Hotel Arts Group
Hotel Arts, Kensington Riverside Inn, Olives Restaurant
Hotel Arts was the brainchild of local developer, John Torode, and a team of investors, who regarded the city block that housed the former Holiday Inn Calgary Downtown as the keystone for future development in the Beltline/Victoria Crossing District. In July 2005, Mr. Torode rebranded the property as Hotel Arts with a view of transforming the hotel into Calgary’s first designer boutique-style hotel. A new management team was soon recruited to help shepherd these changes with a massive renovation project and a host of new service initiatives.
One year later, Hotel Arts had successfully completed an impressive renovation which included the remodeling of 175 guestrooms; two new full-service restaurants – the Raw Bar and Saint Germain; and revamped event space. Beyond the physical, the management team helped launch an exciting new vision and corporate culture for Hotel Arts that celebrates innovation, growth, empowerment and attention-to-detail.
Hotel Arts has quickly garnered a reputation for hosting great events; accommodating clients in luxurious accommodations; and offering personalized and friendly service to a wide array of clients. Hotel Arts is the perfect choice for leisure and business travelers alike who are seeking a venue that exudes its own distinctive personality.
Phase Two of the ambitious development plans got underway in May 2007. In Fall 2008, Hotel Arts opened a new 9,400 sq ft ballroom. In the Fall of 2009, the Hotel Arts' Complex opened with a 220 car underground parking garage and a three-story office/retail development. Wrapping around the West and South portion of the property guests can enjoy Starbucks, Hedkandi Salon, Taste Martini Bar, Anytime Fitness and fashion retailer Boutik on First and Blokes. As a result of this development, First Street West has quickly become the place to be.
Once construction is complete, Phase Three will get underway with the Residences at Hotel Arts. The proposed 39 storey tower will make a striking impression on the downtown skyline with its unmistakably modern circular design and upscale commercial office and retail elements at street level.
In addition to all these exciting developments on the Hotel Arts Block, Mr. Torode and several investors acquired the Kensington Riverside Inn in August of 2007. In a few short months, the property was transformed from a 19-room bed & breakfast into Calgary’s premier luxury inn. Upgrades to the guestrooms and lobby areas were undertaken and Chef’s Table, an intimate restaurant and lounge, was opened. Currently serving breakfast and dinner, the restaurant focuses on a five-course tasting menu and eclectic wine selections. An impressive contemporary art collection is also displayed throughout the property, evoking an upscale and refined aesthetic.
Olives Restaurant and Olives To Go are located on the main floor of the arriVa complex just north of the Saddledome. Olives was named Calgary's Best New Restaurant in 2008 by the editors of Where Magazine.
Olives specializes in innovative Italian cuisine with a focus on contemporary presentation. The restaurant features an impressive show kitchen where diners can be inspired by Chef Johnathan Canning as he creates dishes before their eyes. The wine list displays diverse varietals from both New World California and Old World Italian wines to complement the dining experience. Olives is a perfect venue to dine in style before and following concerts, sporting and special events. Olives To Go features lighter fair paired with great wines for a quicker dining experience.
Other opportunities for expansion of the Hotel Arts Group will develop over time but at the corporation’s core will be a commitment to offering personalized experiences in fresh settings with an emphasis on quality.
For more information about Hotel Arts, Kensington Riverside Inn and Olives, please contact Erin Dawson, Director of Sales and Marketing for the Hotel Arts Group, at edawson@hotelarts.ca or at (403) 266-7678.
