D E S I G N F E AT U R E
Andaz inspires indigenous experiences
Andaz Ottawa Copper Rooftop Lounge.
Andaz Ottawa king guestroom with corner view. By Don Douloff, Assistant Editor OTTAWA — As part of its mission statement, Hyatt’s luxury lifestyle Andaz brand aims to create inspiring, indigenous experiences that immerse guests in the best local culture of each destination. Andaz Ottawa ByWard Market, the brand’s first Canadian hotel, achieves that goal thoroughly and impressively. Indeed, the hotel’s design sought to be “reflective of the neighbourhood” and to tell a “national story” appropriate to Ottawa’s status as Canada’s capital, said general manager Matt Graham. The Andaz brand “is always contemporary in tone, palette and materials,” he noted. Opened last August, in the heart of Ottawa’s historic ByWard Market, chock-
May 12: Greater Toronto Hotel Association 6th Annual Spirit Awards, Metro Toronto Convention Centre, Constitution Hall. Contact: Bonnie Medensky. Tel.: 416-351-1276. Email: spiritawards@gtha.com. Website: gtha.com May 15-16: Canadian Hotel Investment Conference. Westin Harbour Castle, Toronto. Contact: Vicki Welstead. Tel. 416-924-2002, ext. 233. Email: vickiwelstead@bigpictureconferences.ca. Website: hotelinvest.ca May 16: HOTELNEXT, Student Competition, Westin Harbour Castle, Toronto. Contact:
1 8 | Canadian Lodging News
a-block with chic boutiques, galleries, restaurants and nightlife, the 16-storey property features 200 guestrooms, six studios spanning 4,500 square feet of flexible function space, a ground-floor restaurant and bar, and a rooftop lounge offering sweeping views of the Ottawa cityscape. The property is owned by Ottawa-based real estate company Claridge Homes. Spearheaded by Toronto-based Mason Studio, the design fosters a sense of place by showcasing Canadian designers, materials and visual references. Natural woods, stones and mixed metals articulate a minimalist, modern aesthetic. Sculptural gestures connect throughout the property, creating cohesion. For example, all elevator lobbies feature a deconstructed tree log, spanning from
floor-to-ceiling, that conceptually ties the building together from lobby to rooftop. On each level, the artwork within the elevator lobby and throughout the corridor references native plants, animals and resources of a specific Canadian province or territory. Signature restaurant feast + revel highlights the natural resources and geographical landscape of the country via, for instance, a wood pergola configuration based on aerial patterns of farmland crops; a host stand that is a projection of Lake Ontario; and a harvest table made of Canadian granite. On the menu are dishes fashioned from locally sourced chocolate, elk, chicken and vegetables. In the lobby lounge/check-in area, a sculptural installation incorporates objects showcasing artefacts that speak to the minds of influential Canadians. This piece is still in development, but plans call for it to explore key figures and moments from politicians to poets and artists. Above the lounge is a lighting installation made from six Canadian wood species. Second-floor studios are a flexible and transitional space for guests and events. Wide-plank hardwood flooring and plush carpeting give a nod to residential-style design accents. Subtle industrial gestures with metal framed sliding doors reference a loft-like residential feel. Intimate spaces are created with operable partitions that divide the space or expand for large-scale functions. Seating by Ottawa-based furniture designer Laura Langford anchors comfortable lounge spaces for breakout and prefunction areas. In the 16th-floor bar and patio, low upholstered seating minimizes obstructions of the view (of the Parliament Buildings and river). Highlighting the floor is a patio outfitted with tiered banquette seating and open firepits. Lush planters with low greenery create intimate enclaves. Elsewhere, suites feature a continuation of regionally inspired objects and materials such as felt wall coverings that conjure a foggy landscape in warm taupes and greys complemented by plush carpeting with a graphic deconstructed petal pattern.
COMING EVENTS Vicki Welstead. Tel. 416-924-2002, ext. 233. Email: vickiwelstead@bigpictureconferences.ca. Website: hotelinvest.ca May 15-16: SAHIC Cuba, Melia Cohiba Hotel, Cuba. Contact: Cecilia Corti. Tel: +54 (11) 5217-4543. Email: ccorti@sahic.com. Website: sahiccuba. com. May 30-31: Saskatchewan Hotel & Hospitality Association Convention & Trade Show, Regina, Sask. Delta Regina. Contact: Warren Nerby. Tel.: 306-5221664, ext. 2. Fax: 306-525-1944. Email:
TOP 5 LIST Top 5 Questions on Ontario’s AODA Accessibility Legislation
From left, Andrew Morrison, Christina DiRocco and Fatima Finnegan of ORHMA at the Toronto information session. By Colleen Isherwood, Editor TORONTO — Fatima Finnegan of Ontario Restaurant Hotel and Motel Association (ORHMA) has spent the past several weeks travelling around Ontario, helping hoteliers and restaurateurs understand the requirements of Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). The six seminars, held in various Ontario centres, came in response to the many queries from ORHMA members regarding the legislation, including calls from people who had been charged with compliance issues. Here are the top five questions identified by Finnegan at the final road show seminar held at the Toronto International Centre last month. #1: How do I report to the government? A: The information can be found at www.ontario.ca/accessibility #2: Can a business ask for certification for service animals? A: Service animals, including guide dogs, are identified by a vest or harness. It is acceptable to ask for certification papers. (ORHMA can show you what a real certification paper looks like, as there are fakes.) #3: In most hotels, there is a policy to accept a deposit for animals. Would the same apply for working dogs? If the hotel already charges for pets, can they charge? A: Service animals are not pets and a deposit should not be charged. ORHMA notes that there are cases where service animals have misbehaved, and has objected to this requirement. #4: If requested by a client or employee, does the company have to pay for a sign language interpreter? A: Yes, not only under AODA legislation but also Human Rights legislation.
Wnerby@sasktel.net. Website: shha.co June 26-29: HITEC Toronto, Metro Toronto Convention Centre. Contact: Frank Garza. Telephone: 512-220-4034. Email: frank.garza@hftp.org. Website: hftp.org/hitec Oct. 23-25: Shared Ownership Investment Conference, Eden Roc Resort, Miami Beach. Information: 877-7001153 / 305-668-3495. Email: information@sharedownershipinvestment.com. Fax: 305-668-3413. Website: sharedownershipinvestment.com.
#5. Do we have to renovate our building to be accessible? A: The Ontario Building Code amendments came into effect on Jan. 1, 2015. This applies to new construction and extensive renovations. The code covers a range of areas, such as: • Visual fire alarms • Barrier-free path of travel • Accessible washrooms • Automatic doors • Accessible and adaptable seating spaces For more information, contact ORHMA at 1-800668-8906 or www.orhma.com