BANFF, AB, June 26, 2025 /CNW/ - Rimrock Banff, one of the most iconic retreats in the Canadian Rockies, is poised to redefine mountain luxury as the first Emblems Collection property in North America. Owned by Oxford Properties Group and a capital partner, the resort will undergo a fully transformative renovation beginning in October 2025 and will reopen in summer 2026 as a flagship for Accor's newest luxury collection brand, blending its storied legacy with a visionary redesign.

Nature, Heritage, and a Sense of Place

Poised high above the Bow Valley, just minutes from downtown Banff, the property balances seclusion with proximity to the Banff Gondola and historic Upper Hot Springs. Though the current resort opened in 1993, this site has welcomed visitors since the early 1880s, when travellers first arrived seeking its natural springs for rejuvenation. For more than a century, this intimate retreat has embodied Banff's spiritual calm, cultivating a legacy of timeless charm, renewal, and elevated hospitality.

For decades, Rimrock Banff has offered a sanctuary in the heart of Banff National Park — a place of sweeping mountain vistas and a deep, immersive connection to nature. Its reinvention marks a new era, one that elevates its essence while preserving the authenticity guests have long cherished. The Emblems Collection brings together exceptional properties, each one defined by a unique identity, intimate sense of place, and a refined, enduring elegance.

"We don't just open hotels. We craft tomorrow's legacy. Rimrock Banff, Emblems Collection will be more than a luxurious retreat; it will be a place where the beauty of nature and the sophistication of Emblems come together to offer an unparalleled experience. As the first Emblems property in North America, it represents our vision for the brand: distinctive, intimate, and deeply connected to its surroundings. We are proud to bring this vision to life in collaboration with Oxford Properties Group, a trusted partner whose deep expertise and commitment to excellence are instrumental in shaping this next chapter for luxury hospitality in Canada."

— Maud Bailly, CEO of Sofitel Legend, Sofitel, MGallery and Emblems

Visionary Redesign Rooted in Nature

Studio Collective, renowned for its immersive and emotive design philosophy, is spearheading the visionary redesign at Rimrock Banff, Emblems Collection, shaping a contemporary retreat that seamlessly balances modern refinement and sustainability with raw natural beauty. This evolution introduces captivating new elements that redefine the guest experience, including: a breathtaking mountainside infinity pool with sweeping views of the Bow Valley, vitality pools, ice immersion bathing, panoramic saunas, meditation rooms, movement studios, and an expedition centre designed to offer guests insight into the adventures and activities available in the iconic Canadian Rockies. Wellbeing at the resort will be prioritized through thoughtful curation, offering year-round, season-to-season immersion within the natural elements while fostering profound introspection and exploration.

Emblems' Signature Approach to Intimate Luxury

Rimrock Banff, Emblems Collection will be a serene mountain retreat where nature and luxury exist in perfect harmony. Uninterrupted views of the national park's wild beauty will be preserved and enhanced, immersing guests in a renewed sense of place that captures the charismatic allure of the Canadian Rockies. At the heart of this new chapter are enhanced experiences centering on wellness, connection, and sensory-rich dining, with new restaurant and bar experiences drawing inspiration from the land and seasons, as well as the stories of Banff.

"Rimrock Banff has represented a place of relaxation, adventure, and luxury for travellers and local residents alike for generations. Alongside our longtime partners at Accor, we're proud to be reinvesting in this landmark destination and reimagining it as a new expression of quiet mountain luxury as the first ever Emblems Collection property in North America. Through this visionary redevelopment, Oxford will build on Rimrock's storied legacy by delivering a timeless and elevated hospitality experience that helps drive tourism to the Canadian Rockies while maintaining its historic identity. It is a unique and exciting opportunity that perfectly encapsulates our long-term conviction in the future of Canadian hospitality and deep commitment to investing in Canada, where we have announced over $2B of investment activity in the past month."

