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LodgingNews April 2013 Vol. 10 No. 3
C A N A D A ’ S
L O D G I N G
B U S I N E S S
N E W S P A P E R
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By Leslie Wu, Senior Contributing Editor
Rainier Hotel restaurant a reflection of Gastown’s glory days
VANCOUVER—Local operator Sean Heather sees his new restaurant, deli and retail space in the ground floor of the heritage Rainier Hotel as a reflection of the community and the glory days of Gastown. “We don’t call what we’re doing at Rainier Provisions gentrification, we call it restoring,” Heather told CLN. He pointed out that the downtown east side used to be the most prosperous part of the city between 1908 and 1940. “We’re bringing it back to what it used to be,” he said. Rainier Provisions, which opened in mid-February, spotlights the artisanal producers with whom Heather has built relationships over the years for his seven other restaurants and pubs in the area. A carvery option with roasted meats and hot sides such as mashed potatoes, polenta and gravy allows for quick turnover at lunch, as well as quick items such as seafood pot pie, vegan chili and pulled pork sandwiches.
Country Inns & Suites à la Crate & Barrel
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Country Inns & Suites has a modern, new design that appeals to a younger clientele, but still retains the brand’s signature fireplace.
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Kudos for Radisson Saskatoon’s $18 million reno SASKATOON—Four years and $18 million later, the Radisson Saskatoon has a new look. That look, plus the efforts of general manager Patty Schweighardt and her team, led to this hotel being named Radisson’s Hotel of the Year at the Carlson Rezidor Full Service Brands conference held in Chicago in late February. The decisions were not always easy. For example, the renovation involved demolition of the marble staircase, which used to dominate the lobby, with a jackhammer. This prompted some comments from guests who weren’t necessarily sure the old look should go, Schweighardt told CLN. Both staff and guests had to live through a few weeks of dust and plastic draping. At that point, face masks and ear plugs were available at the front desk. “Then we had floods—the pipes
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burst and we had to replace all the pipes in the building,” she added. When Schweighardt found out the hotel had won Hotel of the Year for Radisson Americas, she screamed into the phone. “For us, it was kind of a sign that hard work pays off.” The Radisson Saskatoon is located downtown, one of the hottest markets in Canada. Its neighbours are the Delta Bessborough, which recently underwent a multimillion dollar reno, and the Sheraton Cavalier, which is currently under renovation. “It’s a fabulous property,” said Schweighardt. “We were trying to reposition it in the market. We are now able to ask for and secure higher rates that show the value the hotel has to offer. Our sales team has new confidence and belief in our product.” Patty Schweighardt, centre, poses with her staff and the awards the team See Before and After page 22
Oak Bay Beach Hotel expands foodservice
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The numbers are in and owner Kevin Walker has hired chef Iain Rennie to implement afternoon tea and more outdoor eating areas to meet growing demand.
Ice, vending and amenities
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Here’s a vending machine that gives out gold bars—chocolate bars from Trump Toronto.
won, the 2012 Radisson Hotel of the Year and the President’s Award.
This is Economy Lodging. This is Motel 6.
Motel 6 Canada 416.966.8387 motel6@realstarhospitality.com A division of Realstar Hospitality
1/11/13 4:54:12 PM