ST. JOHN'S - Merging its dynamic and colourful Alt Hotel brand with the unique flavour and culture of Newfoundland and Labrador, Group Germain Hotels welcomes guests to its newest property in St. John's, NL.
Located downtown St. John's, it is the Group's second property to open in the Atlantic Provinces under the Alt banner, known to combine modern design, luxury comfort and attentive service at an affordable price.
"We are delighted to introduce our colourful brand of hospitality to Newfoundland and Labrador," saysJean-Yves Germain co-president of family-owned, Group Germain Hotels. "With its rich history, unique heritage, vibrant character and welcoming people, St. John's was a natural choice for us. We are thrilled to invest in a city and a community we truly believe in. ''
Located on the corner of Water and Prescott Streets, the hotel overlooks the harbour, offering a stunning view of The Narrows. It is also conveniently neighbouring numerous local shops and restaurants, the St. John's Convention Centre, and many of the city's tourist attractions - making it ideal for both business and leisure travel.
The 148-guest room hotel features an outdoor patio overlooking the harbour for guests and locals to enjoy. It also offers a bright fitness room as well as close to 4,000 square feet of meeting space, each fitted with floor-to-ceiling windows and direct access to the terrace. In 2018, a coffee shop and a restaurant adjacent to the lobby will open their doors.
"We are confident guests will enjoy our friendly service and comfortable rooms topped with a stunning view, but also our fixed seasonal rates" says Mark Schaay, General Manager. Indeed, at Alt Hotels, there is no daily fluctuation in the rate, even if a festival or a big event is in full swing, ensuring guests get the best value for their dollar.
The hotel also features a range of eco-responsible features such as geothermal heating and cooling powered by the ocean, energy-efficient lighting, a heat recovery system and more.
The opening of this property brings Group Germain Hotels one step closer to achieving its goal of becoming the first independent Canadian hotelier to offer travellers a network of 20 properties coast-to-coast by 2020. The Group is rapidly expanding across Canada and is currently building new properties in Calgary, Saskatoon, Ottawa and Brossard, all of which are slated to open in 2018.
Thoughtful design
Designed by Canadian firm, Lemay Michaud Architecture, the hotel boasts a welcoming, inspired design incorporating elements reminiscent of the local landscapes.
Designed by Canadian firm, Lemay Michaud Architecture, the hotel boasts a welcoming, inspired design incorporating elements reminiscent of the local landscapes.
As the hotel was built on the grounds of a 1800s cellar, the only remaining marker of the historic Marshall Brothers store, respectful architectural planning was very important to the Group. As a result, an outline of the cellar footprint was incorporated into the hotel's design and a feature wall displaying a montage of tactile materials from the cellar can be seen in the lobby.
To ensure that even more of the beauty and distinctiveness of Newfoundland and Labrador was brought inside the hotel, a colourful and artistic mural entitled Altexpo adorns the lobby. Created from over 3,500 original images, the mural from local photographer Michael Winsor pays tribute to Newfoundland and Labrador's unique landscapes.
