By Nicole Di Tomasso
Leaders in the development and management of hospitality spaces, Mississauga, Ont.-based Opal Hospitality — Hotelier’s Regional Company of the Year — has been led by founder and president Perry Vashee since its inception in 2018. The company began with the purchase and re-positioning of a hotel in St. John’s, Nfld., which now operates as a DoubleTree by Hilton. The company’s leadership team delivers a full range of services, including hotel management, asset re-positioning, brand-product development, strategic consulting, and project management.
“We work closely with both brands and property owners to tailor our operational techniques to the unique needs of each property,” says Vashee. “By maintaining strong, ongoing relationships through consistent in-person visits and a substantial on-property presence, we ensure efficient management and operational success across our diverse portfolio. This approach not only enhances the performance of our properties, but also strengthens our partnerships with leading brands, setting a high standard for operational excellence in the industry.”
In the last year, the company’s portfolio has grown from six to a total of 14 operating and developing properties. In addition to the DoubleTree by Hilton St. John’s Harbourview, its current portfolio also includes Bloom Mississauga, Tapestry Collection by Hilton; The Insignia Hotel, Sarnia, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel; Canvas Moncton, Tapestry Collection by Hilton; Best Western Plus Parry Sound; Fairfield Inn & Suites Toronto Brampton; The Wellington Hotel (Prince Edward County, Ont.); Railwayparc Hotel, Tapestry Collection by Hilton; Hyatt Place Windsor; Fairfield Inn & Suites North Bay; Fairfield Inn & Suites Barrie; Comfort Suites Spark by Hilton; and Hampton Inn Wasaga Beach.
“We’ve successfully introduced and managed new brands, including Hyatt, Best Western, and Choice Hotels, in addition to our existing Hilton and Marriott partnerships,” says Vashee. “This expansion has brought new properties to key locations such as Montreal, Wasaga Beach, Ont., Ottawa, North Bay, Barrie, Parry Sound, and Windsor, Ont. We’re also actively planning further expansion into the U.S. market to seize emerging opportunities.”
Vashee says The Wellington Hotel and the Railwayparc Hotel, Tapestry Collection by Hilton are both currently under development and expected to open next year.
“[The Wellington Hotel] is a small luxury boutique hotel will feature a restaurant that focuses on locally sourced, farm-to-table cuisine,” says Vashee. “The hotel will also include a host library bar with a nostalgic ’50s and ’60s theme, as well as a rooftop patio, further enhancing its appeal to both guests and the local community.”
Overall, Opal Hospitality’s operating properties have been performing well. “Over the past year, the company’s sales and profits have remained relatively stable, with no dramatic increases. This reflects a consistent performance without significant growth fluctuations,” says Vashee. “We’re focused on maintaining steady operational excellence and strategic initiatives to drive future growth.”
As part of maintaining its strategic initiatives, the company evaluates several key areas to ensure its hospitality spaces are exceptional, including design, training, and emerging trends.
“Firstly, [the space is] designed with a user-centric approach, ensuring it meets the practical needs and preferences of guests rather than merely prioritizing visual appeal. This involves meticulous attention to detail, where every aspect of the space is thoughtfully considered to enhance the overall guest experience,” says Vashee. “Additionally, effective staff training is crucial, as it ensures that service levels align with the design and operational objectives of the space. The space should facilitate a high level of service that complements its functional aspects.”
He says understanding how the space will be utilized is essential, focusing on its practical applications rather than just its aesthetics. “It’s also important to address market needs and incorporate emerging trends that have a meaningful impact on guest satisfaction. Knowing the target customer and their evolving preferences plays a significant role in shaping an exceptional hospitality environment.”
The integration of advanced technology and the transformation of hotel common areas into bustling community hubs are two major industry trends that Opal Hospitality is staying in front of.
“Guests today have heightened expectations influenced by their experiences at home, leading to an increased demand for seamless, technology-driven services,” says Vashee. “The transformation of traditional lobby breakfast areas into vibrant social community hubs fosters a more engaging and interactive environment. Our company is proactively addressing these trends by adopting cutting-edge technology and re-imagining our communal spaces to align with contemporary guest preferences, thereby ensuring that we meet and exceed evolving expectations.”
At DoubleTree by Hilton St. John’s Harbourview and Canvas Moncton, for example, guests are treated to a multi-sensory experience upon arrival. Resto-bar concepts occupy lobby spaces, emerging as the focal point of design.
Over the past year, Opal Hospitality’s properties have reached remarkable milestones and received notable industry recognition, reflecting its substantial growth and influence in the industry.
“The Marriott Summer GSS Competition, a 10-week challenge aimed at enhancing year-to-date (YTD) ITR scores, showcased the exceptional performance of our hotels,” says Imran Mangalji, corporate director of Operations, Opal Hospitality. “Insignia Hotel earned second place among 38 competitors in the Boutique and Luxury category, reflecting a 1.6-point increase in ITR. Fairfield Inn & Suites Toronto Brampton excelled by securing first place among 31 peers in the Fairfield category, with a significant five-point increase in ITR. Fairfield Inn & Suites Barrie achieved third place in the same category with a 1.8-point increase, while Fairfield Inn & Suites North Bay earned eighth place, demonstrating a 0.7-point increase in ITR. Notably, Fairfield Inn & Suites Toronto Brampton also ranked third among all Marriott hotels in Canada (273 properties) in the Summer Booster Challenge, which measures overall ITR growth and meeting YTD Bonvoy Enrollment Targets.”
Mangajli continues, “In the broader context of overall ITR rankings, Fairfield Inn & Suites North Bay was recognized as 25th out of 273 Marriott hotels in Canada, while Insignia Hotel secured 51st place. Fairfield Inn & Suites Toronto Brampton made significant strides, improving from 167th out of 212 to 109th out of 273 Marriott hotels in Canada.”
In addition to its ongoing commitment to exceptional service and industry excellence, Opal Hospitality has been actively contributing to the community through several impactful initiatives. At DoubleTree by Hilton St. John’s Harbourview, the company hosted a “Dinner for Fang” event in honour of a colleague who passed away from diabetes complications. The event raised $3,260 for Diabetes Canada. Additionally, Canvas Hotel in Moncton launched a training and employment program for Syrian and Ukrainian refugees, highlighting the company’s dedication to supporting displaced individuals and making a positive difference in the community.
Looking ahead, in June 2025, Opal Hospitality has scheduled a charity golf day, with all proceeds going to local charitable organizations. The company is also in the process of planning various other charity events across its hotels.
The company aims to have 25 hotels and between five and 10 restaurants in its portfolio by 2030.
“Looking ahead, our strategic goals for the next five years include expanding our management infrastructure and significantly growing our hotel portfolio,” says Vashee. “We aim to enhance our market presence by focusing on the lifestyle-hotel segment, which aligns with current industry trends and guest preferences. By advancing our management capabilities and broadening our portfolio, we seek to drive sustained growth and deliver exceptional hospitality experiences that resonate with contemporary travellers.
