MIAMI, Dec. 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- SH Hotels & Resorts, the sustainable hotel brand management company founded by hospitality visionary Barry Sternlicht, is proud to unveil plans for 1 Hotel Tokyo. Set to open in 2025, 1 Hotel Tokyo represents a longstanding collaboration with Mori Trust, one of Japan's leading property developers. After years of planning, the two companies are creating a true 1 Hotels experience that's deeply rooted in nature and sustainability.

1 Hotel Tokyo will be located in the buzzing Akasaka district, serving as an anchor to Mori Trust's Tokyo World Gate Akasaka project. This state-of-the-art complex integrates retail, offices, and the luxurious 1 Hotel experience in a pedestrian-friendly and dynamic, masterfully planned development.

"Partnering with Mori Trust, we see a vision realized—a shared vision that transcends mere accommodation and embodies a commitment to nature, luxury, and cultural preservation in Tokyo, a city renowned for its innovation and sophistication," says Barry Sternlicht, founder of 1 Hotels and Chairman of SH Hotels & Resorts. "To world travelers, Japan is revered for the beauty of its gardens and the serenity of the soul. We have tried to mirror this with our 1 Hotel Tokyo. It's part of our pledge to create exceptional hospitality experiences that embrace the next generation of luxury travelers."

"Tokyo World Gate Akasaka is a development project with a vision to create a lush, green oasis in the heart of Tokyo," says Miwako Date, President and CEO of Mori Trust. "With its deep commitment to nature reflected in every aspect—from design to service—1 Hotels embodies the future of luxury hospitality. We feel it is the perfect flagship choice for Tokyo World Gate Akasaka, and we were excited to bring this mission-driven brand on board. We are confident that 1 Hotel Tokyo will become a must-visit destination for travelers from around the world and our local community, further enhancing Tokyo's appeal. Through our hotel and resort business, we remain committed to establishing Tokyo as a leading tourism destination."

Sustainability is at the core of 1 Hotel Tokyo, which has achieved the Rank S certification from CASBEE (Comprehensive Assessment System for Built Environment Efficiency), signifying the highest level of environmental performance. This prestigious recognition highlights the property's alignment with Japan's ambitious environmental goals. Key initiatives include reduced energy and water consumption, advanced rainwater and greywater recycling systems, and the sustainable sourcing of furniture, fixtures, and equipment (FF&E) from reclaimed and recycled materials.

"Our commitment to sustainability is woven into the hotel's very fabric, from energy and water conservation systems to the use of reclaimed materials, creating a sanctuary that respects and enhances its environment," says Raul Leal, CEO of SH Hotels & Resorts. "And with its biophilic design and focus on wellness and nature-inspired, community-minded experiences, 1 Hotel Tokyo brings a serene calm—creating an oasis in the heart of Tokyo's bustling urban environment."

In keeping with this commitment to nature and sustainability, the hotel's design draws from authentic materials, traditional craftsmanship, and Japan's natural landscapes. The design approach embraces the Japanese concept of wabi-sabi, celebrating the beauty in imperfection and using raw materials and textures to create a Zen-like atmosphere.

Upon arrival, guests are welcomed into a tranquil space that blends moss-covered boulders, plant-lined walls, and the same Oya stone that Frank Lloyd Wright used in some of his iconic Japanese buildings. On the 38th floor, the main lobby is a peaceful retreat with a sculptural stone water feature that brings the outdoors inside, ample greenery, a ceiling that mimics the raked sand patterns of a Zen garden, and dazzling city views.

The food and beverage offerings at 1 Hotel Tokyo are meticulously curated to reflect Japan's culinary prowess, with a design that underscores the groundbreaking cuisine and mixology that will be showcased here. The main restaurant, accessed from the 38th-floor lobby, features details like locally sourced stepping stones that emulate a Japanese garden pathway, an open kitchen, multiple private dining areas, and spectacular views of the Imperial Palace. The bar has hand-stitched lanterns, walls covered in handmade textured tiles, 360-degree seating, and breathtaking views of Tokyo's skyline.

