MONTREAL, May 15, 2025 /CNW/ - Knightstone Hotel Group and Urgo Hotels Canada are proud to announce the official opening of the AC Hotel Old Montreal, a sophisticated property where European elegance meets the rich heritage of Old Montreal.

Nestled in one of Canada's most iconic and historic neighborhoods, this new address invites travelers to enjoy a unique experience combining contemporary comfort with timeless charm. Just steps from the Notre-Dame Basilica, Place d'Armes, and the Saint Lawrence River, AC Hotel Old Montreal boasts a prime location that reflects the city's vibrant cultural soul.

The hotel proudly joins Marriott International's global portfolio under the AC Hotels brand, allowing Marriott Bonvoy® members to earn and redeem points while enjoying refined service and world-class hospitality. This strategic partnership further positions the property as a must-visit destination for modern travelers, whether on business or urban getaways.

A Blend of Modern Design and Historic Charm

With 124 spacious rooms and suites, the hotel embodies AC Hotels' philosophy: sleek design, harmonious lines, and a refined ambiance crafted for today's traveler. Spanish inspiration flows through every space, where minimalism blends with noble materials and upscale amenities. Guests are welcomed into a soothing and elegant atmosphere from the moment they arrive. In a nod to the brand's Mediterranean heritage, lavender features prominently in the sensory experience of the guest rooms.

Gastronomy is infused with Spanish flair. Breakfast features the signature Cazuela — a savory mix of eggs, prosciutto, and Manchego cheese. At the bar, guests will find signature tapas like Marcona almonds and Spanish tortilla. Each bite offers a taste of the Mediterranean, complemented by a carefully curated wine list and artisanal cocktails.

"We want every dish to evoke the true essence of the Mediterranean — in a spirit of simplicity and conviviality," says Marc Casolino, Executive Chef of the AC Old Montreal Restaurant & Bar, and also at the helm of Italian restaurant Il Soffio. "Our menu draws on the authenticity of Spanish flavors while adding a modern, local twist."

Modern Amenities, Thoughtful Services

Designed for comfort, rooms include luxury bedding, Nespresso machines, spa-style bathrooms, and even private terraces in select categories. All rooms come equipped with a sofa bed or futon.

Additional hotel features include:

• 24/7 indoor parking
• Electric vehicle charging stations
• 24-hour market
• Gym with state-of-the-art equipment
• 4,000 sq. ft. of elegant event space, including 5 adaptable meeting rooms

Just steps from the metro, cruise terminal, and Palais des Congrès, AC Hotel Old Montreal offers prime access to art galleries, renowned restaurants, local boutiques, and architectural treasures. It is the perfect destination for those looking to explore the cobblestone streets and soak in the area's one-of-a-kind atmosphere.

Whether for business, leisure, or a seamless blend of both, AC Hotel Old Montreal promises an unforgettable experience — where every detail is crafted with care and simplicity, in the inspiring and unique atmosphere of Old Montreal.

Mississauga, Ontario – May 14, 2025 – The Ontario Restaurant Hotel & Motel Association (ORHMA), the largest provincial hospitality association in Canada, is proud to announce a strategic partnership with Picsume, an award-winning Canadian software company transforming the hiring process. This collaboration will give ORHMA’s 5,000+ members—representing over 11,000 hospitality locations across Ontario—access to cutting-edge hiring technology designed to streamline recruitment, attract top talent, and ensure compliance with evolving employment regulations.

“At ORHMA, we’re committed to supporting our members with innovative workforce solutions that address the real challenges they face,” said Fatima Finnegan, VP of Workforce Initiatives & Industry Relations at ORHMA. “Picsume brings a modern, skills-focused hiring approach that removes barriers for job seekers and helps hospitality employers hire more efficiently and equitably—all while staying compliant with evolving employment standards. We’re excited to bring this resource to our members across Ontario.”

A Partnership to Strengthen Ontario’s Hospitality Workforce

The hospitality industry remains one of Ontario’s largest employers, yet employers across the sector continue to face challenges in recruitment, retention, and regulatory compliance. ORHMA’s partnership with Picsume is not just about job postings—it’s about empowering businesses with the right tools to build resilient and future-ready teams.

Picsume’s dynamic, all-in-one hiring platform replaces outdated methods with a transparent, skills-first approach that focuses on meaningful candidate connections. With live work profiles, smart matching technology, and automated compliance tools, employers can confidently reduce time-to-hire, meet provincial employment standards, and attract quality candidates who are ready to work.

Key Benefits for ORHMA Members:

• Built-in Compliance with Ontario’s ESA: Picsume simplifies compliance with upcoming Employment Standards Act (ESA) changes, offering built-in tools to help employers meet their legal obligations with ease.
• Bias-Free, Skills-First Hiring: Supported by IRAP funding, Picsume’s AI-powered platform connects employers with top talent based on skills and compatibility—reducing bias and improving hiring outcomes.
• Exclusive Access to Hospitality Job Network: ORHMA members gain entry to a first-of-its-kind, industry-specific job network designed to connect employers with job seekers and hospitality students across Ontario.

