event director resulted in a speedy delivery by a local pizzeria. The potential disaster was avoided, and the guests left smiling due to the savvy ability and service of the hotel staff.
Knowland research reveals that 21% of meeting planners surveyed base their location selections upon previous successful experiences.

3. Unique Meeting Focus
Nuclear Science, Blown Glass, and �007�
One thing frequently cited by meeting planners is that the unique focus of their events drives the site selection process. When planning their semi-annual seminars on glass blowing, one planner complained of a difficult time locating a site that met his strict criteria. �The use of flammable gas indoors and an extra large meeting space are critical to our demonstrations,� he commented. Another group reported frustrations at having only one electrical outlet for an entire group of over 200 nuclear scientists. On another occasion the coordinator for a �007� conference revealed that a �unique urban, black space� was essential for her themed events.

Whether the event requires flammable gas, electrical outlets, or meeting space style, Knowland research reveals that a meeting�s unique focus determines its location for 17% of event planners surveyed.

4. Reputation
Keeping up with the Joneses�The reputation of a hotel can mean everything for the turnout of our events,� said the meeting coordinator for a southern beauty academy. This coordinator further revealed that she selected hotels based solely on the recommendations given by peers within her community.

This particular meeting planner illustrates that referrals, references, and reputation are included in the top criteria for 12% of meeting planners surveyed.

5. Cost
Cutting Corners
Prices and budgets make up the fifth most important criteria for site selection � causing meeting planners to find creative ways to cut costs. One planner commented that, upon experiencing harsh budget cuts, they downgraded the location and completely removed the food portion of their dinnertime awards ceremony. Another meeting planner recalled eliminating ground transportation costs by relocating to airport hotels and having attendees walk to the location�leading to tired and unhappy guests.

When it comes to price tags, only 6% of coordinators listed cost among the most important criteria for selecting event location.

About Knowland Group � Headquartered in Salisbury, MD, The Knowland Group is a premier provider of sales and marketing products and services to the hospitality industry worldwide. Poised as a leader in the industry, Knowland stands a cut above the rest in over 70 markets within the United States, Canada and beyond. Single minded in its goal to add client value, Knowland is a proven innovator, consistently striving to develop market changing products and services. For more information, visit http://www.KnowlandGroup.com or call 410.860.2270.

Sutton Place Voted B.C.’s Leading Hotel

2007-10-04T09:20:08-08:00

THE SUTTON PLACE HOTEL IS VOTED “BRITISH COLUMBIA’S LEADING
HOTEL” AT THE 2007 WORLD TRAVEL AWARDS

VANCOUVER, BC, October 4, 2007 - The results of the 14th annual World Travel
Awards are in and The Sutton Place Hotel is pleased to announce that it has been
voted �British Columbia�s Leading Hotel� for 2007. The awards were held in New York
City on Monday, September 17th and were attended by more than 250 top executives
from the travel industry.

�We are honoured to have been selected for such a prestigious award and to be ranked
amongst some of the finest properties in North America. This achievement is another
tribute to our dedicated staff who strive to make every guest experience a personalized
stay at The Sutton Place Hotel�, says General Manager, John Sandor.

The Sutton Place Hotel has maintained the AAA Five Diamond certification for 18
consecutive years. Recently, a multi-million dollar renovation was completed in La Grande
Residence portion of the hotel, updating 164 long term stay apartments, the Jacuzzi,
pool and lobby area, with much consideration given to environmentally friendly practices.
At the end of October, the long-awaited Sutton Place Wine Merchant, an international
retail wine boutique, will open its doors. It is because of these continuous updates, along
with flawless service and world-class amenities that The Sutton Place Hotel has been
chosen as one of our province�s leading properties.

The World Travel Awards were established in 1993 to acknowledge, reward and celebrate the
achievements found in all sectors of the global travel industry. Candidates for nomination are
based upon the previous years voting for the world�s most comprehensive travel awards with
trophies awarded in all areas of the industry.

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Vancouver’s Five Diamond Sutton Place Hotel is owned and managed by The Sutton Place Grande
Hotels Group, with additional luxury properties in Chicago, Edmonton and Toronto.

