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WTTC Responds to Latest Testing Measures

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WTTC Responds to Latest Testing Measures

London, United Kingdom, December 11, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO said: “If the government insists on testing individuals two days before arrival in the UK, it makes no sense to ban entry from whole countries. The World Health Organisation has said closing frontiers does not stop the virus but it does cause real economic harm.

“The cost of reimposing restrictions will cost the UK £5.3 billion and 180,000 people across the UK Travel & Tourism sector could lose their jobs.

“With so much at stake, we can’t afford to waste three weeks waiting for another government update. We know international travel can continue safely without any more cumbersome and destructive measures. The government needs to act fast.”

First published at TravelCommunication.net – Global Travel News

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

ICAO and UNWTO Issue Joint Statement to Reconnect he World

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ICAO and UNWTO Issue Joint Statement to Reconnect he World

Montréal, Canada, December 10, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / This International Civil Aviation Day, the UN Aviation and World Tourism organizations (ICAO/UNWTO) have issued a joint call for efforts to reconnect the world to be accelerated. The COVID-19 pandemic brought global air mobility and tourism to an abrupt halt. It also pressed pause on trillions of dollars worth of economic activity. Millions of livelihoods and businesses have been placed at risk. And while increasing vaccination rates are helping to kickstart the return of international aviation and restart tourism, much more still needs to be done.

We therefore add our organizations’ voices to those of the G7, G20, and the many countries who have called for borders to be opened to fully vaccinated travelers, travelers with acceptable proof of recovery from previous infection, and travelers holding mutually recognized and ICAO VDS-secured personal health certificates.

We also jointly stress that restrictions on travel considered in response to new variants of the COVID-19 virus must be only used as a very last resort. Such restrictions are discriminatory, ineffective and against the guidance of the World Health Organization.

ICAO and UNWTO also call for equal access to vaccines, and for efforts towards vaccine equity to be intensified and accelerated. This is especially critical for developing countries still bearing the brunt of the pandemic and least able to cope with its economic and social impacts.

With pent up travel and tourism demand now clearly evident in every global region, and with better mitigation strategies and greater international coordination in place, our organizations believe that our sectors can be drivers for economic recovery, both in the developed and the developing worlds.

However, as the restart of international civil aviation and tourism does get underway, ICAO and UNWTO recognize that a return to ‘business as usual’ would be a dereliction of responsibility in a post-pandemic world facing a climate crisis and ongoing economic inequality.

To build greater resilience to future health emergencies within our respective sectors, our agencies will work with governments to improve travel and tourism crisis response coordination, and to rethink and modernize every step of the passenger journey, with a focus on safety and security. Air travelers must be able to expect a safe, secure and healthy travel experience from check in to arriving at their destination.

To ensure the sustainability of air tourism in the face of the climate crisis, we will also take every opportunity to facilitate and accelerate the pace of innovation. In particular, we will advance progress towards the use of renewable energy, sustainable fuels, and other emissions reduction and elimination solutions, while continuously encouraging countries and the industry itself to meet or surpass their commitments.

And, as global air connectivity continues to expand, and to connect more of us to each other and to our natural environments, we must ensure that it does so on a progressively greener and more sustainable basis. Countries must set aggressive targets through our agencies so that international and domestic commitments progress together and so effectively address the impacts of travel and tourism.

The outcome of our shared efforts will play a critical role in assuring the most basic capability of many countries to invest toward and realize the UN Sustainable Development Goals, and all objectives to build-back-better in global air connectivity and tourism must be reviewed and fine-tuned in support of the 2030 Agenda and Our Common Agenda objectives.

First published at TravelCommunication.net

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

PUBS, PATIOS & BARS: The highs and lows of Yorkshire’s Tan Hill Inn

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Being stuck in a pub for three days sounds like a dream, but recent patrons at the Tan Hill Inn recently learned the low point about Britain’s highest pub – it’s susceptible to the weather. And when the north of England was recently buffeted by a late autumn blizzard, 61 people were stranded as snow and felled power cables blocked roads.

Located in the Yorkshire Dales, 435 km. north of London, the pub sits 528 m. above sea level and is used to being cut off by bad weather.

Manager Nicola Townsend said staff had organized movies, a quiz night and karaoke for the stranded guests, who were also entertained by an Oasis cover band, Noasis, also stuck at the pub after their Friday night gig.

