The Dorian, Autograph Collection

EXACTLY LIKE NOTHING ELSE

Exactly Like Nothing Else Outlook Travel (OT): Firstly, can you talk us through your personal journey and what brought you to The Dorian, Autograph Collection?

Ian Jones, Complex General Manager (IJ): I spent my childhood in a quaint town just north of Toronto. Thanks to my father’s job, our family had the opportunity to travel extensively, living in Denmark, Australia, and South Africa. These early experiences ignited my passion for the hotel industry. Growing up amid diverse cultures and witnessing various hospitality practices around the world profoundly influenced my career choice.

I’ve been fortunate to work in seven countries across four continents, contributing to the openings of five hotels and the rebranding of two. With my children reaching pivotal points in their education, one in

university and the other in high school, my family and I decided it was time to establish permanent roots. Calgary, being one of Canada’s most desirable destinations, became our chosen home.

Having observed The Dorian, Autograph Collection’s development from a greenfield site and closely followed its owner, PBA Group of Companies, for several years, I eagerly embraced the opportunity when Concord Hospitality reached out in search of a new General Manager. The Dorian, Autograph Collection stands out as one of the most unique hotels in the city, and it was the prospect of tackling this challenge that drew me to this exceptional property.

OT: What is it that drives you each day at The Dorian, Autograph Collection?

IJ: Creating enjoyable and engaging concepts is essential, ensuring that our associates find joy in their work every day. Simultaneously, these initiatives provide the city of Calgary and its visitors with a distinctive and enjoyable experience. All of this is accomplished while maintaining a focus on delivering substantial profits to

agents. When combined with our exceptional culinary team, it’s the warmth and dedication of our people that create a lasting impression, making the stay at our hotel truly unforgettable.

OT: How does The Dorian, Autograph Collection offer a travelling experience unlike any other? our exceptional owners, who envisioned and brought to life this magnificent hotel.

OT: In your opinion, what is the one thing you love the most about The Dorian, Autograph Collection?

Josh Dyer, Executive Chef (JD): The ability to let my creativity and artistry run free. I have been given carte blanche here at The Dorian, Autograph Collection to make it not only Calgary’s, but Canada’s premier dining destination, and we have but scratched the surface.

OT: Equally, what makes The Dorian, Autograph Collection unique from other hotels?

IJ: Our guest rooms are a testament to thoughtful design and attention to detail. From the wallpaper perfectly complementing the sofa to the specially branded linens, every element is curated to perfection. Yet, what truly sets us apart is our team.

The genuine and effortless way they connect with our guests is unparalleled. Our associates, who naturally engage with visitors, serve as our most effective sales

JD: The Dorian is a mecca of culinary creativity here in Calgary, Alberta. With three restaurants, full-service inroom dining, and a curated events programme, our food and beverage experiences separate us from the rest.

OT: What makes The Dorian, Autograph Collection a true lifestyle hotel, combining the tasteful with the bold?

IJ: Our commitment to excellence extends to the meticulous design details in both the hotel and guest rooms. However, what truly sets us apart is the deeply personal connection our associates forge with our guests. From the moment they step into the hotel, we embrace them as part of our family. Throughout their stay, we guide them on a fabulous journey into the life of Dorian Gray, weaving this captivating narrative into numerous touchpoints and creating an experience that is not only luxurious but profoundly meaningful.

OT: How is The Dorian, Autograph Collection designed as a tribute to the life and works of Oscar Wilde, through a number of artistic nods?

IJ: The Dorian, Autograph Collection pays tribute to

the expertise of our service team, expertly led by Brye Ponto, our Restaurant Director. They engage guests with specially curated cocktails, while our Head Sommelier, Jason Exton, hailing from the UK, curates a wine list that perfectly complements our culinary delights. It’s akin to a symphony, and at times, I feel like the luckiest conductor, ensuring everyone has what they need to hit their personal marks and deliver a performance like no other.

Oscar Wilde’s life and works through a multifaceted approach that encompasses decor, art, literature, and thematic experiences. These artistic nods and our Mark of Craft create an immersive environment that celebrates the legacy of this renowned literary figure.