For further information, please contact:

Elaine Drever | Marketing Coordinator | The Sutton Place Hotel Vancouver | Phone: 604-642-2963
845 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC V6Z 2K6 | Fax: 604-642-2926 |

Introducing Sutton Prestige, our guest loyalty program. Join now and earn Prestige Points at The Sutton Place Hotel properties in Chicago, Edmonton, Toronto and Vancouver. Visit http://www.suttonplace.com and join today.

Wedgewood Hotel Cycling Team Raises $25K for BC Cancer Foundation

2007-09-25T15:57:52-08:00

September 24, 2007

BC Cancer Foundation Tour of Courage featuring Lance Armstrong raises $2 million for blood cancer research. Wedgewood Hotel Cycling Team Raises $25,000

Sept 24, 2007 Vancouver, B.C. � Kelowna-Mission MLA and cancer survivor Sindi Hawkins’ dream came true this weekend with the arrival in B.C. of cycling star Lance Armstrong to headline the BC Cancer Foundation Tour of Courage. �I promised myself when I got better that I would raise a lot of funds for the doctors who saved me so they could help others,� she said. �I dreamed of having the biggest cancer advocate on the planet to help me do it—dreams do come true.”

Lance Armstrong said, �This is a great opportunity to help the work being done at the BC Cancer Foundation. It�s rare to see such passion in a group of people, and we need passionate people to help fight this war. I�m excited to help out.�

The BC Cancer Foundation raised over $1.8 million for blood cancer research in its first Tour of Courage weekend. The cycling fundraiser featured the world-famous cancer survivor and seven-time Tour de France champion in an 80-km challenge ride through the Kelowna area Saturday and a community ride through Vancouver�s UBC and Pacific Spirit Park this morning.

Wedgewood Hotel General Manager Philip Meyer led off the ride with Lance Armstrong & Premier Gordon Campbell with members of the hotel’s cycling team followed by hundreds of other cyclists. Meyer was one of the driving forces behind the event and rode the full 90km community ride with his good friend Axel Merckx, son of five time Tour de France winner, Eddy Merckx.

�Cancer is a disease that touches each and every one of us directly or indirectly,” said Premier Gordon Campbell, honorary chair of the event. “However, with courage and hope of people like Lance Armstrong and Sindi Hawkins, we will defeat this disease. It was an honour to participate in the BC Cancer Foundation Tour of Courage community ride today and I thank everyone involved for not only raising vital funds but also raising important awareness about this disease that impacts so many of us.”

BC Cancer Foundation interim president Nick Locke also thanked the event sponsors and Lance Armstrong. �You are a true inspiration,� he said, �as is Sindi Hawkins, who chaired the BC Cancer Foundation Tour of Courage committee. We cannot thank you enough. The over $1.8 million we raised today will make a significant difference in how we are able to treat blood cancers not just here in B.C. but around the world.�

Nearly 1,000 people in B.C. and over 7,000 Canadians are diagnosed every year with blood cancers such as leukemia, myeloma or aggressive lymphoma. The BC Cancer Agency research funded by the BC Cancer Foundation Tour of Courage may fundamentally change how blood cancers are diagnosed and treated.

The Wedgewood Hotel Cycling Team raises money for the BC Cancer Foundation throughout the year with its events in Vancouver such as The Westside Cycling Classic, Tour de Gastown & An Evening of Champions, more information on the team can be found at http://www.teamwedgewood.com

Established in 1935, the BC Cancer Foundation raises funds for research and enhancements to patient care at the BC Cancer Agency throughout B.C. The BC Cancer Agency, an agency of the Provincial Health Services Authority, provides a cancer control program for everyone in British Columbia.

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For more information or pictures contact:

Philip Meyer
General Manager
Wedgewood Hotel

http://www.wedgewoodhotel.com
Ph: 604-608-5311
Fx: 604-608-5349

Tobias Grignon Wins Bronze Medal - Bacchus Restaurant at the Wedgewood Hotel

2007-09-12T12:51:33-08:00

Vancouver � September 7, 2007 � Tobias Grignon, Chef de Partie at Bacchus Restaurant, in Vancouver�s award-winning boutique Wedgewood Hotel, was awarded the Bronze medal at the 2007 International Jeunes Commis R�tisseurs Competition held in Frankfurt, Germany September 7th.

