Vancouver, B.C. – June 16, 2026 – Fairmont Waterfront is continuing its commitment to wellness-led travel experiences with the return of its immersive summer wellness programming. Inspired by Fairmont’s Wellness Without Walls initiative, the series invites both hotel guests and local residents to discover wellness experiences that suit every lifestyle, while reconnecting with the natural beauty that surrounds the hotel.

Launching on July 31, Fairmont Waterfront is excited to unveil the latest addition to its well-established wellness program – Sunset Float: An Immersive Sound Bath Experience – offering guests an opportunity to slow down and recharge through seasonal dining and restorative wellness. The experience begins with ARC Restaurant + Bar's Province to Plate menu, celebrating the finest seasonal ingredients from across British Columbia. Guests will then ascend to the hotel’s rooftop pool, where they will float gently on the water’s surface while immersed in the calming vibrations of a sound bath. Set against panoramic sunset views of Vancouver’s harbour and the North Shore Mountains, the experience offers a truly unique opportunity to unwind above the city.

“Wellness means something different to everyone, which is why we continue to evolve our programming each year," said Randall Williams, General Manager, Fairmont Waterfront. “The introduction of Sunset Float marks an exciting new chapter for our wellness offerings, combining mindfulness, exceptional local cuisine and our iconic rooftop setting to create a one-of-a-kind experience. Together, with the return of guest favourites such as Board & Brunch and Soothe & Savour, it reflects our commitment to delivering memorable wellness experiences that are uniquely Vancouver.”

Continuing the hotel’s focus on mindful wellness experiences, Soothe & Savour will return on select dates throughout the summer, combining guided yoga and sound healing with ARC Restaurant + Bar’s award-winning Bottomless Brunch.

Board & Brunch will also return for select dates in June and July, and will once again be led by Fairmont Waterfront’s very own CPO (Chief Paddle Officer), Tobias Clare. The guided paddleboarding experience concludes with ARC Restaurant + Bar’s signature Bottomless Brunch, blending outdoor adventure with post-paddle indulgence.

Guests looking to incorporate wellness into their stay more casually can enjoy complimentary Poolside Yoga & Meditation sessions on Friday mornings throughout June, July and August. Set against the hotel’s stunning coastal backdrop, the sessions offer a peaceful and grounding start to the day.

As the seasons transition, Fairmont Waterfront’s popular Polar Plunge experience will once again invite guests to embrace the invigorating benefits of cold-water immersion. Led by the hotel’s CEO (Chill Experience Officer) Jodi Francks, the experience includes a guided cold dip at Third Beach in Stanley Park followed by tea, warm towels, a hot toddy, Bottomless Brunch and access to the hotel’s Health Club. Dates will be announced later this summer.

Beyond the hotel’s seasonal wellness programming, year-round wellness offerings for ALL members will continue to include complimentary access to fitness apparel and footwear through the Fairmont Fit program in partnership with Nike, guided seawall runs every Tuesday and Thursday morning, complimentary cruiser bike rentals, and access to the hotel’s heated rooftop pool, open daily throughout the year.

Whether seeking movement, mindfulness or meaningful moments in nature, Fairmont Waterfront continues to redefine urban wellness through experiences that celebrate Vancouver’s coastal surroundings and encourage guests to reconnect with themselves and the destination around them.

For more information – including upcoming dates and booking details – visit Fairmont Waterfront Events Calendar.

Best Western Plus Village Park Inn to transition to Coast Calgary University District Hotel by APA on July 01st, 2026

Vancouver, B.C. – June 16, 2026 – Coast Hotels Limited, a fully owned subsidiary of APA Hotel Canada, Inc. and one of North America’s fastest-growing hotel brands and among Canada’s largest, today announced it is in the process of acquiring the Best Western Plus Village Park Inn in Calgary, Alberta, subject to customary closing conditions. Upon closing, the property will be rebranded as Coast Calgary University District Hotel by APA, effective July 1, 2026.

Located in Calgary’s northwest near the University District, the 160-room full-service hotel offers convenient access to the University of Calgary and McMahon Stadium, and is well positioned for both business and leisure travel. The property features on-site dining, meeting and event space, and a range of amenities designed to support group, corporate, and transient guests. It is also within close proximity to key attractions, including the Calgary Zoo, TELUS Spark Science Centre, Canada Olympic Park, and the Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium.

“We are pleased to continue expanding our presence in Calgary with the acquisition of this well-established hotel. As our second owned property in the Calgary market, it complements our downtown location and strengthens our overall presence in the city,” said Takamasa Machiura, president and CEO of Coast Hotels Limited. “This hotel is located in a key area and aligns with our strategy of disciplined growth in important urban markets. We look forward to building on its strong foundation and welcoming guests to the Coast Hotels brand.”

The hotel will operate under the Coast Hotels brand and carry the “by APA” designation, reflecting its ownership by APA Group. Over time, the property is expected to incorporate select APA signature features, including 55-inch 4K HD televisions, TOTO® Washlets, and a range of in-room amenities aligned with APA’s Japanese hospitality approach.

This acquisition further strengthens Coast Hotels’ footprint in Alberta and underscores the company’s continued momentum in expanding its portfolio across Western Canada and the Pacific Northwest.

Walking away from this year's CONNECT 2026: Marriott Select Brands Owner and Franchisee Conference, I wasn't left with a single slogan or headline message. Instead, my overarching impression was one of resilience; the resilience of the hospitality industry and the enduring strength of the Marriott brand.

Throughout the conference, Marriott leaders consistently reinforced their value proposition while acknowledging the economic and operational challenges hotel owners and operators continue to face. More than anything, the message seemed to be that Marriott is focused on standing alongside its owners and franchisees, working to help them navigate uncertainty and achieve stronger financial results.