Townsend said the guests were “in really good spirits. They’ve formed quite a friendship… like a big family is the best way I can describe it. One lady actually said, ‘I don’t want to leave.’”

And some didn’t – choosing to stay for a further night after guests were dug out after three days.

In better weather, the Inn – dubbed “top pub” – is a mecca for hikers, walkers, and cyclists due to proximity to the Pennine Way, and the occasional celebrity visit, according to management. Dating to the 17th-century and featuring exposed beams, stone-flagged floor and a welcoming fire, the venue also notably boasts spectacular views across the countryside.

Serving the “best ales from the dales,” patrons can sample featured names like Tan Hill Ewe Juice, Black Sheep (there’s a theme here), and Theakston Old Peculiar, along with occasional guest brews like The Who-themed My Generation Session Pale Ale. There is also a large range of bottled ciders, spirits, and wines.

Dining dome

Food is served from noon to 8:30 p.m. and menus vary according to season. Reservations can be made to eat outdoors in a private geometric “dining dome.”

After a bite and beer, guests can also choose to stay for a night (or three) with four different room categories (including bunk beds) available, and there’s plenty of space outside to pitch a tent for £10. The entire Inn is also pet friendly and dogs are provided with their own bed, snacks, treats and water bowl (also £10).

Other accommodation can be found nearby, some of the venues listed on the Inn’s website.

Live music takes place Thursdays through Saturdays, the former open to all as “buskers’ night,” and various seasonal events liven things up for locals, despite the remote location.

The Tan Hill Inn’s address is listed as Reeth, Richmond, Swaledale, North Yorkshire Dales, and from this side of the pond would be considered approximately between Leeds and Newcastle, leaning a little towards the Lake District. In Yorkshire, its simply the pub at the top of the hill.

With glass purposefully in hand, we at Travel Industry Today continue our series on some of the planet’s best bars, patios and rooftop venues. For more articles in the series, click here:

PREVIOUS ARTICLES: https://travelindustrytoday.com/pub-patio/

 

First published at Travel Industry Today

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

HOT DOG.COOL CAT!: Pet friendly cities around the world

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Whether you’re heading off on holiday, relocating, or visiting out-of-town friends and relatives, if you have a pet you need to know whether the city you are visiting is pet-friendly for your family guy.

A new study by MyBaggage has analyzed cities worldwide to determine the most pet-friendly for those looking to travel or relocate with their four-legged friends.

A number of factors were considered in the study that all contribute to a city being pet-friendly, including:

• Number of vets
• Number of pet stores
• Number of pet-friendly restaurants
• Average annual costs of owning a dog
• Number of pet-friendly hotels
• Difficulty to get the animal into the country

Top 5 pet-friendly cities in Canada
Taking the crown in Canada is Toronto, thanks to a huge 81 vets in the area and 114 pet stores so you can spoil Charlie or Charli as much as you like. Combine this with the 99 pet-friendly hotels in the city and the most pet-friendly restaurants in the country, and you can clearly see why Toronto takes the top spot. However, Montreal has the most pet-friendly hotels making that a perfect city to visit or vacation in with your four-legged friend in tow.

Vancouver had the second-highest number of pet stores in the country, so next time you fancy going on a pet-related shopping spree you know where to go!

The top 10 cities worldwide for pets

Worldwide Los Angeles tops the list as the most pet-friendly city thanks to a whopping 196 veterinarian practices and 98 pet stores.
Methodology
MyBaggage used Yelp to search for all vets within five miles of the center of the city and the total number of pet shops, these were then ranked. Using Tripadvisor, the number of restaurants in each city that are pet-friendly were found, then ranked. The total cost of owning a dog annually was gathered for each country, then ranked based on the price. The total number of pet-friendly hotels was obtained from Booking.com, by searching for all pet-friendly hotels available in December 2021, then the totals were ranked. Rankings were based out of 100 cities and weighted out of 100 in total. (e.g. the city with the highest number of vets would have 100).