— Tyler MacDonald, Senior Vice President and Head of Hotels at Oxford Properties Group

Rimrock Banff, Emblems Collection's upcoming transformation is a key step in Emblems' global expansion, which includes iconic projects such as Lucknam Park Hotel & Spa, Emblems Collection in the UK, a renowned country house and British heritage icon near Bath; the Elatos Resort, Emblems Collection in Greece, an eco-wellness sanctuary on Mount Parnassus set to open in 2026; and Hotel Bellevue Cortina d'Ampezzo, Emblems Collection in Italy, a masterpiece of alpine luxury also scheduled for 2026. Emblems is on track to reach 15 properties signed by 2025, with its first property opening at the end of this year in Europe. The addition of Rimrock Banff, Emblems Collection marks the beginning of Emblems' presence in North America, setting the stage for further growth in the region.

— Maud Bailly, CEO of Sofitel Legend, Sofitel, MGallery and Emblems

Visionary Redesign Rooted in Nature

Studio Collective, renowned for its immersive and emotive design philosophy, is spearheading the visionary redesign at Rimrock Banff, Emblems Collection, shaping a contemporary retreat that seamlessly balances modern refinement and sustainability with raw natural beauty. This evolution introduces captivating new elements that redefine the guest experience, including: a breathtaking mountainside infinity pool with sweeping views of the Bow Valley, vitality pools, ice immersion bathing, panoramic saunas, meditation rooms, movement studios, and an expedition centre designed to offer guests insight into the adventures and activities available in the iconic Canadian Rockies. Wellbeing at the resort will be prioritized through thoughtful curation, offering year-round, season-to-season immersion within the natural elements while fostering profound introspection and exploration.

Emblems' Signature Approach to Intimate Luxury

Rimrock Banff, Emblems Collection will be a serene mountain retreat where nature and luxury exist in perfect harmony. Uninterrupted views of the national park's wild beauty will be preserved and enhanced, immersing guests in a renewed sense of place that captures the charismatic allure of the Canadian Rockies. At the heart of this new chapter are enhanced experiences centering on wellness, connection, and sensory-rich dining, with new restaurant and bar experiences drawing inspiration from the land and seasons, as well as the stories of Banff.

"Rimrock Banff has represented a place of relaxation, adventure, and luxury for travellers and local residents alike for generations. Alongside our longtime partners at Accor, we're proud to be reinvesting in this landmark destination and reimagining it as a new expression of quiet mountain luxury as the first ever Emblems Collection property in North America. Through this visionary redevelopment, Oxford will build on Rimrock's storied legacy by delivering a timeless and elevated hospitality experience that helps drive tourism to the Canadian Rockies while maintaining its historic identity. It is a unique and exciting opportunity that perfectly encapsulates our long-term conviction in the future of Canadian hospitality and deep commitment to investing in Canada, where we have announced over $2B of investment activity in the past month."

— Tyler MacDonald, Senior Vice President and Head of Hotels at Oxford Properties Group

Rimrock Banff, Emblems Collection's upcoming transformation is a key step in Emblems' global expansion, which includes iconic projects such as Lucknam Park Hotel & Spa, Emblems Collection in the UK, a renowned country house and British heritage icon near Bath; the Elatos Resort, Emblems Collection in Greece, an eco-wellness sanctuary on Mount Parnassus set to open in 2026; and Hotel Bellevue Cortina d'Ampezzo, Emblems Collection in Italy, a masterpiece of alpine luxury also scheduled for 2026. Emblems is on track to reach 15 properties signed by 2025, with its first property opening at the end of this year in Europe. The addition of Rimrock Banff, Emblems Collection marks the beginning of Emblems' presence in North America, setting the stage for further growth in the region.

rimrockresort.com

Phoenix, Arizona (June 18, 2025) — , the global hospitality enterprise comprised of , , and SureStay^® Hotels, continues its accelerated growth globally, with nearly 100 new hotels welcomed in the first half of 2025. The new hotels introduced this year are in the heart of high-demand destinations such as Latin America, the Middle East, and Asia Pacific — aligning with traveler interests and trends like cultural discovery, wellness, and outdoor adventure.

BWH Hotels has achieved this exceptional level of growth by prioritizing both domestic and international development, contributing to its emergence as the second-largest independent soft branding company in the world. The hospitality leader continues to build its development pipeline, which boasts more than 200 hotels and 15,000 keys. These new conversions and an impressive pipeline support the five-year “North Star” goal of achieving 5,000 hotels globally. This growth is further bolstered by the brand’s two award-winning loyalty programs, and , which deliver strong value to returning guests and hotel owners.