The competition, open to young cooks under the age of 27, was hosted by La Chaine des R�tisseurs. Seventeen competitors from around the world, chosen through selection competitions held in their respective countries, were given four hours in which to compose a menu and prepare a three-course meal for four persons using ingredients presented in a black box. Compulsory ingredients included noix de veaux, coquilles St Jacques, pears and dark chocolate. A panel of international judges awarded marks for taste, presentation, originality and kitchen technique. The competition was won by Sweden.

Tobias received the distinction of representing Canada by winning first place at both the local and national selection competitions held in Vancouver and Toronto respectively last year.

Chef Grignon began his training at Malaspina College in Nanaimo where he completed the Professional Cook Training Program in 2000 with an A average and awards for excellence. He continued his education at the Vancouver Community College Culinary Apprentice Training Program, finishing at the top of his class each year. He has been very actively involved in regional and international competitions since 2001 as well as building a strong resume of professional experience in the Victoria and Vancouver marketplaces.

Tobias� first competition experience came in 2001 in the Dubrelle Culinary �Rising Star� black box competition, where he placed third. Since that time, he has competed in the Knorr National Youth Team Selection Competition (2nd), the 2003 Vancouver regional Jeunes Commis

ORC Announces Final Content and Speakers for the 2007 Online Travel Conference.

2007-04-25T19:50:32-08:00

The 2nd Annual Online Canadian Travel Marketing Conference, Online Revealed Canada, announces final speakers and workshop leaders for the May 28/29 Conference - with May 1 early bird deadline fast approaching.

[From the Online Revealed Website]

Toronto, On, April 26, 2007 � The �Must Attend” Canadian Online Travel Conference today announces the final agenda including speakers from Yahoo! Canada, Orbitz, Google, World Hotels, Intrawest, Days Inn Canada and more. Speakers and workshop leaders will bring together their thoughts on the Canadian Online Travel Market, along with a ground breaking travel study presented by Phocuswright � sponsored by the Canadian Tourism Commission (CTC).

�Our workshop tracks will focus on organic and paid advertisement placement, as well as social media trends such as blogs and Web 2.0, the dot Travel impact, and a host of other relevant topics specific to marketers in the Canadian Hospitality and Travel sectors.� said Alan Young, Vice President of Online Revealed and co-chair of the Conference.

Organized and produced as a �grass roots� effort to recognize Canada as special and unique when it comes to Online Travel distribution, Online Revealed Canada 2007 will bring together travel professionals, Individual hotels, Hotel Brands, Agencies, Destination Marketing Organizations and Suppliers to stake claim on the multi-billion dollar online travel market.

Industry experts from such organizations as Google, Sears Travel, Expansion Plus, A Couple of Chicks e-Marketing, and HSMAI Canada, among others will present workshops that will offer attendees a hands-on approach to online marketing and distribution - with a uniquely Canadian focus.

Sessions led by industry leaders such as Victoria Edwards, Vice President, Strategic Development for Buckhiester Management - will provide practical solutions for Revenue Managers, Sales and Marketing Directors and those on the front line of online travel distribution.

The two-day workshops will allow participants to look at a more tactical approach to online travel advertising. Attendees will hear from leading industry professionals about topics such as Search Engine Optimization, Search Engine Marketing, the impact of Social Media and ways to leverage the new online medium to compete in a new global economy.

The May 1/07 early registration deadline is fast approaching, with limited spaces available for this much anticipated event. Register online, or visit onlinerevealedcanada.com for more information and a detailed conference agenda.

Members of the media are invited to attend the Conference - please inquire for further information.

About Online Revealed Canada:
The 2nd Annual Online Revealed Canada Conference is the first of its kind - online travel marketing conference, providing educational workshops and cutting edge information focused on Internet marketing strategies for the Canadian travel industry. Online Revealed is an annual conference event with a mission to educate the travel industry from a grass roots perspective.

For Online Revealed Canada Conference Registration or Sponsorship information, please contact Patricia Brusha at 416-817-5595 or . Online Revealed Canada 2007 will be held on May 28 & 29 at The Sheraton Centre in Toronto.

