TORONTO, ON (November 14, 2024) – Realstar Hospitality is thrilled to announce the opening of its newest Studio 6 location in Hornepayne, Ontario. This expansion into Northern Ontario strengthens their growing Canadian franchise network and significantly enhances the presence of the Studio 6 brand in Canada.

"Our Studio 6 fills a longstanding gap in Hornepayne's lodging options," said Ben Cohen, CEO of Rideout Bay Developments, owner of Studio 6 in Hornepayne . "Whether staying for a shorter or extended period, we are dedicated to offering outstanding service and great value, and we look forward to welcoming guests travelling and working in the area."

Studio 6 in Hornepayne was thoughtfully designed with modern guests in mind, offering a seamless blend of style and functionality.  Each of the 44 spacious extended-stay suites features a fully equipped kitchenette with a full-size refrigerator, cooktop, utensils, dining area and workspace.  The pet-friendly hotel also offers free WiFi, on-site laundry facilities and ample free parking for large vehicles.

"Studio 6 not only meets a vital need in the Hornepayne community, but also offers a welcoming home base for travelling professionals and those looking to explore Ontario’s north," said Irwin Prince, President & COO of Realstar Hospitality. "This opening marks exciting growth for Studio 6, with Hornepayne being one of three new construction Studio 6 hotels by our valued partners at Rideout Bay Developments."

Located at 25 Becker Road, Studio 6 Hornepayne sits conveniently along a busy travel corridor through Ontario’s Algoma region, near White River. Guests can enjoy a range of nearby recreational activities, including the C&D Curling Club, Hornepayne Minor Hockey Association , and access to many popular snowmobile trails. The area is surrounded by numerous lakes, perfect for incredible fishing experiences .  The hotel is close to Nagagamisis Provincial Park, a favourite destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

Reservations for Studio 6 in Hornepayne can be made by visiting studio6.com, calling the toll free reservations line at 1.800.899.9841.

WASHINGTON (Oct. 31, 2024) – The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) announced today that Rosanna Maietta has been selected to serve as the association’s next president & CEO, effective Nov. 14. Maietta is a talented executive with a global career marked by success working alongside boards and leading teams to high performance. Over the span of her career, she has achieved exceptional success in public affairs, strategic planning, association management, team building, and leadership.

Having previously served as president & CEO of the AHLA Foundation and executive vice president of communications and public relations of AHLA, Maietta brings a deep understanding of AHLA’s mission, operations, financials, and people, and has solid relationships with AHLA’s key stakeholder groups, including members of the AHLA board and Foundation board of trustees.

“I am excited to be returning to AHLA and reconnecting with the brilliant team and colleagues I had the privilege of working with,” Maietta said. “This organization and industry hold a special place in my heart, and I am eager for the opportunity to lead it into a new chapter of growth and engagement. Working alongside the officers and board, I am confident that together we will build on our past successes and accelerate this thriving industry on behalf of our members.”

“We are delighted to be welcoming Rosanna back to AHLA to lead this dynamic organization,” said AHLA Chair Kevin Jacobs, Chief Financial Officer & President, Global Development for Hilton. “AHLA is in a strong position of stability and strength, with an engaged membership, successful advocacy program and a talented and dedicated team. With Rosanna’s reputation as an astute leader and strategist and her proven track record of advancing core missions, evolving organizations, and achieving strong financial outcomes, I am confident that she is the right leader to build on AHLA’s momentum.”

AHLA Vice Chair Mitch Patel, Founder and CEO of Vision Hospitality Group, added, “Rosanna is well known as a creative and inspiring leader and a persuasive communicator with the capacity to build lasting relationships and alliances across all levels and constituencies – qualities essential in our next CEO. Rosanna will bring a fresh, strategic approach that will be instrumental in advancing AHLA’s mission. Simply put, we are thrilled to welcome Rosanna back to AHLA as our president and CEO.”

Maietta was selected after a thorough and comprehensive search conducted over the last several months under the oversight of the AHLA Search Committee, chaired by Mitch Patel and comprised of the leading CEOs and executives of the major brands, owners, and management companies representing a cross-section of AHLA’s members. Maietta’s appointment was unanimously approved by AHLA’s Executive Committee and Board of Directors.

The board of directors and AHLA leadership team extend their heartfelt gratitude to Kevin Carey for his results-driven service as interim president & CEO of AHLA since March 5, 2024. His steady leadership was instrumental in maintaining focus within AHLA during a period of transition, elevating employee morale, and achieving new heights in member satisfaction. Under Carey’s guidance, AHLA continued to deliver consistent value to members and stakeholders. Carey will continue serving at AHLA in his role as Chief Operating Officer and Senior Executive Vice President.

Maietta will join an existing AHLA team with a wealth of experience, including Carey; Chirag Shah, Executive Vice President of Federal and Political Affairs & Counsel; Troy Flanagan, Executive Vice President of External Government Affairs and Industry Relations; Anna Blue, President of the AHLA Foundation; Kiersten Pearce, Senior Vice President of Strategic and Executive Initiatives; and Adrienne Weil, Senior Vice President of Membership and Marketing.

