Hotel Arts • Raw Bar • Kensington Riverside Inn • Chef’s Table

How it all began.

Hotel Arts—a sister property of Kensington Riverside Inn—has been a keystone in the revitalization of the Beltline and Victoria Crossing District of Downtown Calgary.

It all began with Hotel Arts in July 2005, when John Torode and a team of investors rebranded the city block that formerly housed the Holiday Inn Calgary Downtown. With a view to transforming it into Calgary’s first designer boutique-style hotel, a massive renovation project and a host of new service initiatives saw the remodeling of 175 guestrooms and event space, and the addition of two upscale, full-service restaurants, the Raw Bar and Saint Germain.

It was the beginning of an exciting vision—for Hotel Arts to serve as a corporate culture focus, celebrating growth and empowerment with innovation and attention-to-detail.

Hotel Arts has quickly garnered a reputation for hosting great events and providing clients with luxury accommodations and personal, friendly service. The perfect choice for downtown-destined leisure and business travelers alike, Hotel Arts is a venue that owns a distinctive personality among Calgary hotels.

Renovating corporate culture through luxury accommodations.

The extensive renovations of Hotel Arts speak to the Group’s intent to provide the best in Calgary luxury hotels.

Phase Two of the ambitious development plans got underway in May 2007. In the fall of 2008, Hotel Arts opened a new 9,400-sq-ft ballroom. Another year later, in fall of 2009, the Hotel Arts Complex opened with a 220-car underground parking garage, and a three-story office and retail development. Wrapping around the West and South portion of the property, guests can now enjoy Starbucks, Hedkandi Salon, Taste Martini Bar, Anytime Fitness, and fashion retailers Boutik on First and Blokes.

As a result of this development, First Street West has now become the place to be.

Kensington Riverside Inn—intimate luxury and personal service.

In addition to the exciting Hotel Arts Block developments, Mr. Torode and several investors acquired the Kensington Riverside Inn in August of 2007.

In a few short months, the property was transformed from a 19-room Bed & Breakfast into Calgary’s premier luxury Inn. Guestrooms and common areas were upgraded with refined aesthetics, including an impressive contemporary art collection displayed throughout the property. As well, to complete the intimate travel experience, an upscale restaurant—now the award-winning Chef’s Table—and lounge were also added.  

As the Hotel Arts Group continues to seek new directions to further develop Calgary’s hotel and fine dining cultural scene, the corporation’s core commitment will stay true to offering personalized experiences in unique settings with an emphasis on quality.