PHOENIX, Aug. 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- BWH® Hotels, the leading hospitality enterprise comprised of three hotel companies including WorldHotels™, Best Western® Hotels & Resorts and SureStay® Hotels, today announced continued global expansion of Aiden, its bold, contemporary and design-driven boutique hotel brand. The growing Aiden portfolio reflects sustained demand for the brand's flexible development model, design-led positioning and locally inspired guest experience, while providing guests access to the award-winning Best Western Rewards® loyalty program. Recent openings across Asia-Pacific, North America and Europe reinforce the brand's appeal among travelers seeking distinctive stays and hotel owners looking to leverage the reach of a global hotel company and one of the industry's most trusted loyalty programs.

"Travelers today aren't looking for another hotel that feels exactly like the last one. They want places with personality, a sense of discovery and a connection to the destination. That's exactly what Aiden delivers," said Brad LeBlanc, Senior Vice President and Chief Development Officer at BWH Hotels. "Every hotel has its own story and creative expression, while still benefiting from the global scale, support and reach of our portfolio. It's a combination that's resonating strongly with both guests and developers."

Recent Openings and Design-Led Global Expansion

Building on its growing international presence, Aiden continues to expand across key markets in 2026:

• Aiden by Best Western Velbert (January 2026): Advanced the brand's European footprint with a property designed to reflect the character of its local community, bringing Aiden's signature blend of contemporary design and neighborhood-inspired storytelling to a growing urban market in Germany.

• Aiden Surawong Bangkok (May 2026): Introduced the brand's contemporary, design-forward aesthetic to Thailand with 77 rooms inspired by Bangkok's creative energy, designed for modern urban travelers and digital nomads seeking a stay rooted in local culture.

• Aiden by Best Western Sacramento Downtown (May 2026): Deepened the brand's North American footprint with a property shaped by Sacramento's creative community, integrating design elements inspired by the culture, creativity and character of California's capital city.

• Aiden by Best Western Kansas City Downtown (June 2026): An all-new, refined hotel in the heart of the Midwest, inspired by Kansas City's dynamic creative energy and celebrated culinary scene, brought to life through the distinctly local design that defines the Aiden experience.

Future Growth Markets

Aiden continues to attract interest across global markets, focusing on new development in destinations where travelers seek hotels with local character. Momentum continues with anticipated openings later this year and in early 2027:

• Aiden Denver (Fall 2026): Inspired by the creative spirit of Denver's RiNo district, Aiden Denver will immerse guests in the neighborhood's culture through locally inspired design and connections to one of the city's most dynamic arts communities. The experience is anchored by Rooftop Social, a vibrant rooftop destination with elevated food and beverage offerings and sweeping skyline views.

• Aiden Tempe (Fall 2026): Featuring a refreshed lobby, reimagined rooftop experience and Burnt Flour, a new food-and-beverage concept centered on wood-fired pizza and fresh homemade dough, this property is designed to serve as a vibrant gathering place that reflects the energy and creativity of Tempe's vibrant Arizona State University neighborhood.

• Aiden Toronto Airport (Fall 2026): Marking the brand's debut in Canada, the hotel will redefine the traditional airport hotel experience with elevated design, a dramatic skylit atrium restaurant, a jazz-inspired cocktail lounge and thoughtfully curated spaces for business and leisure travelers. The 145-room boutique lifestyle hotel also showcases the potential of adaptive reuse, transforming a former office building into a modern hospitality destination.

• Aiden Pullman (Summer 2027): Perched above Pullman with panoramic views of the rolling Palouse hills, the hotel will blend scenic Northwest charm with exceptional convenience. Located minutes from Washington State University and downtown Pullman, it will offer an inviting home base for guests exploring the region's dining, golf, craft breweries and outdoor recreation.

"Art Welcomes You In" Series Expansion

Building on the launch at Aiden by Best Western Sacramento Downtown, which introduced the first expression of the "Art Welcomes You In" initiative through a 55-foot mural by Northern California-based artist John Osgood, Aiden continues to expand the program as a defining element of its neighborhood-driven design approach. The initiative brings together local artists and hotel design teams to create permanent, site-specific installations that reflect the culture, history and creative identity of each surrounding community. The program will next expand to Aiden Denver, where commissioned artists will develop works inspired by the neighborhood's character and creative landscape, further reinforcing Aiden's commitment to locally rooted, design-led hospitality.