“Having deep personal roots in hospitality, we understand the real hiring challenges this industry faces—from high turnover to talent shortages in fast-paced environments,” said Jordan Goure, President & CEO of Picsume. “Through this partnership with ORHMA, we’re proud to support Ontario’s hospitality sector by giving businesses the tools they need to hire smarter, faster, and more confidently.”

The partnership is now live. ORHMA members can access exclusive pricing and hospitality-focused features through Picsume’s platform, including a dedicated job board tailored for Ontario’s hospitality workforce. Non-members are encouraged to contact ORHMA to learn more about joining and accessing these benefits.

For more information, visit https://www.picsume.ca/orhma.

Toronto, ON (May 13, 2025) – Choice Hotels Canada is pleased to announce the opening of its latest Ascend Hotel Collection®, the Amsterdam Inn & Suites in Florenceville, New Brunswick.  The Ascend Hotel Collection is a network of upscale resorts, historic properties and boutique hotels that offer guests a uniquely local experience.

Owned by the deWinter family, the Amsterdam Inn & Suites in Florenceville is the fourth hotel in their award-winning portfolio of Canadian-owned New Brunswick-based properties.

“The deWinter’s are third-generation hoteliers and we are confident that under their leadership, the Florenceville property will continue to be a sought-after hotel in the region,” says Brian Leon, CEO of Choice Hotels Canada. “The passion the family has for hospitality comes through in all their endeavours and we are thrilled to support them in their journey.”

The Amsterdam Inn & Suites in Florenceville is one of four properties owned by the deWinter family with the others located in Sussex, Moncton and Fredericton. Like Florenceville, the Fredericton property, the Quality Inn & Suites Amsterdam is also part of Choice Hotels Canada and a multi-award-winning property. It has received eight Guest Satisfaction Awards - four of which were Platinum Awards, meaning they ranked in the top three per cent of hotels in the Choice Hotels Canada system.

“Our relationship with Choice Hotels Canada has evolved over the years, and we are delighted to be part of the Ascend Hotel Collection for the first time,” says John DeWinter, CEO of Amsterdam Inn & Suites. “The flexibility to use our own branding, as well as our first foray into foodservice, makes this a really exciting time for our company.”

The newly-opened property has 80 spacious guest suites with helpful amenities like mini-fridges, desks, coffee makers, and pillow-top mattresses. Some suites offer larger footprints with kitchenettes, separate sleeping areas and, in some, jacuzzies and fireplaces. Onsite amenities include 94-seat eatery, Exit 153 Restaurant, where guests can enjoy a complimentary daily breakfast. There is also a fitness and business centre, conference rooms which can host up to 190 people, a marketplace with snacks and toiletries, as well as EV charging stations.

Located in the beautiful River Valley, Florenceville is a scenic town that borders Maine. It is also fondly known as the French Fry Capital of the World and home to both the Potato World museum and one of the corporate headquarters of McCain Foods. You can find Amsterdam Inn & Suites in Florenceville at 383 Centreville Road. For reservations, please visit Choicehotels.com.

Barcelona, 14 May 2025 — As hotels continue to refine their revenue strategies, 123Compare.me unveils the findings from the latest edition of its World Parity Monitor (WPM) exploring how a hotel’s price position relative to its local market average affects OTA pricing behaviour and rate parity.

The April report has identified that when hotel rates are priced above the market average, the Lose rate — the percentage of times a hotel’s direct price is undercut by an OTA — increases significantly, especially for independent properties. Non-major OTAs show the most aggressive pricing responses, underscoring the risks of overpricing in competitive environments.

Across the sample*, 75% of hotels were undercut by at least one OTA, and Expedia surpassed the 20% Lose rate threshold, reversing its recent trend of moderation.

From January to April 2025, direct prices rose steadily and ended 6.3% higher than in the same period of 2024 — continuing the upward trajectory already observed last year. This trend reflects a structural pattern, where direct rates start low early in the year and peak around spring, particularly influenced by seasonal events like Easter.

Notably, price positioning matters more than ever. While major OTAs like Booking and Expedia maintained stable Lose rates regardless of price segment, non-major OTAs became more aggressive as hotel prices rose. Meanwhile, the direct channel remained more competitive in lower-price segments and saw improved Meet rates at mid-range levels.

“Being just slightly above the average can trigger aggressive responses from OTAs,” says Jordi Serra, CEO at 123Compare.me. “Hotels — especially independents — need to keep a close eye on how their positioning aligns with market trends.”

“If I’m an independent hotel and my price is above the market average, I should be concerned about OTAs becoming more aggressive and undercutting my rates. This is a very clear pattern we are seeing month after month.”

The WPM also confirms that independent hotels are more vulnerable to parity loss. When priced more than 40% above the market average, the Lose rate reached 41.8% with non-major OTAs, compared to 34.0% with major OTAs.

The World Parity Monitor is a reference in the market and a tool to track and monitor hotel pricing strategies across distribution channels. The complete April 2025 WPM report is available at: https://123compareme.net/en/secondary-otas-raise-pressure-at-premium-rates/