Ryan Duffy has joined the team at Watermark Beach Resort as the director of sales and marketing, effective immediately. “I’m thrilled to welcome Ryan to the team at the resort,” said David McBean, general manager of Watermark Beach Resort. “He’s a clear leader and team builder.” Hailing from Northern Ontario, Duffy’s career began in the hotel industry where he learned about the power of effective team building and leadership. Working in hotels from a young age, he held a variety…
Four Seasons Hotel Montreal welcomes Sam Ioannidis as the property’s newly appointed general manager. With a 30-year tenure with Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, he brings a wealth of knowledge and global experience to the Golden Square Mile. Born in Frankfurt, Ioannidis grew up in Germany and Greece before moving to Toronto, where he studied hospitality and tourism management at a local university while working part-time at a renowned fine-dining restaurant. Honing in on his love for hospitality, food…
JW Marriott Parq Vancouver and the Douglas, Autograph Collection have announced Graeme Benn as dual property general manager for the hotels. In his new role, Benn is responsible for overseeing both luxury properties, which anchor the buzz-worthy Parq Vancouver entertainment experience in downtown Vancouver. Exceptionally suited to lead the prestigious hotels, Benn joins the team with over 35 years of experience earned at hospitality venues across the globe. He has worked in leadership roles at respected brands such as…
Hotel ownership, management, and development firm Hotel Equities is growing its management portfolio in Canada by adding the Sawridge Inn and Conference Centre, located in Edmonton South, Alberta. The 136-room hotel, owned by 2430776 Alberta Ltd, offers spacious, pet-friendly accommodations, and is conveniently located just 20 minutes from the Edmonton International Airport. Sawridge is also just a short drive from some of the capital city’s most popular attractions including West Edmonton Mall, Old Strathcona and South Edmonton Common. “Hotel Equities could…
The St. Regis Toronto has appointed Hiren Prabhakar as general manager. He brings 29 years of hospitality experience in luxury and full-service hotels to his new role at the property. His illustrious career has seen him in roles across India, Dubai, Poland, Spain, Germany, Zambia, Saudi Arabia, Russia, and Canada. A member of the Marriott team for the past eight years, Prabhakar most recently opened the Toronto Marriott Markham, the first newly built, re-designed Marriott in Canada. Previously, he led the…
Four Seasons Resort and Residences Whistler welcomes Estreya Gosalbez as the new general manager of the intimate mountain lodge. Following a long career in hospitality, Gosalbez returns to her first ever Four Seasons property to oversee both the hotel and residences. “Whistler is where I started my Four Seasons career and where I got to know the high standards and incredible culture of the brand, so this really feels like the full circle,” she said. “I couldn’t be more…
A new purpose-built Studio 6 all-suite hotel will be built in Hornepayne, Ontario. The hotel marks the first of what will become a portfolio of new construction Studio 6 locations built in northern Ontario. “The Studio 6 all-suite prototype has eye-catching curb appeal and features thoughtful, functional and efficient layouts with an interior design that is as guest-welcoming as it is comfortable,” said Irwin Prince, president and COO, Realstar Hospitality, Canadian master franchisor of Studio 6 and Motel 6 in Canada. “We look…
A new Courtyard by Marriott hotel will be an integral part of Espace Montmorency, a mixed-use development in the heart of Laval. The $45-million hotel is slated to open in fall 2022. Espace Montmorency, an urban hub directly connected to Montréal’s underground network via the Montmorency metro station, will feature offices, cafés, restaurants, 717 residential units and inviting green spaces, which will create a vibrant and animated new space for the community and visitors. The Courtyard by Marriott hotel…
OPUS Vancouver has reopened in Yaletown with new general manager Sarah Vallely at the helm. “From the moment I walked through the front door, I fell in love with both the hotel and the brand,” says Vallely, who joined OPUS Vancouver in 2017 as director of sales following a decade working with Four Season Hotels & Resorts, and is now delighted to be assuming the role of general manager. Having grown up in the hotel business, she has followed…
The iconic Fairmont Banff Springs in Alberta is embarking on a $35 million renovation starting in January 2022. The extensive renovation of the Royal Suite, Fairmont Gold rooms, select one and two bedroom suites, and terrace suites are anticipated to be completed in summer 2022. The refurbishment of all main building and conference centre guestrooms began in spring 2021 and are anticipated to be completed in spring 2023. The sophisticated newly renovated suites and guestrooms will provide guests with a…
