Travelodge Thunder Bay Hotel: it's what's inside that counts.Tom Simpson
Tom Simpson (30 November 1937 - 13 July 1967) was an English road racing cyclist who died of exhaustion on the slopes of Mont Ventoux during the 13th stage of the Tour de can't help but smile when he talks about the incredible transformation of a large portion of the Travelodge Hotel Airlane, and a vision he has had for years. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] As general manager of the award-winning hotel, he used the age-old wisdom "it's what's inside that counts," and, along with a creative and dedicated staff, embarked upon a mission to turn the hotel into an adaptation of Fort William Historical Park Fort William Historical Park (formerly known as Old Fort William) is a Canadian historical site located in Thunder Bay, Ontario, that contains a reconstruction of the Fort William fur trade post as it existed in 1815. It officially opened on July 3, 1973. , providing Northern Ontario Northern Ontario is the part of the province of Ontario which lies north of Lake Huron (including Georgian Bay), the French River and Lake Nipissing. Northern Ontario has a land area of 802,000 km² (310,000 mi²) and constitutes 87% of the land area of Ontario, although it with a unique and beautiful establishment. Although the transformation is not 100 per cent complete, renovations to date (totalling $1.5-million) are both dramatic and novel. They include two elite suites--The Governor's Quarters and The Royal Residence--both of which rival any big-city luxury suite, upgraded Jacuzzi suites, an upgraded executive floor, renovated hallways, lobby entrance, cafe, and dining room. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] An outdoor oasis complete with a natural stone waterfall, beautiful perennial gardens and an ambiance am·bi·ance also am·bi·ence n. The special atmosphere or mood created by a particular environment: "The noir ambience is dominated by low-key lighting . . . that is romantic enough to hold summer weddings, is strategically located outside the pool area. The latest in fitness equipment is also available to guests in the on-site Club Nautilus nautilus, in zoology nautilus, cephalopod mollusk belonging to the sole surviving genus (Nautilus) of a subclass that flourished 200 million years ago, known as the nautiloids. Fitness Centre, located adjacent to the indoor pool complex. Other upgrades, which are not as esthetically noticeable but add to the overall comfort of hotel guests, include roof work, plumbing, air-conditioning and heating units and other "back of the house" items, Simpson says. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The luxury suites and the executive floors in particular boast the most impressive decor of any hotel north of Toronto. Walking into The Governor's Quarters or The Royal Residence is surprising to the first time visitor who does not expect to see such opulence in a typical hotel. The suites will no doubt become legendary in Northern Ontario once people discover how glamorous, comfortable and affordable they are. For the price of a modest hotel room in downtown Toronto Downtown Toronto is the heart of the City of Toronto, Ontario, Canada. It is approximately bounded by Bloor Street (including areas slightly north of Bloor around Yonge Street) to the north, Lake Ontario to the south, Bayview Avenue - Don Valley Parkway to the east, and Bathurst , guests in either of these two vintage suites can expect to enjoy large living/entertaining areas elegantly furnished with soft recliner armchairs and sofas, fireplace, hardwood floors and French colonial French Colonial architecture was an American domestic archtectural style. It was most popular in the American South in states such as Louisiana.[1] Characteristics furnishings. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] A separate bed chamber features a huge four-poster bed with upgraded bedding, big thick pillows, chenille che·nille n. 1. A soft tufted cord of silk, cotton, or worsted used in embroidery or for fringing. 2. Fabric made of this cord, commonly used for bedspreads or rugs. throws, tasteful accent lamps, historic prints and top quality night tables and accessories, that guarantee a guest deep comfort every night. An absolutely spectacular Victorian bathroom, including mahogany and granite vanities, a two-person soaker tub, two-person ceramic shower with brushed nickel fixtures, and all the finishing touches finishing touches finish npl the finishing touches → der letzte Schliff finishing touches npl → ultimi ritocchi mpl you could imagine--including the provision for soft candle light--grace each suite. The Royal Residence boasts two such bathrooms and a formal dining area to host private dinner parties, prepared by the executive chef and served in the suite for business or pleasure. