Exciting Waterfront News for Orillia

I don't know how many of you have noticed over the last little while that the old Champlain has been seeing some renovations going on ... there's a good reason for that. It's really exciting to see the old girl being brought back to life. Orillia really does need more hotels in this location - with so many events and festivals happening either right downtown or on the waterfront, and in the park it seems essential to have more hotel space in that location.

In truth though, what I don't want to see downtown anywhere is a modern, highrise monstrosity. Downtown should really make a point of ensuring construction downtown is handled with an eye to the historical nature of the building already in the downtown core.


How wonderful it is to see that the new purveyors of  The Champlain Waterfront Hotel have done just that. The facade is still "the Champlain" as we know it, and the interior is ... well, if not historical, it is at least beautiful and certainly a long way from being faded glory.  Who wouldn't want spend time in Orillia with lodging like this? Take a look:




What I'd really like to see added somewhere downtown is a motel-style lodging done as beautifully as the Champlain, maybe a 2-storey or something similar ... (hmmm, the old Silver Swan comes to mind). Wouldn't a cabin-style motel that looks as awessome as the Champlain Waterfront Hotel be great on that piece of waterfront?

Here's the news release on the old girl (used with permission):
Toronto, ON (August 10, 2017) − Choice Hotels Canada is pleased to announce the newest member of its Ascend Hotel Collection, the Champlain Waterfront Hotel. The historic property, located in Orillia, Ontario, is the sixth Ascend to open in the province and 14th nationwide.
Nestled in the heart of Ontario’s Lake Country, The Champlain Waterfront Hotel is the perfect destination for a romantic getaway, business trip or leisurely trip with friends and family. Owned and operated by Sunray Group of Hotels of Toronto, Ontario, the newly renovated property is comprised of 53-guestrooms and onsite restaurant, Fionn MacCools.
“We’re pleased to become a member of the Ascend Hotel Collection and open our latest property that highlights Orillia’s local character and delivers modern amenities that travellers crave,” says, Kenny Gibson, president of Sunray Group. “Our design team has successfully melded the historic nature of the property with a modern flair that is one-of-a-kind experience in the local region.”
The Ascend Hotel Collection is a worldwide network of upscale independent hotels that offer guests an authentic, local experience. Member hotels share a passion for delivering attentive service to guests seeking a more experiential, individualized travel experience. All Ascend Collection members are hotels defined by a strong local identity, unique location, upscale amenities and attentive service
“We’re proud to welcome The Champlain Waterfront Hotel as the newest member of our prestigious Ascend Hotel Collection and working with Sunray Group to provide guests with a dynamic upscale lodging option,” says Brian Leon, managing director of Choice Hotels Canada. “Orillia is important next step for the brand as we continue to expand in Ontario and across Canada.”
Amenities include free WiFi, free daily newspaper, free parking and valet laundry service. Room features include flat-screen TVs, desks and ergonomic chairs, mini fridges, coffee machines, hair dryers, irons and ironing boards. King rooms feature a fireplace. 
The property is conveniently located to many local attractions and points of interests including Casino Rama, the Leacock Museum, Georgian College, Orillia Opera House, OPP Museum and Hawk Ridge Golf & Country Club. The surrounding area offers a variety of recreational opportunities including marinas, golf courses, the Bass Lake Provincial Park, hiking and biking trails. 
Reservations at The Champlain Waterfront Hotel can be made by calling 800.4CHOICE or by visiting ChoiceHotels.ca/cn542.
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About Sunray Group:
Sunray Group is a privately owned, multi-faceted corporation specializing in hospitality and development. The Group is successfully building an ever-increasing portfolio of award-winning brands, which include partnerships with Marriott, Best Western, Starwood, IHG, Hilton and Choice Hotels. They have also developed prominent brands such as Tim Horton’s, McDonalds, Shell and Petro Canada. Sunray Group currently owns and operates 30 hotels that span across Ontario and Quebec, with new developments on the horizon. For more information, visit www.sunraygroup.ca
About Choice Hotels:
Choice Hotels Canada® is the nation’s largest hotel franchisor with 340 properties currently open or under development. We are affiliated with Choice Hotels International, Inc., which franchises more than 6,500 hotels in 40 countries and territories worldwide. Our company's Ascend Hotel Collection®, Cambria® hotels & suites, Comfort™, Comfort Suites®, Sleep Inn®, Quality®, Clarion®, MainStay Suites®, Suburban Extended Stay Hotel®, Econo Lodge® and Rodeway Inn® brands provide a spectrum of lodging choices to meet guests’ needs. With more than 30 million members and counting, check out our Choice Privileges® rewards program to see how you can reap the benefits of being a member of the Choice Hotels® family. All hotels are independently owned and operated.

Visit us at www.choicehotels.ca for more information.
For more information, please contact:
Choice Corporate: Vicky RiversT: 905.206.7333E: vicky_rivers @choicehotels.ca
Choice Hotels Canada® is the nation’s largest hotel franchisor with 340 properties currently open or under development. We are affiliated with Choice Hotels International, Inc., which franchises more than 6,500 hotels in 40 countries and territories worldwide. Our company's Ascend Hotel Collection®, Cambria® hotels & suites, Comfort™, Comfort Suites®, Sleep Inn®, Quality®, Clarion®, MainStay Suites®, Suburban Extended Stay Hotel®, Econo Lodge® and Rodeway Inn® brands provide a spectrum of lodging choices to meet guests’ needs. With more than 30 million members and counting, check out our Choice Privileges® rewards program to see how you can reap the benefits of being a member of the Choice Hotels® family. All hotels are independently owned and operated.

Visit us at www.choicehotels.ca for more information.
For more information, please contact:
Choice Corporate: Vicky RiversT: 905.206.7333E: vicky_rivers @choicehotels.ca