Source: www.mybaggage.com 

First published at Travel Industry Today

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Cross Hotels and Resorts Signs Mega-Deal in Vietnam

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Cross Hotels and Resorts Signs Mega-Deal in Vietnam

Ho Chi Minh City. Vietnam, December 9, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / Injecting a healthy dose of festive cheer into Southeast Asia’s hospitality industry, Cross Hotels & Resorts has signed a major agreement with Tan Thanh Trading & Tourism JSC to develop a mega-project that will see the opening of two new hotels in Vietnam with a combined room count of 716 keys. In one of the biggest greenfield deals in Asia since the start of the global pandemic two years ago, Cross Long Hai and Cross Vibe Long Hai are located in the stunning coastal province of Vung Tau, a two-hour drive from Ho Chi Minh City.

With construction already underway and an opening set for Q4 2022, Cross Long Hai is a striking, all-villa resort that will add a touch of panache to the popular seaside town. The boutique style property introduces Cross Hotels luxury by design concept to the flourishing Vietnamese travel market. In addition, the twin-tower Cross Vibe Long Hai is a modern Condotel offering 658 guest rooms that provide the latest amenities, MICE facilities, spa, swimming pool and fitness centre.

“As Cross Hotels & Resorts continues to expand its footprint and brands across Southeast Asia, we believe relationships are key to complementing each other’s success. Hence, this is why I am ecstatic to be entering into this partnership with Tan Thanh Trading and Tourism JSC. I look forward to introducing our luxury and lifestyle brands to the city’s hospitality landscape. Our luxury by design approach will capture the imagination of people seeking a fresh travel experience,” said Harry Thaliwal, CEO of Cross Hotels & Resorts.

Commenting on the agreement, Tran Duy Kieu, General Director of Tan Thanh Trading & Tourism JSC, added, “We are thrilled to start this journey with Cross Hotels & Resorts and together we will transform the hospitality in Vung Tau and beyond with these unique brands. The fact that the company’s global distribution is backed by Flight Centre Travel Group speak volumes. With this partnership, Cross Long Hai and Cross Vibe Long Hai will set a new benchmark for creativity and innovation in the local hospitality industry.”

As one of the region’s most dynamic hospitality enterprises, Cross Hotels & Resorts continues to buck industry trends with its energy and ambition. Constantly at the vanguard of inspired hospitality solutions, the Cross brand’s global appeal is spearheaded by its gateway properties in top-tier destinations of the world’s vacation playgrounds.

Across Southeast Asia and the Pacific, Cross Hotels & Resorts currently operates a diverse property portfolio that includes more than 21 hotels under five distinct brands, namely Cross, Cross Vibe, Away, Lumen and Cross Collection.

About Cross Hotels & Resorts
Cross Hotels & Resorts is an international hotel management company wholly owned by the ASX listed Flight Centre Travel Group (FCTG). FCTG is one of the world’s largest and progressive travel companies, incorporating diverse worldwide distribution, in destination travel experiences such as transport and touring as well as hotel management solutions. Cross Hotels & Resorts also delivers owner services all the way from the very early sourcing and planning stages of a development, through technical services during build, to pre-opening services and finally professional ongoing hotel management.

First published at TravelCommunication.net

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

UNWTO Calls Against Blanket Travel Restrictions

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UNWTO Calls Against Blanket Travel Restrictions

Madrid, Spain, December 9, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) of the United Nations calls out against the introduction of blanket restrictions on travel, as witnessed in recent days. This call echoes the concerns raised by UNWTO Members during the 24th UNWTO General Assembly (30 November–3 December). Countries from all global regionsexpressed their solidarity with Southern African states, calling for the immediate lifting of travel bans imposed on specific countries and for freedom of international travel to be upheld.

UNWTO takes note of the recent declarations of the United Nations Secretary-General and the Director General of the World Health Organization (WHO) regarding the unfairness and ineffectiveness of blanket travel in respect to the countries of Southern Africa.

Restrictions ineffective and discriminatory

In light of recent developments, UNWTO has once again reminded countries that the imposition of blanket restrictions on travel is discriminatory, ineffective and contrary to WHO recommendations. Blanket restrictions may also stigmatize countries or whole regions.

During the UNWTO General Assembly, Members States and partners, including voices from international organizations and across the private sector, echoed WHO’s advice that travel restrictions should only be imposed as a very last resort in response to changing circumstances. Furthermore, it was stressed that if restrictions are introduced, they must be proportionate, transparent, and scientifically based. They must also only be introduced with a full appreciation of what halting international travel would mean for the most vulnerable, including those developing countries and individuals who depend on tourism for their economies and livelihoods.