Media Contact:
Alicia Whalen
Online Revealed Canada
A Couple of Chicks e-Distribution Marketing
P. 905-401-2249

Kor Hotel Group Appoints Senior Management at Vancouver’s Loden

2007-04-12T08:57:22-08:00

KOR HOTEL GROUP APPOINTS SENIOR MANAGEMENT
TO OPEN LODEN IN SUMMER 2007

- David Curell appointed General Manager and Barbara Hicks to direct sales
for launch of Kor’s first Vancouver property -

April 12, 2007 (Vancouver, BC) - Nicholas Clayton, President of Kor Hotel Group, the Los Angeles-based hotel, real estate development and management firm, is pleased to announce two new senior management appointments to its first venture in the Vancouver BC market, Loden Vancouver. David Curell has been appointed General Manager for the stylish new property opening summer 2007, and Barbara Hicks has been appointed Director of Sales.

“David and Barbara represent valuable assets as Kor launches its first Canadian property,” said Clayton in making the announcement. “They each have worked at upscale hotels in Vancouver and know the market and clientele well. Their performance records are exemplary, and both have demonstrated exceptional creativity, an understanding for the importance of customer relations, and the ability to successfully open or re-launch high-profile properties. We are pleased to welcome them to our team.”

� David Curell: In his position as General Manager of Loden, Curell will oversee all aspects of hotel and restaurant operations, from facilities and guests’ needs to special events and marketing. As the liaison to Kor’s corporate office, he will also implement Kor’s high standards in service, amenities and d�cor.

Curell joins Kor Hotel Group with over 18 years of experience in senior management positions in the luxury hotel industry. Most recently he opened and managed Hotel Vitale on San Francisco’s Embarcadero waterfront, an overnight success that was recognized by both Travel + Leisure and Cond� Nast Traveler on their Readers’ Choice lists in January 2007. Prior to his position at Vitale, he opened the 96-room Opus Hotel in Vancouver, Canada, serving as its General Manager from 2001 to 2004. A residential-inspired hotel and a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, the boutique property was ideally suited to the hands-on management style and high visibility that Curell prefers. Curell began his hospitality career at Vancouver’s Pan Pacific Hotel in 1989, where he stayed for 13 years, quickly rising from Night Manager to Director of Operations. He holds a diploma in Hotel & Restaurant Management from the British Columbia Institute of Technology.

� Barbara Hicks: In her position as Director of Sales for Loden, Hicks will be responsible for direct sales for the property through the creation and implementation of proactive sales strategies. She will also assist with on-site sales training and development, as well as strengthening Kor’s relationships with key local sales affiliates.

Hicks brings to her position with Kor Hotel Group a 19-year career in sales with Fairmont Hotels & Resorts. Most recently she was the company’s Director of Global Sales for two years, managing sales and destination promotion efforts for both the Fairmont and Raffles brands. Prior to her corporate position, she was Director of Sales & Marketing for the Fairmont Orchid Hawaii, initially as a member of the Transition Team that re-branded the property from its Starwood origins and later as Director proper. Previously, she was Director of Sales & Marketing for four years at the Fairmont Waterfront in Vancouver. Hicks began her hospitality career with Fairmont in 1988 at the 550-room Fairmont Vancouver, where she progressed through a series of promotions during her ten years at the property, culminating with Director of Sales. She holds a diploma in Hospitality Tourism from the British Columbia Institute of Technology.

About Kor Hotel Group
The Kor Group is a privately held real estate development and management firm with investments primarily in hotels, resorts and multi-family real estate. Kor Hotel Group, the hospitality division of Kor, holds a diverse property portfolio and manages both its own assets and non-owned hotels under third-party management agreements. Kor Hotel Group’s properties include Viceroy Santa Monica and Viceroy Palm Springs, Avalon Hotel and Maison 140 in Beverly Hills, The Tides South Beach, Chamberlain in West Hollywood, Loden in Vancouver, The Tides Riviera Maya on Mexico’s Yucat�n Peninsula and Villa del Sol in Zihuatanejo on the Mexican Riviera. Resorts and Residences projects in Miami, Anguilla and Riviera Maya are forthcoming in 2008 and 2009.