OT: What Calgary restaurants can The Dorian, Autograph Collection guests dine at, and how do they cater for every craving?

JD: Our lobby-level café, PROLOGUE, is a delightful patisserie during the day and transforms into an elegant champagne bar at night. It boasts a delectable selection of pastries crafted by our talented in-house team, led

by Chef Hans Suarez. In an era where many hotels are cutting costs by closing their pastry kitchens, we take pride in the true artistry displayed by our young pastry team, consistently delivering exquisite creations day after day.

On our rooftop, WILDE on 27, under the guidance of Chef Kyle Opel, offers culinary masterpieces that are almost too beautiful to eat. Diners often pause, reluctant to disturb the artistic presentation with their forks.

The visual appeal of the food is matched only by its exceptional taste.

None of this culinary magic would be possible without

PBA Group of Companies OT: As the owner of The Dorian, Autograph Collection, what role has the hotel played in revitalising downtown Calgary?

Patricia Phillips, CEO (PP): With Calgary’s recent ranking by the Economist Intelligence Unit as the world’s third most liveable city and its economic shift from the oil industry to a burgeoning tech hub, PBA Group of Companies (PBA) saw an opportunity to play a pivotal role in changing the city’s narrative and elevating its downtown district by providing a boutique luxury hotel that was reflective of a world-class city.

The Dorian, Autograph Collection has been a noteworthy development for a multitude of reasons.

First off, it is the first hotel built in Calgary’s downtown core in over a decade. Secondly, the $110 million property is Calgary’s only female-developed and owned hotel. With less than two percent of hotels owned and operated by women worldwide, this is an impressive accomplishment and exemplifies PBA’s bold innovative thinking in creating unique, vibrant developments that advances the city’s economic growth and champions its cultural evolution.

Since opening our doors we’ve experienced strong

demand and steady traffic – bringing guests from around the globe and welcoming Calgarians to experience a taste of its city’s bright future.

OT: How does The Dorian, Autograph Collection embody PBA Group of Companies’ core values?

PP: The Dorian is a prime example of PBA’s culture and values in action.

Our strategy was built on the core values of collaboration and community. We understand the importance of ensuring the present and future needs of the larger community in our projects. Collaboration acts as an undercurrent in all our business practices. Team members are empowered to uphold the mindset that our company only wins when our people, partners and community win too.

When we announced our plans to create The Dorian, Autograph Collection back in 2018, Calgary looked a lot different. Our downtown core was lacking vibrancy and our city was on the precipice of a major transformation, redefining our identity by opening up to new industries, ideas, and innovations.

We saw an opportunity to change our city’s narrative.

Calgary is a cultural hub with a rich arts and culture scene, a prominent culinary landscape, and expanding industries that are attracting a diverse mix of people, promoting an entrepreneurial spirit and fuelling a newfound energy.

This excited us because we knew our city deserved a world-class, luxury hotel. We took our role in shaping and strengthening Calgary’s cultural fabric seriously and we are extremely proud of the result.

OT: As PBA is all about making bold moves, what makes The Dorian, Autograph Collection a showstopper?

PP: Our vision was conceived in the spirit of celebrating the city. The playful theme of the hotel was thoughtfully planned around Oscar Wilde and his fictional character, Dorian Gray. The Dorian, Autograph Collection’s British charm and modern comfort, paired with Calgary’s hospitality, creates an unforgettable experience.

Throughout the process, we worked with local businesses to showcase the best Calgary has to offer, locally sourcing everything wherever possible. From the soaps and linens found in our guests’ rooms to the memorable, delectable food and beverages we serve and spectacular artwork in our hallways and gathering spaces, The Dorian, Autograph Collection is a true mosaic of Calgary.

By showcasing the best of Calgary, we can grow and solidify our reputation as an international destination with something uniquely special to offer.

Keen to explore further?

Click here to begin your Dorian adventure.

THE DORIAN, AUTOGRAPH COLLECTION Tel: 403-300-6630 ian.jones@thedorianhotel.com thedorianhotel.com

PRODUCED BY NORTH AMERICA OUTLOOK MAGAZINE