For more expansion information, please visit our development website.

Toronto, ON (August 18, 2026) - Realstar Hospitality welcomes the newest hotel to its franchise network with the opening of a new-build Studio 6 in Dryden, Ontario.

"Dryden's steady commercial base and its position along the Trans-Canada Highway made it a compelling market for this hotel," said Ben Cohen of Rideout Bay Developments Inc., developer of Studio 6 in Dryden. "Studio 6 meets a genuine need in the community: modern, well-appointed accommodations that serve those visiting the region for a short or extended stay."

Studio 6 - Dryden offers 69 extended stay suites that include a full kitchen and spacious living area. Guests have access to free Wi-Fi, on-site laundry facilities, large truck and trailer parking, plus a function room for those travelling on business or hosting small events. The hotel is pet friendly and children 17 and under stay free when sharing accommodations with an adult family member. A highlight of this hotel is the mini-stick rink area, where teams and kids of all ages can enjoy some hockey fun!

"This is the third Studio 6 we've had the pleasure of opening with Ben Cohen and his team, with more to come," said Irwin Prince, President and COO of Realstar Hospitality. "Each of these projects supports tourism and economic growth in communities like Dryden, and we're proud to keep expanding the Studio 6 brand through high-calibre new builds and conversions across the country."

The hotel is proudly owned by Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation and sits at 569 Government Street, right along Highway 17/the Trans-Canada Highway, putting guests close to shopping, dining, and services throughout Dryden, as well as the lakes and forests that define this stretch of Northern Ontario's Sunset Country.

Outdoor recreation is never far away in Dryden. Anglers cast their lines on Wabigoon Lake, prized for its exceptional fishing, while the Dryden Signature Trail winds through Johnston Park and across a suspension bridge over the Wabigoon River, ideal for an easy walk or bike ride. A short drive brings guests to Aaron Provincial Park and Blue Lake Provincial Park, both known for their sandy beaches, boating, and water sports. Golf enthusiasts can tee off at Sandy Beach Golf Club. For year-round recreation, the Dryden Recreation Complex features a pool, waterslide, fitness centre, and arena.

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

Quebec City, Tuesday, August 18, 2026 – As it celebrates its 100th anniversary, the Champlain, Fairmont Le Château Frontenac’s signature restaurant, is unveiling a new river-inspired dining experience rooted in local terroirs and guided by a spirit of hospitality that brings people together. Honoring a century of culinary tradition, the Champlain is reinventing itself through a concept that revisits the journey of Samuel de Champlain, brought to life by the cuisine of Chef Tristan Ratcliffe Lambert and his brigade.

At the heart of this new vision is the St. Lawrence River, which serves as the primary source of inspiration. It guides a gastronomic journey through Québec’s terroir, celebrating the bounty of its river and sea alongside exceptional culinary craftsmanship. This renewed approach further establishes Champlain as a must-visit culinary destination.

Over the coming months, a series of new offerings, events, and exclusive experiences will accompany this new chapter, celebrating both the Champlain’s 100-year legacy and its future.

THE RIVER AS A GUIDING THREAD
At Champlain, the St. Lawrence River is far more than a breathtaking backdrop. It is the source of inspiration behind a culinary approach that extends to the diverse regions and communities along its shores. Seafood and fish, a hallmark of Chef Tristan Ratcliffe Lambert’s cuisine, are showcased through a gastronomic philosophy that celebrates seasonality, the authenticity of local ingredients, and the richness of Québec’s terroir.

“I have always been inspired by regions and cuisines that tell the story of their land. At Champlain, the St. Lawrence River provides a natural connection between these landscapes, producers, and areas of expertise. Tides of Terroir is our way of sharing this richness with our guests, one plate at a time,” adds Tristan Ratcliffe Lambert, Chef of Champlain at Fairmont Le Château Frontenac.

Inspired by the spirit of exploration of Samuel de Champlain, after whom the restaurant is named, the discovery menu retraces his journey along the St. Lawrence River. Through six distinct chapters, The Gulf, The Estuary, The Fjord, Île d’Orléans, Québec, and The Territory, it invites guests to explore the landscapes, flavours, and traditions that define the region. Fishermen, oyster farmers, growers, livestock producers, cheesemakers, foragers, and local artisans play a central role in this culinary vision, which celebrates the provenance and quality of ingredients while bringing contemporary techniques into dialogue with tradition.