###
CONTACTS:
Daniel Guerrero
Director of Public Relations
Kor Hotel Group
(323) 930-3832

Laura Serena
Immedia PR
(604) 408-6511

Amy Newcomb / Alisha Mahon
Hawkins International
(212) 255-6541
/

Videoagency launches first online hotel video portal called Trivop.com.

2007-04-04T14:52:21-08:00

Original: [Trivop.com]
Paris (April 2007)

For the first time ever, Trivop allows consumers to start their hotel search by watching hotel videos -a vital tool that allows them to make an educated choice when deciding which hotel to stay in.

Have you ever been disappointed when walking into a hotel or a hotel room, realising that the product you see before isn’t exactly like the description or pictures presented on the website?

With this new online video media, you can prevent this sort of disappointment. Videos give a more accurate overview of what the hotel looks like and what the customer can expect. It’s a more effective option than just pictures.

Through the Trivop.com website, you will be able to discover the hotels’ surroundings, their public facilities (the lobby, restaurant etc...) and last but not least, all bedroom categories. With Trivop.com, your hotel experience has already started!

Trivop has launched operations in Paris (the most visited city in the world) and planning to expand in the main European cities.

Thomas Owadenko, founder of Trivop.com says: “For travellers, visuals are a crucial element of the decision-making process and ultimately the booking process. The video medium is by far the best option available for this specific market. In forthcoming years, hoteliers will increasingly feature their own videos on their websites. We believe that it is necessary to create a dedicated portal to aggregate all these videos and therefore help the online consumer make his choice.”

Today, Trivop.com offers hoteliers the free distribution of their own hotel videos. Videoagency is already working on the 2nd version of Trivop.com whereby user generated content (UGC) and customized functionalities will be available to the end users. The value-added element of Trivop’s proposition to the consumer is simple: The portal will allow consumers to view the official hotel video whilst giving them the opportunity to upload their own private hotel videos. Thus, you will be able to compare what the hotel would like to show you and what travellers have actually experienced during their recent stay.

About Videoagency

Videoagency was created in 2006 and is specialised in the production and publication of online hotel videos. As a specialist, the company is able to offer a complete solution package to hotel chains and independent hotels. Videoagency produce edit and host videos at a very competitive price. Videoagency aims to target all markets thanks to the development of a worldwide network of filmmakers.
For contact Trivop :

+33 (0)143250390
22, rue de Seine
75006 Paris, France

Leonard Nakonechy New Food & Beverage Director for Opus Hotel & Elixir

2007-04-03T15:25:20-08:00

Original Release: [Opus Hotel]

February 10, 2007

Top Rated Industry Professional Poised to Heighten Innovation and Excellence at Vancouver’s Premier Boutique Hotel and Bistro Moderne.

(Vancouver, B.C.) - Leonard Nakonechny, one of Vancouver’s most highly respected service professionals, will take charge of food and beverage operations at Yaletown’s internationally acclaimed Opus Hotel & Elixir bistro moderne as of February 19th 2007.

With a proven track record that includes over a decade of industry experience both locally and overseas in prestigious properties in the Grand Cayman Islands, Nakonechny has demonstrated exceptional leadership and organizational skills that have earned him high praise from critics and diners alike.

“Nakonechny is one of our top industry guys,” reports restaurant critic Andrew Morrison on his Urban Diner website. “He’s diplomatic and exacting, and frankly, I’m finding it tricky to think of anyone else who exemplifies the best of what we do in Vancouver’s FOH (front of house).” He goes on to say of Nanonechny’s new appointment to Opus, “Leonard, really, is so good at what he does (training and adhering to service protocols most of all) that the more he’s able to make an impact across our city, the better off our restaurant community will be.”

Nakonechny himself also attributes “thinking outside the box” as a key ingredient to recent successful initiatives that he spearheaded while managing at Vancouver’s C and Nu restaurants such as the partnerships formed with Ballet BC and Langara College’s Acting School. “Both had huge impacts on the service,” he says, adding, “I also have some exciting new ideas which I will be incorporating into Opus Hotel and Elixir.”

Of his move to Opus from five years at C and Nu restaurants he surmises, “I felt that it was an opportunity to grow my career. I have always believed that it is important to stay fresh in this industry and I’m really looking forward to working with the Opus team based on the achievements they have made since opening.”