Coordination not discrimination

Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, UNWTO has called for coordinated and evidence-based approaches to balancing public health concerns with keeping the lifeline of tourism intact. Over recent months, such an approach has been shown to be the most effective way forward.

UNWTO notes that travel and vaccination levels are closely connected, as the emergence of new variants facilitated by low levels of vaccination has shown. As such, UNWTO calls on all countries to act in solidarity to ensure equitable access to vaccines for all, to recognize all WHO approved vaccines for the purpose of international travel and to facilitate access to patents for local production of vaccines.

First published at TravelCommunication.net – Global Travel News

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Cora Cora Maldives Appoints Justin Swart as New General Manager

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Cora Cora Maldives Appoints Justin Swart as New General Manager

Raa Atoll, Maldives, December 8, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / Cora Cora Maldives, the hottest new opening in the destination is thrilled to announce the appointment of Justin Swart as General Manager of the new, luxury all-inclusive property situated in the Raa Atoll. Born in South Africa, Justin Swart has over 15 years of experience in the luxury hotel industry, including being part of the team at Siam@Siam Design Hotel Bangkok, STAY Wellbeing & Lifestyle Resort, and Royal President Hotel & Kingston Suites Hotel, part of the Kingston Hotel Group.

Justin began his career in the hospitality industry as a Sports and Leisure Manager and quickly gained experience as a Pre-Opening Sales Director and Hotel and Wellness Manager in resorts across Thailand. His dedication to ensuring customer satisfaction, knowledge of traditional Asian culture, and impressive experience in hotel and wellness management make Justin the perfect addition to the Cora Cora Maldives family. He brings with him a wealth of knowledge and will ensure Cora Maldives’ Freedom ethos continues to be celebrated and embraced by all. Fluent in Afrikaans (Dutch) Justin can also speak excellent English and Thai.

Cora Cora Maldives Resort motto “It’s Freedom Time” speaks from the heart of Justin: “Freedom for me means choosing where to spend your time and choosing who to spend it with. Cora Cora Maldives Resort with its’ 250 employees from over 30 countries is the perfect workplace for me because they have created such a diverse multicultural environment allowing me to spend more time at work doing what I love – interacting with people! I heard the call of freedom, and I followed it straight to the Maldives!”

“We are thrilled to have Justin join our remarkable team. His down-to-earth and friendly nature combined with his passion for the industry will, no doubt, add to our reputation of being the resort where both our team and our guests are overjoyed to embrace the Cora Cora Mission of – It’s Freedom Time.” Enthuses Martin van der Reijden, Managing Director for Cora Cora Maldives & HMM Pvt Ltd.

Cora Cora Maldives offers its guests a one-of-a-kind Maldivian cultural, experiential, and culinary experience. When guests are not snorkelling or diving in the island’s coral-rich waters, they can relax in one of the 100 villas, four restaurants, and two bars delighting in the exemplary cuisine. The stunning accommodation embodies the free Maldivian spirit with the perfect combination of contemporary and fresh interiors. With an extensive spa, watersports centre, gym, yoga pavilion, outdoor cinema, kids’ club, and museum, Cora Cora Maldives is the ultimate idyllic, island escape where guests will never run out of things to do.

Located in the pristine Raa Atoll, Cora Cora Maldives is just 45 minutes by seaplane from Velana International Airport or 30 minutes by domestic flight, followed by a 20-minute speedboat journey.

About Cora Cora Maldives
Cora Cora Maldives is owned and operated by Trinitas Holdings Maldives Pvt. Ltd. A privately-owned company, established in 2017. Created for families, friends, and couples with a wide variety of contemporary designed suites and villas, Cora Cora Maldives embraces a unique freedom concept whilst incorporating the cultural heritage of the Maldives. With a variety of premium dining options many of which encompass Cora Cora Maldives’ wellness ethos as well as an extensive spa, the luxury five-star resort opened on the 1st of October 2021.