The 211 spacious guest rooms—including expansive suites measuring approximately 42 to 140 square meters—blend traditional Japanese design with modern luxury. Entrances feature moss walls, lattice wood accents, and natural stone, while bedrooms boast live-edge plank headboards, sculptural TV consoles with integrated planters, and wood-beamed ceilings. The bathrooms are designed with organic materials, including chiseled stone vanities and deep soaking tubs, to create a soothing, spa-like ambiance.

1 Hotel Tokyo will also offer a comprehensive wellness experience that allows guests to rejuvenate mind, body, and spirit. There's a spa inspired by Zen gardens, multiple hammams, a fitness center with an incredible view, and an indoor pool with huge windows that blur the lines between indoors and outdoors. A serene outdoor terrace space filled with lush greenery allows guests to take in views of the city.

In addition to its world-class leisure amenities, 1 Hotel Tokyo will be a top destination for business travel and special events. The property will have approximately 473 square meters of meeting and event space, featuring rough-hewn wood entry doors, minimalist aesthetics, custom carpets inspired by the movement of sand, and stunning views of Tokyo Tower.

The setting adds to the allure. 1 Hotel Tokyo will give guests a convenient gateway to Akasaka, one of Tokyo's most exciting neighborhoods. Here, bustling streets are lined with restaurants, parks, and historic landmarks.

As Tokyo continues to thrive as a global hub of culture and innovation, 1 Hotel Tokyo represents a new chapter in Japan's hospitality landscape. It's positioned to become an iconic destination, embodying 1 Hotels' commitment to sustainability, mindful luxury, and a deep connection to nature.

WASHINGTON – 22 November 2024 – Canada’s October hotel average daily rate (ADR) exceeded CAD200 for the first time on record, according to data from CoStar. CoStar is a leading provider of online real estate marketplaces, information and analytics in the property markets. 

October 2024 (percentage change from 2023):

• Occupancy: 68.5% (+0.8%)
• Average daily rate (ADR): CAD200.59 (+2.4%)
• Revenue per available room (RevPAR): CAD137.32 (+3.2%) 

“In addition to the room rate growth, occupancy increased after contracting in September, notably driven by transient and weekday occupancy, pointing to strength from individual business travelers,” said Laura Baxter, CoStar Group’s director of hospitality analytics for Canada. 

Among the provinces and territories, Nova Scotia recorded the highest occupancy level (74.7%), which was 0.3% below 2023.

Among the major markets, Toronto saw the highest occupancy (79.6%), up 3.5% over October 2023. 

The lowest occupancy among provinces was reported in Prince Edward Island (58.2%), up 3.2% against 2023. 

At the market level, the lowest occupancy was reported in Edmonton (-1.0% to 58.4%).

“Looking ahead to 2025, STR and Tourism Economics recently downgraded the RevPAR growth forecast to 1.5%, while ADR is expected to grow more or less in line with inflation. Overall, we are expecting a marginal occupancy decline due to new inventory growth outpacing improvements in demand. Hotel development activity has picked up, with just fewer than 6,000 rooms in the final phase of the pipeline that are expected to open in 2025. 

“From a demand perspective, consumers and businesses continue to contend with the lagged impact of higher interest rates, but we are anticipating spending to gradually increase throughout the year, particularly in the latter half of 2025. Group and international travel are expected to drive hotel performance growth next year.”

For more information about the company and its products and services, please visit www.costargroup.com.

Kingston, Ontario – On November 27, 2024, the DoubleTree and Home2 Suites by Hilton Kingston in Ontario, Canada officially marked the grand opening of the two hotels as well as the Ambassador Event Centre and Cannery Kitchen & Social in Kingston.

