Excellence every day

For the Germain family, the hospitality, restaurant, and real estate businesses are true passions and a long tradition. Known for their sense of hospitality and innovation, as well as their refined style, Christiane, Jean-Yves, and Richard Germain have unquestionably inherited their father's gift of leadership and entrepreneurial flair.

Innovation is in their blood

Victor Germain became known for his business acumen in the 1960s with his restaurant Le Fiacre, which name became synonymous with excellence in Québec City. This same attention to excellence has guided the Germain children in developing such original restaurant concepts as Cousin Germain, Café Saint-Honoré, and Saint-Ô.

First hotel, first success

But it was the Groupe Germain's first hotel, Germain des Prés, and its now famous restaurant, Le Bistango, that cemented the Germain's reputation. The tourism industry was quick to take note as the hotel won top honours in the Quebec Grand Prix of Tourism in 1992, 1999 and 2000.

With its cutting edge boutique-hotel design, Hôtel Germain des Prés soon caught the attention of a clientele of dynamic and technology-savvy business people who knew what they wanted: quality, comfort, and service which were the same qualities that led to the hotel's ISO 9002 certification.

Destination North America

In 1997, the excitement intensified with the opening of Hôtel Dominion 1912. This establishment in Quebec City's Old Port quickly became a favourite of both business and leisure travelers seeking luxury and uniqueness. At the same time, the Germains were preparing for a new period of expansion. Montreal was first with the opening of a third hotel in spring 1999 – Hôtel Le Germain, on Mansfield. The Eastern Townships were next with the November 2002 purchase of Auberge Hatley, a member of the prestigious Relais & Châteaux chain. This growth continued in March 2003, with the opening of the first property outside Quebec: Hôtel Le Germain in Toronto, located in the city’s trendy Entertainment District. The Groupe Germain is now planning the opening of a second Toronto property, located in Maple Leaf Square, in 2009.

The Groupe Germain has also chosen to establish itself in downtown Calgary for its first foray into Western Canada with a major complex combining hotel, spa, offices and luxury condos. The project should be completed and ready for occupation in spring 2009.

Other major Canadian cities are also being carefully considered.

New brand

In January 2007, the Groupe Germain launched an all-new brand: ALT Hotels. This line is the latest concept in trendy, hip, affordable hotels, dubbed “No Frills Chic” – meaning an optimal balance of design, decor and ambience at the best possible price. The brand will be established gradually in Canada and the chain’s inaugural hotel will welcome its first guests in autumn 2007.

Recognized as pioneers in their field, the Germains have an undeniable talent for combining business sense with an understanding of hospitality. The first to benefit from this special gift are their customers.