THE GRANDE DAME THE OMNI KING EDWARD HOTEL REVEALS $40 MILLION RENOVATION

Toronto’s first luxury hotel now restored to its palace-like grandeur

TORONTO, ON (September 9, 2015) - The Grande Dame of iconic, upscale hotels in Toronto - The Omni King Edward Hotel – is now beautifully restored and open for business after a $40 million restoration that has renovated and modernized its guestrooms, meeting spaces, the lobby, restaurant and bar.

Built in 1903 as the city’s first luxury hotel, The Omni King Edward has been re-imagined to showcase its old-world charm augmented by modern style and amenities.

“For more than a century, this beloved property has held the position of one of the most famous hotels in Toronto. There is a delicate balance between maintaining history, and keeping the beauty and elegance that makes a place like this so very special, while also becoming modern and delivering what discerning guests want and need today,” said Christophe Le Chatton, general manager, The Omni King Edward. “I believe we have struck this balance with stunning results, and I am proud to reintroduce The Omni King Edward in all of her splendor.”

In a market that has seen the rise of several new luxury properties, The Omni King Edward’s restoration and excellence in service elevates the hotel to become one of the rare historic Toronto hotels that delivers an iconic look and feel with modern, luxurious conveniences.

The extensive renovations, which began in Fall 2013, include:

• All 301 guest rooms and suites were renovated to blend regal elegance with modern amenities, including; fine furnishings, custom bedding, vintage crown moldings, high ceilings, oversized rooms and marble bathrooms.

– The introduction of the exclusive Royal Club: 29 stylish guestrooms and suites with special amenities including access to the VIP Royal Club Lounge, breakfast, light bites in the afternoon, evening hors d’oeuvres, and on-site guest services including the business center, complimentary use of boardrooms and car service.

• Complete renovations to the Vanity Fair Ballroom, the addition of four large teardrop crystal chandeliers to the exquisite Sovereign Ballroom, and updates to the historic Windsor Ballroom. The 22,000 square-feet of small to mid-sized meeting spaces were also completely renovated.
• Updates to the lobby including restoration of decorative plasterwork on the ceiling and the wood paneled walls, as well as new classic contemporary furnishings using rich hues of ivory, gold and purple.
• Revitalization of the two restaurants: Victoria’s Restaurant and the Consort Bar.

Moncur Design Associates Inc. and Omni Hotels & Resorts are responsible for the new look and design of the OMNI King Edward Hotel.

In addition to the renovations, Executive Chef Daniel Schick and his culinary team have updated the dining menus to include local, seasonal ingredients and classical cooking methods. The hotel’s long-standing tradition of Afternoon Tea – a favourite activity of families and people-watchers since the turn of the 20th century - will continue Friday through Sunday.

The hotel also offers retail shops including a salon and spa, Bespoke Garrison tailor services and Lavazza Expression, an authentic Italian café experience. Guests also have access to the state-of-the-art fitness centre.

Historical Hotel
When The King Edward initially opened in 1903, it set the standard for upscale hotels in Canada and was Toronto’s first hotel of its kind. Designed by Chicago architect Henry Ives Cobb and Toronto architect E.J. Lennox for developer George Gooderham's Toronto Hotel Company at a cost of $6 million, it quickly became the first choice for Toronto’s elite, as well as convention goers, political figures, and business travelers. Over the years it has hosted celebrities such as Mark Twain, Ernest Hemingway, Elvis Presley, The Beatles, Liz Taylor and Richard Burton.

The original design of The King Edward Hotel included 400 rooms and 300 baths. In 1921 an 18-storey tower with an additional 530 rooms was added to the original eight-story structure. Over its 112-year history, the hotel changed ownership and underwent further renovations in the 1970s. Omni Hotels & Resorts took ownership of the hotel in Fall 2013, with renovations starting immediately, and completed by summer 2015.

Guests may visit www.omnihotels.com/hotels/toronto-king-edward or call (416) 863-9700. Travelers or media can also follow the hotel on social media at www.facebook.com/omnikingedward, www.twitter.com/kingeddyhotel and https://instagram.com/omnikingedward/

About Omni Hotels & Resorts
Omni Hotels & Resorts creates genuine, authentic guest experiences at 60 distinct upscale hotels and resorts in leading business gateways and leisure destinations across North America. With over 20 world-class golf courses and award-winning spa retreats, to dynamic business settings, each Omni showcases the local flavor of the destination while featuring four-diamond services, signature restaurants, Wi-Fi connectivity and unique wellness options. Known for its distinguished, personalized service, Omni leaves a lasting impression with every customer interaction, with a heightened level of recognition and rewards delivered through its Select Guest loyalty program and the company’s “Power of One” associate empowerment program. The brand is frequently recognized by top consumer research organizations and travel publications and was ranked “Highest in Guest Satisfaction Among Upper Upscale Hotel Chains” in the J.D. Power 2015 North American Hotel Guest Satisfaction Index StudySM. To get additional information or book accommodations, visit omnihotels.com or call 1-800-The-Omni.