SilverBirch expands in Canada

SilverBirch Hotels & Resorts has two new hotel partnerships with Marriott International, Inc., and will open TownePlace Suites by Marriott near Toronto’s Pearson International in summer 2012 and Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott in St. John’s in early 2013. SilverBirch is investing $123 million in the first phase of its growth strategy in key markets across the country. The latest announcement includes a $17-million revitalization of the former Sandalwood Hotel in Toronto that will see the 173-room hotel become only the second TownePlace Suites by Marriott in Canada. Located minutes from Pearson, the hotel will offer long-term stays, suites with fully equipped kitchens, a pool, free WiFi and complimentary breakfast. In St. John’s, SilverBirch is undertaking a $21-million re-build on the former site of the Travellers Inn St. John’s. When it re-opens as a Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott, it will feature 148 suites, complimentary WiFi, a pool with a waterslide, a fitness area, free breakfast and a site for a restaurant. (http://www.marriott.com)