MONTREAL, Oct. 7, 2014 /CNW Telbec/ - Building on the success of Hôtel Le Germain Calgary, Groupe Germain Hospitalité announced today its intention to build an Alt Hotel in Calgary, with the goal of welcoming its first guests in 2017. ALT Hotels are the result of an innovative "no-frills-chic" concept that offers today's traveller modern design and eco-friendly features at a low price. Located in the heart of the dynamic East Village, at the corner of Confluence Way and 6th Avenue SE, Alt Hotel Calgary will present stunning views of the Bow River, downtown Calgary as well as the many activities that will take place in the area. The new hotel will be accessible within walking distance from Hôtel Le Germain Calgary and represents an investment of 34 million dollars.
"East Village is currently buzzing with activity and promises to quickly evolve into a neighbourhood full of vitality that visitors will want to spend time in", says Christiane Germain, co-president of Groupe Germain Hospitalité. "Guests who have grown to love Hôtel Le Germain Calgary will recognize some signature elements at its new sister property as Alt Hotel will offer cutting-edge design, ultra-comfortable beds and helpful staff. It will however surprise many with its accessible rate."
There are currently five Alt Hotels across Canada, including locations at Halifax's Stanfield International airport, Toronto's Pearson International Airport, Montreal and Quebec City. Two new Alt Hotels will open in downtown Winnipeg in 2015 and Ottawa in 2016.
Designed by the firm LEMAY MICHAUD Architecture Design, Alt Hotel Calgary will be an ultra-modern building, standing 11 stories tall. Its large, loft-style windows will display spectacular views while allowing an abundance of natural light into each of the 155 rooms and 5,000 square feet of meeting space. The lobby will face Riverwalk Plaza and offer great views of St. Patrick's Island Park and the Bow and Elbow Rivers. Two retail zones will be integrated into the first floor of the building and there will be three floors of underground parking available. The proposed project is currently pending approval from municipal authorities and is being developed in partnership with local builder Homes By Avi.
"With the East Village district now poised to cross the threshold from concept to reality, we are proud to leave a mark on this diverse and vibrant developing community. We were an early believer in the re-development concept and diligent in our search for an appropriate development partner. The strength of Groupe Germain Hospitalité lies in the great reputation of its brands and the value it brings towards each of its properties nationwide. These are the two vitally important characteristics that also define how we've done business in Calgary for 37 years. We look forward to a successful partnership and the continuing evolution of the East Village community", explained Charron Ungar, with Homes by Avi.
Michael Brown, President & CEO of the Calgary Municipal Land Corporation, the master developer guiding the rejuvenation of Calgary's oldest downtown community, commented: "We have seen steady developer interest in our East Village program since 2010 and have attracted over $2 billion of investment to the community. With this announcement, we are a step closer to realizing our vision of a true urban village".
Outside the lobby, guests of Alt Hotel Calgary will easily access the 700 km network of public recreational trails, including, a revitalized St. Patrick's Island park via the new St. Patrick's Bridge. The area's new restaurants and stores, including the highly anticipated Charbar, opening soon in the historic Simmons Building will also be reachable within a few seconds.
Full speed ahead for Groupe Germain Hospitalité
Coming just days after the announcement of a new Le Germain Hotel being built in Ottawa, Alt Hotel Calgary will now be the fourth property in development by Groupe Germain Hospitalité, in addition to its ten hotels already in operation. The construction of a second property in Calgary is aligned with the company's goal of offering its unique hotel experience from coast to coast.
Ranked as one of Canada's 50 best managed companies, Groupe Germain Hospitalité is a family run business, founded in Quebec City, which owns and operates Le Germain Hotels and the no-frills-chic Alt Hotels across Canada. The company is renowned for its exceptional approach to hospitality and the unique style that characterizes its hotels. Every year, its staff of about 700 people welcome guests for a total of 325,000 overnight stays, bringing the total overnight stays to nearly 2.6 million, since the first hotel opened in 1988. For more information, visit: www.groupegermain.com
Renderings of the new project are available here.
Image with caption: "Alt Hotel Calgary will be an 11 stories tall ultra-modern building located in the heart of East Village and will open in 2017. (CNW Group/Groupe Germain Hospitalité)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20141007_C1501_PHOTO_EN_6441.jpg
SOURCE: Groupe Germain Hospitalité
Steven Ross, Project manager, communications and social media, [email protected], 514 954-4414 ext. 227
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