THE OMNI KING EDWARD HOTEL SET TO INVEST $6.5 MILLION IN CRYSTAL BALLROOM RESTORATION

Venue to be renovated to its former grandeur, maintaining heritage design elements from the 1920s

Toronto, ON (July 19, 2016) – On the heels of its $40 million dollar renovation less than one year ago, Toronto’s historic Omni King Edward Hotel is delighted to announce that it will be restoring its celebrated and ornate Crystal Ballroom, home to the city’s most prestigious social functions from the 1920s through the 1970s. The project will kick off in August with an official grand opening for the Crystal Ballroom slated for early 2017, almost 100 years after its initial debut. 

The Crystal Ballroom first opened its doors to great public acclaim in 1922 on the 17th floor of Toronto’s first luxury hotel. The venue quickly became the most sought-after destination for high-profile galas and elegant events.  

“This is a significant historical space that was at one time the epicenter of Toronto’s colourful social scene,” said Christophe Le Chatton, general manager, The Omni King Edward Hotel. We are looking forward to recreating it into a venue that brings back its former glory while reaffirming the Crystal Ballroom’s position as the premiere social function venue in the city.” 

Similar to the newly renovated hotel property, the Crystal Ballroom’s restoration will be heavily influenced by its original interior featuring old-world charm enhanced by modern style and luxury. The venue’s ornate and spectacular mouldings, 12-metre high coffered ceilings and magnificent floor-to-ceiling windows, offering panoramic views of the city, will remain central features in the Crystal Ballroom. 

The floor of the pre-function space will be finished in mosaic tile. A new permanent bar will be introduced, and its design will reflect the timeless detailing of the original era. The Crystal Ballroom carpet will be reminiscent of designs from the early 1920s but rendered in a contemporary fashion. Updated chandeliers and wall sconces will vary from the original, but will include ornate crystal elements. The 5,000 square foot Crystal Ballroom can accommodate up to 300 people.

When The King Edward initially opened in 1903, it set the standard for upscale hotels in Canada and was Toronto’s first hotel of its kind. Designed by Chicago architect Henry Ives Cobb and Toronto architect E.J. Lennox for developer George Gooderham's Toronto Hotel Company at a cost of $6 million, it quickly became the first choice for the city’s elite, as well as convention goers, political figures and business travelers. Moncur Design Associates Inc. and Omni Hotels & Resorts are responsible for the new look and design of The Omni King Edward Hotel’s Crystal Ballroom.

About Omni Hotels & Resorts
Omni Hotels & Resorts creates genuine, authentic guest experiences at 60 distinct upscale hotels and resorts in leading business gateways and leisure destinations across North America. With over 20 world-class golf courses and award-winning spa retreats, to dynamic business settings, each Omni showcases the local flavor of the destination while featuring four-diamond services, signature restaurants, Wi-Fi connectivity and unique wellness options.  Known for its distinguished, personalized service, Omni leaves a lasting impression with every customer interaction, with a heightened level of recognition and rewards delivered through its Select Guest loyalty program and the company’s “Power of One” associate empowerment program. The brand is frequently recognized by top consumer research organizations and travel publications and was ranked “Highest in Guest Satisfaction Among Upper Upscale Hotel Chains” in the J.D. Power 2015 North American Hotel Guest Satisfaction Index Study^SM. As a founding member of the Global Hotel Alliance (GHA), Omni’s loyalty program is further expanded through the DISCOVERY® loyalty program offering members additional global benefits. To get additional information or book accommodations, visit omnihotels.com or call 1-800-The-Omni.