SilverBirch expands in Toronto, St. John’s

SilverBirch Hotels & Resorts has announced two new hotel partnerships with Marriott International, Inc., and will open TownePlace Suites by Marriott near Toronto Pearson International Airport this summer and Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott in St. John’s in early 2013. “Our partnering with Marriott on these two projects is an important next step in SilverBirch’s growth strategy in key markets across Canada,”says SilverBirch president Steve Giblin. “These two partnerships, along with the one we announced in October for the Residence Inn by Marriott Downtown Vancouver, give us a stronger presence nationally. And as we continue to focus on growth in key markets, we will work with Marriott and other leading international hotel brands to explore further opportunities.”The Toronto project includes a $17 million complete revitalization of the former Sandalwood Hotel that will see the 173-room hotel become only the second TownePlace Suites by Marriott in Canada. Conveniently located near Hwy. 401 and Hwy. 427, and only minutes away from Pearson International, the hotel will offer comfortable long-term stays, featuring spacious suites with fully equipped kitchens, a pool, free WiFi and complimentary breakfast. In St. John’s, SilverBirch is undertaking a complete $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.