First published at TravelCommunication.net

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp Launches Family Jungle Bubble Lodge

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Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp Launches Family Jungle Bubble Lodge

Chiang Rai, Thailand, December 8, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / In 2019, Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort in Northern Thailand introduced a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for travellers to spend the night observing majestic elephants in their natural habitat while staying in unique transparent Jungle Bubbles. Now the luxury resort is giving families and small groups of friends the inimitable opportunity to revel in this bucket list experience together, from the comfort of a brand-new two-bedroom Jungle Bubble Lodge.

Located in a lush jungle on the banks of the Ruak River, the Jungle Bubble Lodge accommodates up to four guests in 150 square metres of indoors and outdoors living space and is perched on a raised wooden deck offering uninterrupted views of rescued elephants and stargazing at night.

At a glance:
– Guests at Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort can purchase the Jungle Bubble Lodge experience as an optional activity and spend the night from dusk till dawn, returning to the hotel in the morning.
– The fully climate-controlled Jungle Bubble Lodge consists of two bedrooms under a transparent roof, each with a king bed and an enclosed nontransparent en-suite shower and vanity; and a living room under a transparent roof with comfortable lounge furnishings, a minibar, and tea and coffee making facilities. Outside an 80 square meters wooden deck offers ample space for quality family and elephant viewing times with separate al fresco lounging and dining areas and plunge pool.
– Guests spending the night in the Jungle Bubble Lodge can participate in unique optional elephant experiences, including waking up in the early morning mist and joining the elephants on their morning walk through the jungle to the banks of the Ruak River, where the frolics and fun of a river bath demonstrate just how cheeky these graceful animals can be.

First published at TravelCommunication.net

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

YOUTH IS SERVED: G Adventures’ new hostel environment

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Hostels aren’t what they used to be, nor are young travellers. With this in mind, G Adventures has partnered with leading Dublin-based OTA Hostelworld to combine the former’s group adventure tours with the latter’s global hostel booking platform to create a series of unique backpacking-meets-organized-travel experiences dubbed ‘Roamies.’

The Roamies collection is designed to capture the free-spirited nature of adventure travel and combine it with the inherently social side of hostels with five- to 34-day tours limited to between 16 and 24 travellers.

Offered for sale by both companies, and available to be booked by travel agents through Toronto-based G Adventures, the collaboration will launch in May 2022, with a collection of 38 tours in 15 countries that will allow travellers to explore some of the world’s “coolest destinations” while using 50 of the hottest hostels as a home-base and a place to both hang out and kick-start adventures.

With flexibility and free time built in, and optional activities available to book, all trips have the support of an expert chief experience officer throughout the tour.

Gary Morrison, CEO of Hostelworld Group says, “The reason why people go hostelling is to reach other people (and) a lot of the reason people go on short group adventure tours is not only to experience the world, but also to meet other people… so, we’re similar if you’re in the market to have an incredible social experience, combined with amazing adventure travel, which is a bit different from a luxury hotel kind of stay.”

But while the accommodations may not be defined as ‘luxury’, they are certainly no longer the $10/day dorm rooms that many remember from the past.

“What I’ve learned,” says G Adventures founder Bruce Poon Tip, “is how much the hostel community and hostels have evolved in the 20 years since I went travelling… when hostels were great socially but kind of scary for first-time travellers.”

Now, he says, “they are so unique and every one is so different and they pride themselves on their own kind of businesses… they all have personality and capture the local flavour and the local areas as well.”

Poon Tip adds that extensive research by G suggests that people book hostels for the experience and the social side – not the price – which matches further data suggesting that “people on the other side of this pandemic are experience driven.”

Kokopelli Hostel Barranco, Lima, Peru

At the same time, many of G’s 18- to 35-year-old clients are devoted to sustainability and community, which fits with the ethos of hostelling, which Poon Tip calls “the heart of the tourism eco-system.”

“Together (with Hostelworld) we’re creating a new style of travel for our customers that will allow them to have a better travel experience and support our model of community tourism, which is based on investing in as many local and small businesses as possible,” says Poon Tip. “There is no better representation of that than in the hostel market, of which many are family-run businesses.”

Morrison says the Roamies collection is the start of a longer-term partnership with G Adventures that will see more tours being added across further locations.

“Our mission is to help hostellers meet other travellers they want to hang out with while travelling, so partnering with G Adventures to offer a combination of hostelling and adventure travel made absolute sense. When young people travel, they want to do more than just see places – they want to make meaningful connections and have new experiences that positively change their perspective on themselves and the world.”