And certainly the feelings are reciprocated. “The Opus team is thrilled to be welcoming Leonard,” says General Manager Daniel Craig. “His commitment to service excellence combined with the widely praised talents of Chef Don Letendre will help to firmly establish Elixir as one of the top restaurants in the city.”

In addition to his commitment to exceeding service expectations and managing all aspects of food and beverage in his new appointment, Leonard is currently working on a book called “Shift Thinking,” a management tool for industry professionals. He also continues to sit on the Board of Directors of the BC Restaurant and Foodservices Association as its Provincial Director, a position he has held since 2002.

Uniquely stylish and always fresh, Opus Hotel redefines the boutique experience, blending contemporary design with warmth and intuitive service. Located in fashionable Yaletown, the hotel is home to the award winning bistro moderne Elixir and the dramatic Opus Bar. Opus was recently voted one of the world’s top 100 hotels by readers of Cond� Nast Traveler magazine and Opus Bar was named “Vancouver’s Most Popular Nightspot” by Zagat Guide 2006. For information and reservations call toll-free 1 866 642-6787.

Media Contacts:
Los Angeles
Ann Flower
Ann Flower Communications
Tel. 310-305-7169

New York
Norah Lawlor
Lawlor Media Group
Tel. 212-967-6900

For more information about Opus Bar, Vancouver�s hottest nightspot and for high resolution downloadable images visit http://www.opusbar.ca/

Dubai’s Jumeirah to grow by 26 new locations by 2011

2007-03-26T11:34:17-08:00

Received today by email:

REUTERS NEWS ALERT
For Immediate Release

Monday, 26 March, 2007

REUTERS SUMMIT: DUBAI’S JUMEIRAH SEES 57 LUXURY HOTELS BY 2011

Group Has Identified 26 Locations for Hotels in Major Cities Such As Paris, London, Frankfurt and New York, Jumeirah Executive Chairman Tells Reuters

Company Looking To Award Loyalty Points to Environmentally Conscious Guests

DUBAI (Reuters) - Luxury hotels group Jumeirah expects to be operating 57 hotels around the globe by the end of 2011, with the emphasis on iconic properties, the Dubai-based company’s executive chairman Gerald Lawless told Reuters on Sunday.

Jumeirah, which operates the Gulf Arab emirate’s sail-shaped Burj Al Arab hotel, has identified 26 locations for hotels including properties in major cities such as Paris, London, Frankfurt and New York, Lawless told the Reuters Middle East Investment Summit in Dubai.

The firm, which is owned by the ruler of Dubai, is close to signing a deal in Beijing and is “very close to linking up with an investor in Bali and Jakarta”, Lawless said, adding China could be put on hold until after the 2008 Olympics if construction is not started soon.

The full text of the story is on Reuters.com at:

http://www.reuters.com/article/MiddleEastInvestment07/idUSL2537720420070325

Luxury need not cost the earth:

Lawless also told Reuters that saving the planet does not mean the end of staying in the lap of luxury. Jumeirah is looking at rewarding environmentally conscious guests with loyalty points.

Lawless said Jumeirah is making efforts to ensure the hotel chain’s iconic properties, which include the Gulf Arab emirate’s sail-shaped Burj Al Arab hotel and the Essex House hotel in New York, are as energy efficient as possible.

The full text of this story is on Reuters.com at:

http://www.reuters.com/article/MiddleEastInvestment07/idUSL2541256620070325

PRESS COVERAGE:

Reuters Summits are closed to other media attending. Media wishing to access interview text, video and audio can use Reuters material with proper attribution to Reuters and the Reuters Middle East Investment Summit.

For continuous coverage of this summit, click here:

http://www.reuters.com/summit/MiddleEastInvestment07?src=mideast

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An RSS feed is available for use by industry blogs, newsletters and websites.

Click below to use the Reuters Summits RSS feed:

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Shangri-la Hotel Opening in Toronto, 2011

2007-03-20T10:30:21-08:00

Original Release: []

Shangri-La Hotel, Toronto to Open 2011

Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts, Asia Pacific�s leading luxury hotel group, signed an agreement with Vancouver�s Westbank and Peterson Group to manage the 220-room five-star Shangri-La Hotel, Toronto opening 2011. The hotel will be Shangri-La�s second property in Canada following the debut of the Shangri-La Hotel, Vancouver in September 2008 by the same development team.