"The first half of 2025 has been nothing short of transformative for BWH Hotels. We've not just added hotels; we've strategically expanded our footprint, igniting our growth trajectory worldwide. This remarkable achievement is a testament to the unwavering dedication of our partners and hoteliers, who share our vision for unparalleled hospitality,” said Larry Cuculic, President and Chief Executive Officer of BWH Hotels. “As we surge toward our goal of 5,000 hotels, we’re not just meeting the steady demand for travel; we’re anticipating it, innovating within it, and creating exceptional experiences that will redefine the future of hospitality. Our commitment extends beyond growth; it’s about driving lasting value for our owners and building a truly global legacy."

 
Noteworthy New Properties

BWH Hotels has strengthened the portfolios across its 18 distinct brands, with the luxury and upscale segments achieving impressive growth, with additions including Soul Spring Sanctuary, WorldHotels Crafted Collection, in Xochitepec, Mexico; Wenlan Hotel, WorldHotels Elite Collection, in Northern Hangzhou, China; Best Western Premier® Hidden Hills Hotel in Istanbul, Turkey; The Dextro, BW Premier Collection®, in San Diego; Shades, Orakai Cheonggyesan Hotel, BW Premier Collection, in Seoul, South Korea; Best Western Port Lincoln in Port Lincoln, Australia; and Melrose at Seabrook, BW Signature Collection®, in Seabrook, Texas. The brand also introduced its first entry in the glamping accommodation category with Zion Wildflower Resort, WorldHotels Crafted Collection, outside of Zion National Park in Virgin, Utah. 

Doubling Down on the Middle East

BWH Hotels has made great strides toward its global growth goals by expanding in regions like the Middle East, where government investment in tourism complements rising demand in luxury and business travel options. As BWH Hotels moves closer to its goal of reaching 70 properties in the Middle East by 2027, it marked a significant milestone this year by signing eight new additions in 2025 to date, including WorldHotels King Road, Jeddah; The Pearl of Africa, WorldHotels Luxury Collection, in Kampala, Uganda; Best Western Premier, Riyadh; and Best Western Premier Madinah Hotel, Madinah. These landmark hotels join the fast-growing BWH Hotels portfolio in the region, which also includes the luxurious WorldHotels Crafted Sunflower Resort, AlUla; the contemporary Aiden® Shades Hotel, Jeddah; the Best Western Plus® Hotel, Makkah (opening Summer 2025); and the Executive Residency Al by Best Western® Shafa Hotel, Jeddah (opening Winter 2025).

Innovation in Emerging Categories

BWH is driving innovation and growth in emerging hotel categories that cater to modern traveler and developer needs, evidenced by the:

• Growth of @HOME by Best Western℠, a new-build, upper-midscale extended-stay brand with more than 30 hotels in development, that satisfies rising consumer and developer demand for properties offering comfort, flexibility, and contemporary amenities in a longer stay format.
• Introduction of multiple glamping resorts to the BWH development pipeline following the successful rollout of Zion Wildflower Resort, WorldHotels Crafted Collection earlier this year, equipping independent hotel operators the technology and procurement scale needed to succeed.

Continued expansion of the contemporary and fast-growing Aiden collection, a design-forward boutique brand that offers contemporary amenities and technology touchpoints, ideally positioned for chic urban destinations and reimagined property assets.

Toronto, ON (June 17, 2025) – Atlific Hotels is proud to announce that its managed property, Element Vancouver Metrotown, has completed a top-to-bottom transformation of its public spaces and a refresh of its guest rooms as the hotel celebrates its ten-year anniversary.  The renovation incorporates clever use of space, smart, fresh thinking, and a design reflecting the Element brand’s approach to sustainable, whole living.

"Atlific is proud of Element Vancouver Metrotown's renovations which will enhance the already wonderful guest experience as well as its position as a leader in sustainable, longer stays,” said Philippe Gadbois, Chief Operating Officer, Atlific Hotels. “It's an honour to have managed this exceptional property for 10 years and we look forward to continuing to meet the needs of today’s mindful traveller for many years to come.”

The renovations blend Element’s global philosophy with a sense of local energy. Guest rooms and key communal areas have been enhanced into multi-functional, human-centered spaces designed for both productivity and restoration. 