Maietta most recently served as the chief communications officer & senior counselor to the CEO at the American Clean Power Association (ACP), the leading voice of the multi-tech clean energy industry. During her time at ACP, Maietta tripled the size of her team across communications, marketing, events and business development, significantly grew event revenue, and led numerous multimillion-dollar public affairs campaigns to drive support for the clean energy industry.

TORONTO, ON (November 15, 2024) − Choice Hotels Canada is proud to share the 2024 national winners of its annual Awards for Property Excellence (APEX), with recipients recently honoured at the company’s biennial Fall Conference in Quebec City.

Awarded each fall since 2010, this year, nine hotel and individual winners were named for their stellar performance, commitment to guest service, and operational excellence.

“Each year, we look forward to recognizing and celebrating both hotel teams and individuals for their outstanding contribution to hospitality,” says Brian Leon, CEO, Choice Hotels Canada. “We couldn’t be more proud of our hard-working owners and operators, as well as their brilliant staff for consistently raising standards and helping make our industry as resilient as it is today.”

The 2024 national APEX winners include:

• Highest Guest Satisfaction (Top LTR): Halifax Tower Hotel & Conference Centre, Halifax, NS

This award recognizes the property that achieved the highest Likelihood to Recommend (LTR) score in Choice Hotels’ guest insight surveys over the last year. This spring, the hotel also received a Platinum Guest Satisfaction Award, Canadian Hotel of the Year and the International Best of Choice for the Ascend brand, an annual award given by Choice Hotels International.

• Marketing Star Award: Quality Suites, Drummondville, QC

This award recognizes a hotel or hotel group that stands out from the crowd when it comes to local marketing. The winner works in collaboration with Choice Hotels Canada’s marketing team to leverage resources available to enhance its local marketing efforts.

• Leader of the Year Award: Daniel Aubé, general manager, Quality Suites, Lévis, QC

This peer-based award recognizes an individual whose achievements include outstanding operational practices and results, team building and profit growth. Daniel was selected for his strong leadership, management of his team, and exceptional results.

• Choice Privileges Ambassador of the Year: Comfort Inn Airport West, Mississauga, ON

This award recognizes a hotel that stands out as an ambassador of Choice Privileges loyalty program helping to foster a strong Choice Privileges culture on-property, consistently motivating the team and fellow Ambassador community, participating in related webinars, and supporting promotions or offers.

• Sales Excellence Award:Eunice Dayrit, Quality Hotel, Burlington, ON

This award recognizes an individual who demonstrated outstanding sales efforts by exploring and leveraging every opportunity to capture more business and takes advantage of tools and resources in collaboration with Choice Hotels Canada’s sales team.

• Renovation of the Year Award: Comfort Suites, Kelowna, BC

This award recognizes achievements in outstanding on-brand renovations that drove guest satisfaction increases.

• Mark Pearce Spirit of Hospitality Award: Jack Chambers, Bayside Resort, An Ascend Collection Hotel, Parksville, BC

This peer-nominated award is named for Mark Pearce who was the Senior Vice President of Choice's

International Division and traced his roots with the company back to Canada, when he started with

Choice Hotels Canada in 1993. He truly embraced Choice’s mission, to make everyone feel ‘Welcome,

Wanted and Respected’ – guests, franchisees and associates alike. This award recognizes one individual annually who embodies the spirit of hospitality by consistently going out of their way to make guests and fellow team members feel valued and special.

• Best New Entry – Conversion Upper Midscale/Midscale Brands: Clarion Pointe La Malbaie, QC

• Best New Entry – Ascend Hotel Collection: Chateau Cartier Hotel & Resort, Gatineau, QC

For additional information or to make your reservation at any of these award-winning hotels, visit www.ChoiceHotels.com

Newton, MA (November 4, 2024) – Sonesta International Hotels Corporation (Sonesta) today announced the opening of Canadas Best Value Inn Kapuskasing in northeastern Ontario. The 40-room hotel is located at 6 Government Road in Kapuskasing, Ontario, about 500 miles north of Toronto. Nearby attractions include Kapuskasing Riverside Park and Spruce Falls Trail.

“Sonesta’s success is illustrated by the continued growth of all brands including Canadas Best Value Inn by Sonesta,” said Keith Pierce, Sonesta’s Executive Vice President and President of Franchise & Development. “Rising demand for economy accommodations in secondary markets positions Canadas Best Value Inn as an attractive franchise opportunity.”

Canadas Best Value Inn by Sonesta enables guests to enjoy the best value in town in a simple and friendly setting. The name says it all: guests are assured to get the most for their stay, without breaking the bank. As a completely franchised brand, each hotel is operated by a local entrepreneur who takes pride in delivering what every guest wants: comfort and convenience at the best price.

Guests of Canadas Best Value Inn Kapuskasing can earn or redeem points as members of the award-winning Sonesta Travel Pass loyalty program.