He adds, “With so many young people missing out on trips of a lifetime in the last couple of years, Roamies will offer them an entirely new type of planned backpacking adventure in 2022.”

Roamies trips are priced from $249 p.p. for a three-day trip, and countries include Albania, Austria, Cambodia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Czech Republic, Germany, Greece, Italy, Mexico, Montenegro, the Netherlands, Peru, Thailand, and Vietnam.

 

First published at Travel Industry Today

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

A NEW TAKE ON THE DRAKE: Iconic Toronto Hotel unveils expansion

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The Drake’s reputation is growing, and so is the hotel as the Toronto establishment has unveiled a new “modern” wing to compliment its classic component, with both now combining to comprise one of the city’s hippest hotels, and one dedicated to being a neighbourhood hub on Queen Street West.

The new building adds 32 additional guest rooms to a property once branded as an “under-the-radar hotel we love” by Condé Nast Traveller, as well as a bold new art collection, intimate street-facing bar, and a stunningly appointed lobby.

Having re-opened 17 years ago, transforming a historic 19th century building with an intriguing, sometimes notorious, history into a contemporary art and culture destination that includes a chic rooftop bar and an intimate underground concert venue, the hotel continues to be a central figure in the of re-invigoration of west Queen St West.

The new Modern Wing, designed to capture the essence and sensibility of The Drake, while heightening the thought-provoking art, design, and cultural elements the property is renowned for, fills a five-storey contemporary building adjoining the original hotel.

Upon entering the lobby through a revolving door complete with brass grill details in the tradition of historic hotels, guests are transported to a welcoming, timeless, and textured living room, where plush fabrics, a hand-woven rug, and mixed media art counterpoint the flowing forms of the custom reception desk and furniture. An impressive brick-clad fireplace presents a backdrop to the street-facing lobby bar, and the connected Drake Lounge offers cozy green leather booths for dinner guests.

Lobby Bar

In signature style, the new guest rooms are bright and sophisticated, decorated in rich colours with warm woods, textured fabrics, custom carpets, in-house designed blankets, and curated wallpaper complementing the original art pieces that adorn each space. Entries feature handcrafted, locally designed sconces.

The comfortable accommodations are populated with luxe amenities: in-room tablets for contactless access to concierge services and amenities, plenty of USB charging ports, large screen televisions, Frette linens, hand steamers, custom Drake robes, Malin + Goetz bath products, and locally sourced mini-bar treats.

Atop the Wing is the Rooftop Terrace Suite, boasting an oversized outdoor terrace and views of the Toronto cityscape. Designed for touring musicians, VIPS, or special occasions, the “apartment in the sky,” has two bedrooms, two full washrooms, kitchenette with bar, and large living room.

‘A Special Affair’ by Miranda Forrester

Throughout the hotel, guests will discover a variety of artworks by a diverse group of local and international artists intended to spark conversation and inspire understanding. Artworks can also be found in stairwells, hallways, public spaces and guestrooms, representing a plethora of mediums and artists.

Hotel amenities include 24-hour front desk with full concierge service, room service, front of the line reservations for dining, and access to on-property cultural events and programming.

“It has always been our hope to create a neighbourhood hub rooted in our local community and to bridge art of the moment with intentional hospitality,” says hotel general manager Shaileen Shah. “At its core, we want to ignite curiosity within both the modern traveller and our friends, and our new spaces are designed for exactly that.”

History

Built in 1890 as Small’s Hotel, the property was frequented by passengers of the nearby Canadian Pacific Railway. In 1949 it was expanded and renamed the Drake, but the hotel eventually waned with the closure of the local railway station. In the 1970s it became a flophouse, and through the 1980s and 1990s served as a punk bar and a rave venue. In 2004 the property was reinvented as one of Toronto’s first, stylish boutique hotels with a goal to be recognized as an internationally recognized bastion of art, culture and design.

A growing Canadian hospitality brand focused on lifestyle hotels, food and drink and special events, Drake Hotel Properties also operates the Drake Devonshire Inn and Drake Motor Inn, both in Wellington, Prince Edward County, Ontario.

 

First published at Travel Industry Today

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News