Hotel Arts Group

Hotel Arts, Kensington Riverside Inn, Olives Restaurant

Hotel Arts is the brainchild of local developer, John Torode, and a team of investors, who regarded the city block that housed the former Holiday Inn Calgary Downtown as the keystone for future development in the Beltline/Victoria Crossing District. In July 2005, Mr. Torode rebranded the property as Hotel Arts with a view of transforming the hotel into Calgary’s first designer boutique-style hotel. A new management team was soon recruited to help shepherd these changes with a massive renovation project and a host of new service initiatives.

One year later, Hotel Arts had successfully completed an impressive renovation which included the remodeling of 175 guestrooms; two new full-service restaurants – the Raw Bar and Saint Germain; and revamped event space. Beyond the physical, the management team helped launch an exciting new vision and corporate culture for Hotel Arts that celebrates innovation, growth, empowerment and attention-to-detail.

Hotel Arts has quickly garnered a reputation for hosting great events; accommodating clients in luxurious accommodations; and offering personalized and friendly service to a wide array of clients. Hotel Arts is the perfect choice for leisure and business travelers alike who are seeking a venue that exudes its own distinctive personality.

Phase Two of the ambitious development plans got underway in May 2007. In Fall 2008, Hotel Arts opened a new 9,400 sq ft ballroom.  In the First Quarter of 2009, Hotel Arts Galleria will open with a new 220 car underground parking garage; and a three-story office/retail complex wrapping around the West and South portion of the property with office space 100% leased. Starbucks, Hedkandi Salon, a Suntan Studio, Taste Martini Bar, and several fashion retailers(Boutik on First and Blokes) will add vitality to this exciting new space on the main floor of the Arts Galleria.

Once construction in complete, Phase Three will get underway with the Residences at Hotel Arts. The proposed 39 storey tower will make a striking impression on the downtown skyline with its unmistakably modern circular design, with upscale commercial office and retail elements at street level.

In addition to all these exciting developments on the Hotel Arts Block, Mr. Torode and several investors acquired the Kensington Riverside Inn in August 2007. In a few short months, the property was transformed from a 19-room bed & breakfast into Calgary’s premier luxury inn. Upgrades to the guestrooms and lobby areas were undertaken. Chef’s Table, an intimate restaurant and lounge that is open for lunch and dinner, was built with a focus on five-course tasting menus and eclectic wine selections. An impressive contemporary art collection is also displayed throughout the property evoking an upscale and refined aesthetic.

The Hotel Arts Group is also busy with a busy new restaurant in the nearby arriVa condominiums located across the street from the new Stampede Casino. The arriVa site is owned by the Torode Group with three residential towers planned for the site.

Olives Restaurant Deli Lounge is located on the main floor of the arriVa complex.  It opened on July 4, 2008 with 180 seats in the dining room, a 40-seat lounge, and a 20-seat deli market – Olives to Go.   Olives was named Calgary's Best New Restaurant in 2008 by the editors of Where Magazine.

Olives specializes in innovative Italian cuisine with a focus on contemporary presentations. The Food Bar features an impressive show kitchen where diners can be inspired by Chef Johnathan Canning as he creates dishes before their eyes. The wine list displays diverse varietals drawn solely from the Italian countryside to complement the dining experience. Olives is a perfect venue to dine in style before and following concerts, Flames games and special events. Olives to Go features deli items including paninis and flatbreads, sous vide delicacies and gourmet products from Italy that can be prepared at home.

Other opportunities for expansion of the Hotel Arts Group will develop over time but at the corporation’s core will be a commitment to offering personalized experiences in fresh settings with an emphasis on quality.

For more information about Hotel Arts, Kensington Riverside Inn and Olives, please contact Fraser Abbott, Director of Sales and Marketing for the Hotel Arts Group, at [email protected] or at (403) 266-7678.