Attendees included Kingston’s Mayor, Bryan Paterson, Karen Cross, CEO of The Greater Kingston Chamber of Commerce, Mark Kochhar of Hilton, and a delegation from Tourism Kingston to celebrate the grand opening. The event included a ribbon-cutting ceremony and food and drinks hosted at the Cannery Kitchen and Social restaurant. With a combined 256 guestrooms, 13,500 SF of flexible meeting space, large indoor pool, 1000 SF fitness centre and full service restaurant, the hotel complex is owned and managed by Manga Hotel Group.

“Our goal with the DoubleTree Kingston was to provide the city with a full-service, elevated option for both business and leisure travellers. Meanwhile, Home2 Suites by Hilton brings a unique, updated extended-stay offering to Kingston, Ontario. The Ambassador Event Centre is the site of the largest meeting space between Toronto and Ottawa and we are thrilled to bring back event space to Kingston for both large scale and intimate gatherings”, said Sukhdev Toor, President and CEO, Manga Hotel Group.

Offering two exceptional Hilton brands, the region’s largest hotel and convention complex is the ideal choice for a wide range of group and transient business needs and can deliver on all fronts. Ideally situated in the heart of Kingston’s mid-town and just minutes to all attractions, the complex can accommodate a variety of guests with varying needs and requirements due to its size, ample free parking, and the many features found within. The 129-room DoubleTree boasts beautifully appointed accommodations and amenities. The 127-room Home2 Suites offers all-suite accommodations with fully accessorized kitchens and modular furniture, providing guests the flexibility to customize their suite to their style and preference. The pet-friendly hotels feature a 1,000 square foot fitness facility, equipped with modern cardio equipment, Peloton bikes, and free weights. The large accessible pool is complimented by an outdoor sun-soaked patio featuring soft seating and a fire pit. Modern amenities and exceptional service further enhance the guest experience throughout the complex. 

The Ambassador Event Centre offers 13,500 square feet of flexible meeting space of various sizes over two floors, from intimate boardrooms to the region’s largest ballroom that can accommodate up to 600 guests for any occasion. All meeting spaces are outfitted with modern audio-visual equipment and are serviced by a skilled and experienced food and beverage team. The Ambassador Event Centre is able to host all types of events from corporate meetings to weddings, banquets and balls.

Delicious meets fun at the brand-new Cannery Kitchen and Social restaurant. In a modern and bright setting, you can enjoy contemporary fare as well as classic Canadian dishes.  The Cannery Kitchen & Social celebrates Canada's vibrant history and roots on the East Coast. With a nod to a slower pace of life, guests are welcomed to relax and enjoy food and drinks in a beautiful gathering space.

Toronto, Ontario, Nov. 25, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Abell Pest Control today shared alarming results from a survey conducted at the recent Canadian Health Inspectors (CIPHI) conference in Regina, revealing a significant increase in rodent activity across Canada. The situation is especially critical in British Columbia, where a ban on second-generation rodenticides could be intensifying the issue.

Key Survey Findings:

When asked during regular visits what percentage of Public Health Inspectors encountered rodent-related issues 50% of the time or more, 28% reported yes — a concerning statistic. In British Columbia, the number rose significantly to 46%.

When asked if there has been a change in the frequency of rodent sightings over the past 3 years, 62% of inspectors agreed. In British Columbia, that number rose to 75%. These increases are most observed in apartment buildings, food manufacturing facilities, and people’s homes.

Sixty-one percent of public health inspectors who completed the survey expect rodent activity to continue escalating over the next three years. In British Columbia, the increase is predicted to be even more severe, with over 87% anticipating a rise.

While respondents identified poor sanitation, structural issues like gaps and holes that allow entry, and inadequate food storage practices as the most common attractants for rats and mice, these factors do not fully explain the difference between British Columbia and the rest of the country.

“These findings highlight the increasing severity of rodent problems across Canada, particularly as we head into winter,” said Heimbach, Vice President, Business Development, Abell Pest Control. “The ban on second-generation rodenticides in BC may be exacerbating the challenge, making it even more crucial for businesses and property owners to take proactive steps in protecting their homes and properties from rodent infestations.”