Press Releases
Montréal, December 1, 2008
Groupe Germain triumphs in Paris and wins an international award for its new ALT Hotels banner
Worldwide Hospitality Awards 2008
Groupe Germain received an international award for its new ALT Hotels concept in the category “Best Innovative Concept in Midscale Brands” at the 9th annual Worldwide Hospitality Awards that took place in Paris on November 18th. This award category recognizes, among other things, concept originality, technological and architectural innovation, as well as service, furnishings and design quality.
“For us, this award proves that it is possible to develop an innovative, energy-efficient property that offers an alternative to current mid-range hotels without compromising on design or comfort—all at a minimum price,” said Christiane Germain, Co-president and CEO of Groupe Germain.
ALT Hotels won this prestigious award in a contest that features many well-known players on the international hospitality scene such as Accor, Fairmont Hotels, Four Seasons, Hilton Hotels, Marriott, Global Hyatt, International Hotels Group, Marriott International, Novotel, and Sofitel Hotels & Resorts.
Groupe Germain currently operates two ALT Hotel locations in Canada. The first location, Quartier DIX30, opened in 2007 on the south shore of Montréal. The second location is in Québec City at the former Germain-des-Prés Hotel. Both ALT Hotels offer rooms at a flat rate of $129 per night.
Building green: a profitable option
The award won by ALT Hotels also recognizes the construction work completed in accordance with the most advanced energy-efficient methods. Groupe Germain has chosen the use of geothermal systems for its heating, air conditioning, domestic hot water heating and heat recovery. The hotel is also equipped with energy efficient lighting and a main light switch that controls all lights in the rooms when guests check out, as well as many other energy-efficient characteristics.
“Our decision to observe sustainable development principles for the construction of ALT Hotels not only allows for significant short and long term savings, but also provides an exceptional work environment for our employees, which makes it a profitable investment,” indicated Hugo Germain, Development Director, ALT Canada. “ALT Hotels shows that sustainable development principles can be applied to mid-range projects.”
20 new locations within the next five years
Following the opening of its first ALT Hotel locations, Groupe Germain has confirmed plans to open 20 new locations across the country within the next five years. “An analysis of the Canadian market has shown that there is a very clear need for this type of hotel which reflects a strong trend in hotel accommodations, especially in Europe and Asia. It has been dubbed ‘No-Frills-Chic’ by the English and it combines design, ambience and chic interiors at the best possible price," said Christiane Germain. “Our plans are progressing quickly and we have already identified many sites, either near major Canadian arteries or in urban centers.”
The ALT Hotels concept, developed by Groupe Germain, is flexible and allows for rapid development because of its construction method which uses the concept of the pre-fabricated room. “This building method and the very close relationships we have established with our construction partners will allow us to meet our rapid expansion plans,” indicated Christiane Germain.
About the Hospitality Awards
Initiated by MKG Group, hospitality consultants and observers in France and worldwide, and HTR Magazine, a French industry publication, the Worldwide Hospitality Awards are Europe’s most prestigious hospitality event. The prizes awarded serve as a platform to praise new ideas, new concepts and new talents to sustain the development of an innovative, efficient and responsible industry. There are ten different prize categories and the selection standards for finalists and winners are determined by an international jury.
ALT Hotels distinguished itself in the category “Best Innovative Concept in Midscale Brands” which featured competitors such as Abilmo, Hotel Bloom, Hilton Garden Inn, Hotel des Académie et des Arts France, Mercure Hotels, Roulottes des Campagnes, Scandic Hotels, Suitehotel France, Xanterra Parks & Resorts.
About Groupe Germain:
A family-owned Québec company, Groupe Germain owns and operates three boutique hotels in Montréal, Québec City and Toronto, as well as two "no-frills-chic" ALT hotels in Montréal and Québec City. The company is currently developing a second boutique hotel in Toronto as well as a real estate complex in Calgary. Groupe Germain is renowned for the impeccable hospitality and style it brings to its boutique hotels.
For more information, visit www.hotelboutique.com.
For more information, please contact:
Carla MacNeil
Jane Gill & Associates
416.922.4404 ext. 23
carla@janegillpr.com
Victoria Cruz
Vice President of Marketing
Groupe Germain Inc.
1100, rue de la Gauchetière Ouest, Bureau 237
Montréal (Québec) H3B 2S2
Telephone: 514.954.4414 ext. 230
vcruz@hotelboutique.com
www.hotelboutique.com