The Shangri-La Hotel, Toronto will be located on University Avenue at Adelaide Street within walking distance of central downtown office buildings, theatres, performance venues plus the vibrant Bloor Yorkville shopping and dining area.

The hotel will occupy the first 17 floors of the C$430 million 65-storey tower. Its guestrooms will be among the most spacious in the city and decorated in a contemporary style with Asian highlights. Luxury condominium residences will be located on the upper levels of the tower.

Guests entering the hotel through an elegant vaulted forecourt will be welcomed into a spacious three-storey glass atrium lobby offering streetscape views. The heart of the hotel will be its lobby lounge � an �urban living room� with a sidewalk cafe nestled in the shadow of the boulevard trees overlooking University Avenue. Breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea service will be followed by tapas and evening entertainment in the relaxed yet refined lounge.

The street-level club-style bar will lead to a mezzanine level feature restaurant overlooking University Avenue, the new Opera House and Queen�s Park. It will be open for lunch and dinner, pre- and post-theatre.

CHI, The Spa � Shangri-La�s signature spa brand � will offer treatments to in-house guests, condominium owners and local residents. Inspired by the origins of the Shangri-La legend, the CHI concept is based on Chinese and Himalayan healing therapies. Each of the 10 private CHI treatment rooms and one double treatment suite will provide a �spa within a spa� atmosphere, offering guests the luxury of time and space.

The hotel�s function rooms, on the third floor, will open onto a landscaped terrace as well as overlook the historic Bishop�s Block to the southwest. The ballroom will seat 150 and three smaller rooms will seat 12 to 50 persons. All function rooms will offer floor-to-ceiling windows and an elegant pre-function foyer. A screening room/theatre seating 50 guests will provide a venue for screenings or executive presentations that require dramatic special effects.

�We are delighted to announce our second project in Canada with Westbank and Peterson,� said Giovanni Angelini, Shangri-La�s chief executive officer and managing director. �Our Canadian properties will offer travelers Shangri-La�s renowned Asian-style hospitality complemented by luxurious guestrooms, fine dining, and state-of-the-art facilities.�

Ian Gillespie, president of Westbank, added, �The Shangri-La in Vancouver and in Toronto both have ideal locations, and each property will undoubtedly become one of their respective city�s leading deluxe hotels under Shangri-La�s award-winning management.�

Hong Kong-based Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts currently manages 50 hotels under Shangri-La and Traders brands with a rooms inventory of over 23,000. Shangri-La hotels are five-star deluxe properties featuring extensive luxury facilities and services. Shangri-La hotels are located in Australia, China, Fiji, Hong Kong, Indonesia, India, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Sultanate of Oman, Thailand, Taiwan and the United Arab Emirates.

The group has over 40 projects under development in Canada, mainland China, France, India, Japan, Macau, Maldives, Philippines, Qatar, Seychelles, Thailand, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom and the United States. For more information or reservations, please contact a travel professional or access the website at http://www.shangri-la.com.

Westbank is Canada�s pre-eminent luxury residential developer. The company was founded in 1992 and emerged as a leader in the development of retail shopping centres. Today, emphasis is on selecting key urban spaces to develop environmentally sensitive mixed-use/residential properties, defined by world-class design, amenities, landscape architecture and compelling public art. Westbank is currently developing or has completed over 11 million square feet of real estate exceeding $3.7 billion in cost with new properties in Toronto, Vancouver, Victoria, Edmonton and Dallas.

Peterson Group is a leading private real estate and manufacturing company with offices in Vancouver and Hong Kong. The company is recognized among its peers for bringing a proven, progressive and entrepreneurial approach to signature developments and acquisitions as well as to ventures in the manufacturing sector. Peterson Group’s North American real estate portfolio totals over 5.4 million square feet and is comprised of large, mixed-use developments including retail, office, residential and institutional properties.

For digitised pictures of the group�s hotels, please go to http://www.shangri-la.com/imagelibrary