“Champlain holds a unique place within our culinary offering here at the Château. The St. Lawrence River is its primary source of inspiration, and the restaurant serves as a showcase for our gastronomy, allowing both local and international guests to discover the very best of Québec’s terroir,” says Simon Renaud, Executive Chef at Fairmont Le Château Frontenac, who works alongside Chef Tristan Ratcliffe Lambert in bringing this gastronomic experience to life.

Signature dishes, including the iconic tableside Lobster Wellington, embody this approach while preserving the art of service that has long defined Champlain’s identity. Epicurean guests can also experience this tribute to the river and Québec’s terroir at their own pace through an à la carte menu that allows them to create a personalized culinary journey. True to the spirit of inclusive hospitality that defines Fairmont Le Château Frontenac, the menu can also be adapted to accommodate individual preferences and dietary restrictions, ensuring a tailored experience for every guest.

THE ART OF HOSPITALITY, REIMAGINED
The connection to the St. Lawrence River and the surrounding territories extends to every detail of the experience. From menus crafted with Manicouagan marine clay to the monumental suspended sculpture by artist Marc Bouchard, inspired by the topography of the St. Lawrence River, every detail pays homage to the river and the territories that surrond it. At the table, river-inspired linens, cutlery evoking shoreline pebbles, and utensil rests fashioned from copper reclaimed from the Château’s former roof extend this narrative, creating a dining experience deeply rooted in place.

The journey continues through a cocktail and non-alcoholic beverage program inspired by the region’s natural riches, alongside a curated wine selection enhanced by Riedel glassware chosen specifically for each varietal. In the background, a carefully curated soundtrack evolves throughout the evening, moving between French-language classics, international influences, and lounge-inspired melodies to create an atmosphere that reflects the spirit of the destination.

“Today, luxury lies in the attention paid to details and in the quality of the moments we share. Champlain is no longer simply the restaurant with a view of the St. Lawrence River; it has become the restaurant that tells its story. It is an experience that sparks curiosity, inspires discovery, and leaves a lasting impression long after guests have left the table,” says François Bouffard, Director of Food & Beverage at Fairmont Le Château Frontenac.

BOLLINGER CHAMPAGNE EVENING
Champlain’s 100th anniversary celebrations will unfold over the coming months through a series of exclusive events highlighting the heritage, craftsmanship, and art of hospitality that have defined the restaurant for a century. Among the featured events, the Bollinger Champagne Dinner on October 29, 2026, will bring together Champlain’s culinary excellence and the refinement of one of Champagne’s most prestigious houses. Guests will be invited to discover a specially curated five-chapter tasting menu, created exclusively for the occasion and paired with Bollinger’s iconic champagnes served in magnum format. Tickets are available online here.

MISSISSAUGA, ON | AUGUST 17, 2026 – Ontario's hospitality industry is shaped by extraordinary individuals whose passion, leadership, and commitment continue to inspire the next generation. Today, we are honoured to recognize those who have made a lasting impact.

We are proud to announce the 2026 OHI Hall of Fame inductees—an exceptional group of hospitality leaders whose careers have helped define and strengthen Ontario's hospitality industry. Through their vision, dedication, and unwavering commitment to excellence, they have created a legacy that will continue to influence our industry for years to come.

The OHI Hall of Fame is among the highest distinctions presented by OHI - We Are Hospitality, recognizing individuals whose outstanding achievements and lifelong contributions have advanced Ontario's hospitality sector. Presented in partnership with the Ontario Restaurant Hotel & Motel Association (ORHMA), Canada's largest provincial hospitality association, this prestigious honour celebrates the people who embody the values that define our industry: leadership, innovation, service, and community.

2026 OHI Hall of Fame Award Winners:

Inductees are selected through a province-wide nominations process and evaluated by the OHI Nominations Committee — ensuring the most deserving are honoured with this lifetime achievement. We invite ORHMA members and hospitality professionals across Ontario to send a personal message of congratulations to this year’s honourees — a meaningful way to acknowledge their impact.
Join us at OHC2026 to Celebrate OHI's Hall of Fame Winners!
The Hall of Fame awards will be presented to inductees at the Ontario Hospitality Conference's OHI Opening Reception on October 19, 2026, from 5:30pm-8:30pm, at the Sheraton Parkway Toronto North Hotel & Suites. For further information, visit the Ontario Hospitality Conference website.