TORONTO — After a six-month renovation and rebranding, Toronto’s first Kimpton Hotel is set to take reservations for stays beginning on July 1st.

The hotel, which now occupies the space of the former Holiday Inn on Bloor and St. George, has been rebranded as the Kimpton Saint George Hotel. It’s the latest addition to the Bloor-Street Culture Corridor and its executives intend to pay homage to the community’s history by honouring its location in the Annex neighbourhood.

“Toronto is one of the most dynamic cities in the world right now with its own distinct identity and culture, making it a perfect home for Kimpton,” says Ron Vlasic, vice-president of Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants. “We’re thrilled to be opening the first boutique hotel that embodies the essence of the lively Annex neighbourhood in the hub of the city’s arts, culture and dining scene.”

The 14-storey hotel will feature 188 artfully designed guestrooms, including 20 suites and a presidential suite (down from the original hotel’s 200 rooms), as well as approximately 1,500 sq. ft. of ground-level meeting space. One of the differentiating features of the hotel is its focus on art. According to Andrew Higgs, vice-president, Asset Management, InnVest Hotels — the hotel’s owner — the Kimpton Saint George will feature the work of seven local artists with approximately 700 pieces of art highlighted. “We used Toronto designers who get the city,” Higgs explained during a recent media tour of the property. “They understand the city and speak to the underground in-the-know Toronto vibe.”

As one of the early pioneers of North America’s boutique hotels, San-Francisco-based Kimpton Hotels is recognized for its locally oriented approach to design, service and guest experience throughout its 66 locations. ”We always try to strike a balance of having a functioning hotel with one that offers a residential feel,” said Nabil Moubayed, Midwest director of Operations, Kimpton Hotels, who was part of the recent media tour. “One of the big things we want to do is become part of the community,” said Moubayed, adding that it’s part of the hotel’s makeup to forge special relationships with local businesses, such as craft brewers, to introduce their products to the hotel guests.

The company’s residential-inspired design and amenities feature soaker tubs, unique light fixtures and small residential touches, including a hi-fi record player in each of its suites and a vinyl library. Amongst the hotel’s amenities are complimentary public bikes, a fitness centre and in-room yoga mats.

Additionally, industry leader, Terry Tsianos, founder and CEO of Pegasus Hospitality Group, in collaboration with Jackman Reinvents, is poised to introduce a dynamic gastropub dining destination called The Fortunate Fox, adjacent to the Kimpton Saint George.

The Kimpton Saint George is set to open July 1, just in time for Canada Day celebrations.

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