Feb 1 2013
Hilton Worldwide and Bayview Hospitality Group (BHG) today announced that the landmark Metropolitan Hotel Toronto, which BHG recently acquired along with the hotel’s two restaurants, will become downtown Toronto’s first DoubleTree by Hilton. BHG will continue to operate the hotel when it converts to a DoubleTree by Hilton later this year.
“Entering the downtown of a gateway city such as Toronto with a well-known destination hotel and proven operators such as BHG is a great way for DoubleTree by Hilton to start the year,” said John Greenleaf global head DoubleTree by Hilton. “We’ve recently signed franchise agreements for hotel conversions in Kamloops, BC; West Edmonton, AB; and downtown Regina, SK. With all three planned to open this year, we will more than double our portfolio in the country.”
Located amidst the vibrant retail centre at Dundas Square, the Art Gallery of Ontario, Nathan Phillips Square, and Osgoode Hall, the hotel is surrounded by Canada’s leading teaching hospitals, three major universities and the provincial legislature. BHG plans to reposition the well-known hotel to become the first DoubleTree by Hilton in downtown Toronto. The repositioning strategy includes an extensive refurbishment to the hotel. The new design direction and upgrades will bring a heightened level of comfort and a sophisticated, urban look and feel to the full service hotel.
“We are truly excited to introduce the first DoubleTree by Hilton to the world class city of Toronto,” said Alnoor Gulamani, president of BHG. “BHG has a relationship with Hilton Worldwide that goes back many years over multiple hotel projects in the Greater Toronto Area. The DoubleTree by Hilton brand is the perfect fit for this central, cosmopolitan location.”
DoubleTree by Hilton currently offers two locations in Canada - DoubleTree by Hilton Toronto Airport and DoubleTree Fallsview Resort & Spa by Hilton Niagara Falls. The brand is built around a service culture which strives to Create A Rewarding Experience (CARE) for its guests. The experience starts with a warm and welcoming chocolate chip cookie and offers unique comforts and conveniences for guests to enjoy.