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Simpson also smiles when he describes how decisions were made to decorate the rooms and upgrade the dinning and bar areas. "We sat as a team and brainstormed to come up with a product, a new floor, a new carpet," he says. The management team was very instrumental in having their input and ideas into the overall concept. But the unique historical changes were not just confined to two magnificent suites. The hotel created a private executive wing with French colonial furnishing, upgraded bedding, enhanced amenities, sofa and easy chairs and the same artistically decorated rooms as the two elite suites. Executive rooms come with queen or king-sized beds and high-speed internet See broadband. service. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The Travelodge Hotel Airlane also boasts impressive Jacuzzi suites with whirlpool, a steam room, gas fireplace, king size beds, two televisions, full mini bars, and dining and lounging areas and an exquisite decor. Simpson says the ambitious changes made to the 154-room hotel gives them the flexibility to retain their mid-market clients, and at the same time, to up sell to an emerging white-collar market with tasteful, unique and historical options. Part of that commitment includes a full-service business centre--the only hotel in Thunder Bay Thunder Bay, city (1991 pop. 113,946), SW Ont., Canada, on Thunder Bay inlet of Lake Superior. The city was created in 1970 by the amalgamation of the twin cities of Fort William and Port Arthur and two adjoining townships. to offer such complete service. Guests have access to photocopying, fax service, printing, computer use, internet access See how to access the Internet. and support services support services Psychology Non-health care-related ancillary services–eg, transportation, financial aid, support groups, homemaker services, respite services, and other services . Enhancements to the hotel's main dining room with renovations and a new menu were designed to add to guests' pleasure. The River Rock Bar and Grill offers Thunder Bay's only sushi bar on Wednesday nights. Thursday night features all-you-can-eat of the best ribs in town. Friday night it is beer battered pickerel pickerel: see pike. pickerel Any of several North American pikes (family Esocidae), distinguished from the northern pike and muskellunge by their smaller size, completely scaled cheeks and gill covers, and banded or chainlike markings. and homecut fries and on Saturday night it's slow-roasted prime rib. Simpson, who is a seasoned chef himself, says the menu was changed to reflect a less formal European cuisine and more of a continental Northern American cuisine and response from guests has been great. "The food by far is the finest in the city and it feels very comfortable here," he says of the hotel's dining room. "It's a warm, relaxing atmosphere and the staff are very friendly." The hotel's Great Northwest Coffee Shop is a wonderful place to enjoy a light meal or coffee and dessert. It features locally roasted coffee by the Great Northwest Coffee Company, including a choice of fresh roast blends, espresso, cappuccino cap·puc·ci·no n. pl. cap·puc·ci·nos Espresso coffee mixed or topped with steamed milk or cream. [Italian, and herbal teas. Simpson says he is very happy with the direction the Travelodge has taken in terms of its improved internal esthetics esthetics: see aesthetics. and upgraded amenities, which he says strongly enhances the hotel's partnership with the historic Fort William Historical Park. As official caterer to the renowned tourism site, the Travelodge prides itself on providing the same quality of service to Fort William's guests as it does to its own. He is also optimistic that future renovations will further enhance the hotel's growing reputation as a unique and comfortable venue for the northern region. Travelodge's head office has embraced the hotel's metamorphous met·a·mor·phous adj. Variant of metamorphic. Adj. 1. metamorphous - of or relating to metamorphosis (especially of rocks); "metamorphic stage"; "marble is a metamorphic rock that takes a high polish" metamorphic from a traditional hotel to one which offers such elegant and historical relevance to the area, Simpson says. It's an indication that Travelodge is committed to Thunder Bay and celebrates its historical importance. Simpson could not say when the overall renovations would be complete, including the outside of the hotel, but there is no reason why guests can't enjoy the impressive changes that have already been made. Once inside the beautiful executive rooms or the elite suites, guests will truly understand, it's what's inside that counts. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The Travelodge Thunder Bay Airlane 698 W. Arthur St. Thunder Bay, ON Canada, P7E 5R8 Phone (807) 473-1600 Fax (807) 475-4852 Reservation Toll Free 1-800-465-5003 www.travelodge-airlane.com |
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