Omni Hotels & Resorts announced today that it will become the long term operator of

The King Edward Hotel, the first and most famous luxury hotel in Toronto. Omni will begin management of the historic property on August 1, 2013, which will be flagged The Omni King Edward Hotel.

The venture with current owners King Edward Realty Inc. continues Omni's enterprise of

strategic expansion to own, operate and/or manage distinctive luxury hotels and resorts throughout North America, with a focus on major convention centers, leisure destinations and city centers.

Built in 1903, the hotel has long been admired as one of Toronto's most beloved

landmarks and is located in the financial district within the heart of the city. As part of the partnership, the hotel is currently undergoing an approximate $40 million renovation to restore the property as one of North America's first "palace" hotels. The renovation, designed to feature modern comfort in combination with the hotel's original state of old-world charm and elegance, includes all new guest rooms, modernized bathrooms, a new fitness center and an update of the grand meeting spaces. Most notably, the hotel's iconic rooftop Crystal Ballroom will be restored to its original grandeur as a spectacular party hall. Located on the 17th floor with 20- foot ceilings, the Ballroom, which has been closed since the 1970s, overlooks the city with views of the skyline in all four directions.

"The King Edward Hotel is a very unique property with a rich history from more than a

century of hosting guests, as well as being a great source of pride for the city of Toronto," said Mike Deitemeyer, president of Omni Hotels & Resorts. "Omni is committed to making this incredible hotel the place to stay in Toronto, whether traveling for business or leisure. As an extension of our city center portfolio, The King Edward Hotel is a marquee property that allows us to offer our award-winning personalized service to our guests who visit Toronto, Canada."

Opened 110 years ago as Toronto's first and largest luxury hotel, The King Edward has

played host to scores of dignitaries from around the world, from King Edward VIII (after whom it is named) and President Theodore Roosevelt to Ernest Hemingway and Mark Twain. The hotel boasts 301 finely appointed rooms and suites – some of the largest in Toronto – that will feature classical décor with contemporary accents; 30,000 square feet of flexible function space and 12 spacious meeting rooms including three fashionable grand ballrooms; two onsite dining options; and afternoon tea, which has become a Toronto social ritual. The King Edward Hotel will be Omni's second property in Canada, along with the Hotel Omni Mont-Royal, located in the heart of downtown Montreal.

For more information, please visit omnihotels.com or call 1-800-The-Omni. Travelers or media can

follow Omni at Facebook.com/OmniHotels or Twitter.com/OmniHotels.

About Omni Hotels & Resorts

Omni Hotels & Resorts creates genuine, authentic guest experiences at over 50 distinct hotels and resorts in the most popular leisure and business destinations across the United States, as well as in Canada. With 28 iconic golf courses, including multiple short courses, 25 award-winning spas featured in dynamic locales nationwide, every Omni proudly opens its doors to share the true spirit of its destination. Reflected through local color, personalized service, unique wellness options, signature restaurants and creative culinary offerings, Omni leaves a lasting impression with every guest and a heightened level of recognition and rewards delivered through its Select Guest® loyalty program. Omni is committed to reducing hunger and is on a mission through its Say Goodnight to Hunger initiative, to provide millions of meals each year for food banks to feed children, families, and seniors in communities in which it operates. Through its partnership with Shared Hope International, Omni is dedicated to the education and training of its associates to help combat human trafficking. Omni Hotels & Resorts is the official hotel of the PGA TOUR® and PGA of America. For information or to book accommodations, visit omnihotels.com or call 1-800-The-Omni

Caryn Kboudi
Omni Hotels & Resorts
+1-972-871-5625
Omni