The atmosphere felt noticeably different from recent years. There was a sense of cautious optimism throughout the event. Year to date performance has generally been better than many expected, and the industry has so far avoided the major disruptions that have impacted travel demand in previous years. Drive-to destinations remain healthy, and fuel prices have not yet significantly affected leisure travel patterns. The result was a conference environment that felt more relaxed and less reactive than in the past.

If I had to summarize the conference in just a few words, they would be: Marriott supports owners. That sentiment was reflected not only in the presentations but also in conversations happening in hallways, networking sessions, and owner meetings.

One topic dominated nearly every discussion: the ongoing pressure on operating margins and the challenge of generating top-line growth. Hotel owners continue to wrestle with rising labor costs, inflationary pressures, and changing guest expectations. Marriott appeared keenly aware of those concerns and dedicated considerable time to discussing ways to help owners improve profitability.

Artificial intelligence also emerged as a popular subject. While AI was not presented as a cure-all, it was clear Marriott views it as an increasingly important tool for marketing and operations. One practical takeaway was the importance of keeping website content fresh and up to date. As AI-powered search and content discovery evolve, stale content becomes less effective. For hotel operators, maintaining dynamic digital content may become just as important as traditional marketing efforts.

Several sessions focused on revenue generation, but one of the most valuable centered on maximizing ancillary revenue opportunities. The presentation offered practical strategies that operating teams can implement immediately to capture more spending from existing guests rather than relying solely on occupancy growth. In an environment where margins remain under pressure, those incremental revenue opportunities could make a meaningful difference.
In addition to the ancillary revenue presentation, Marriott teams discussed several hot topics addressing owner concerns. Most notably, they facilitated open conversations around the challenges and opportunities behind the “Power of M” conversions. They also presented new refinements to Marriott’s broad marketing campaigns focused on demographic buying trends. Finally, executives also covered a new initiative centered on refining the operating model and rationalizing the underlying costs in delivering guest experiences.

Beyond Marriott’s specific programs, the economic outlook sessions were thought provoking. The featured economist discussed the potential long-term impact of infrastructure damage across parts of the Middle East and how disruptions to oil production could eventually affect the global economy. This warning served as a stark reminder that broader geopolitical events can quickly influence operating costs and consumer behavior. Equally, the same economist noted the hospitality industry’s resilience and long term macro-economic strengths.

Perhaps the most important lesson for hotel owners who were unable to attend is that flexibility remains critical. Summer travel demand appears promising, but uncertainty still exists. The industry has not yet fully felt the potential ripple effects of international conflicts or energy market disruptions. Owners who maintain flexible operating structures and continue looking for ways to accomplish more with less will likely be best positioned to succeed.

I didn't leave the conference with a list of immediate changes to implement over the next 90 days. What I did leave with was reinforcement of a philosophy that has served our organization well: remain flexible, embrace innovation, stay focused on revenue opportunities and never stop looking for operational efficiencies.

In many ways, Marriott's message was simple: the challenges facing the industry are real, but so are the opportunities. And Marriott intends to help owners capitalize on them.

CALGARY, ALBERTA (June 1, 2026) – Choice Hotels Canada is pleased to announce that Park Inn by Radisson, Calgary Airport North, AB has been honoured with a 2026 International Best of Choice award for the Park Inn by Radisson brand by Choice Hotels International.

The Best of Choice awards are among Choice Hotels International’s most coveted accolades, with recipients selected for their demonstrated commitment to superior guest service and operational excellence. One hotel winner was selected from each Choice Hotels brand segment in the company’s domestic and international portfolio.

The Park Inn by Radisson, Calgary Airport North, AB also earned a Gold Guest Satisfaction Award this year, placing it among the top-performing hotels across the Choice Hotels Canada system. Gold winners represent the top 10% of hotels based on verified customer feedback, including guest insight surveys and Likelihood to Recommend scores.

“The Park Inn by Radisson, Calgary Airport North, AB continues to distinguish itself as a strong performer in the Canadian system,” says Brian Leon, CEO, Choice Hotels Canada. “These awards reflect the team’s consistency, professionalism and unwavering commitment to their guests.”

The Park Inn by Radisson, Calgary Airport North, AB has a team focused on operational excellence and guest satisfaction and has positioned itself as a leader within the brand. The team is known for delivering reliable, comfortable stays and thoughtful service that meets the needs of both business and leisure travellers. Designed to meet the needs of both short and long-term guests, the hotel also features fully equipped in-suite kitchens.

“It is an incredible honour to be receiving this award,” says Ajay Nehur, owner of the hotel. “We have an extremely dedicated team that goes above and beyond and truly brings their best every day. This recognition is a testament to their passion, commitment, and unwavering focus on delivering exceptional guest experiences. Each member of our team plays a vital role in creating the welcoming atmosphere and high standards we are proud to uphold.”

Ideally situated in Calgary, the hotel offers easy access to Calgary International Airport and key destinations including the TELUS Convention Centre, BMO Centre and the iconic Calgary Tower. It's close to the Calgary Stampede grounds, making it an ideal accommodation choice for guests visiting the city for conferences, major events and leisure travel. The property is also conveniently located adjacent to one of the region’s largest industrial hubs, which spans more than 11 million square feet. In addition, the hotel serves as a convenient hub for visitors planning excursions to Banff National Park, located approximately 90 minutes away.

The hotel is located at 27 Freeport Crescent NE. For more information on the Park Inn by Radisson, Calgary Airport North, AB or to make a reservation, visit Choice Hotels.