Guests are welcomed by a bright, uplifting palette that reflects Metrotown’s vibrancy, balanced by natural hues inspired by British Columbia’s lush landscape. Organic shapes and a curated mix of deep blues, forest greens, wood tones, and soft neutrals create a grounded, nature-inspired atmosphere that promotes whole, healthy living.

This layered, contemporary design fosters mental clarity, physical comfort, and emotional rejuvenation, starting with refreshed guest rooms featuring new bedding and modern lighting. Next, the lobby offers a refreshed arrival experience that feels welcoming and reflective of the environment, featuring modern soft seating, natural finishes, and abundant plants, evoking a sense of balance and calm. The fifth floor RISE & RELAX Lounge now offers flexible seating, eat and work zones and the hotel’s new, grounded colour palette that shifts with daylight. 

The hotel’s popular saltwater pool and whirlpool are now joined by an upgraded Motion Fitness Centre, featuring new lighting, refreshed walls, and energizing design accents to inspire healthy routines. As well, a complete update of the third-floor meeting space brings in curated artwork, new carpeting and furniture, and abundant greenery to promote clarity and creativity while making the space ideal for collaboration, events, or quiet focus. 

As part of Marriott’s Element by Westin brand, the hotel continues to offer long-stay essentials such as fully equipped kitchens, ergonomic workspaces, Westin’s Heavenly® Beds, and spa-inspired bathrooms. These comforts now coexist with spaces crafted for a lifestyle of balance, vitality, and sustainability. 

Atlific’s leadership brings operational excellence, ensuring curated experiences, high service standards, and eco-conscious practices aligned with evolving guest expectations.

Ideally situated in Burnaby’s business and shopping hub, just 20 minutes from downtown Vancouver, Element Vancouver Metrotown invites guests to live life away as they do at home; vibrantly, mindfully, and with sustainability in mind.

PLANO, TEXAS – June 17, 2025 —​​​ ​., bringing connected experiences to life, today announced the company will showcase its updated suite of solutions at HITEC Indianapolis June 16-19, in booth #3006. The new and enhanced offerings create better guest experiences and more efficiency and sustainability for hotel operations. Nomadix and Vingcard will also team up to discuss their collaboration on future offerings for hospitality, in a combined booth on the show floor.

“We’re pleased with our business and technology expansion, as Nomadix continues to serve properties of all sizes,” said Speleos Dravillas, chief revenue officer at Nomadix. “And now, as part of the ASSA ABLOY family, we have an opportunity to offer even more solutions to our partners and customers.”

The two key highlights of the show are:

• New Energy Management Solution: Launched last week, this purpose-built technology is based on a digitally secure, cloud-native architecture coupled with connected smart wireless thermostats. Easy to manage and leveraging existing Wi-Fi infrastructure, this full-featured EMS solution offers one of the industry’s lowest cost-of-ownership and fastest payback.
• New Internet Gateway EG 5K: Launched this week, the newest gateway model delivers secure and reliable Wi-Fi to properties where many users share the same guest network. Targeted at the midsize segment, it supports up to 5 Gbps of internet bandwidth and up to 5,000 simultaneously connected devices, while offering increased energy efficiency and higher performance.

In addition, Nomadix will be exhibiting its end-to-end hospitality technology portfolio, including some of its more recent evolutions:

• Passpoint: The company’s turnkey next-generation Wi-Fi onboarding platform is now enhanced with a new software development kit (SDK) to make it easy for customers to integrate the service into their mobile loyalty apps to incentivize downloads by visitors and guests.
• Captive Portal: For standard Wi-Fi onboarding requirements, this redesigned easy-to-manage guest access portal is built around simplicity and customization. The intuitive web interface enables non-technical team members to effortlessly configure secure and private visitor internet onboarding flows in minutes. 
• Nomadix Cloud: The latest release for the single-pane-of-glass management platform for Nomadix’s products features activity and connectivity monitoring, backups and licensing management.
• Cloud Telephony: The solution now offers a feature allowing housekeeping staff to update room readiness status in real-time in the PMS by dialling predefined codes from the in-room phone.

Nomadix was acquired in April 2024 by ASSA ABLOY, as part of the Vingcard business area. The companies are working together to offer complementary solutions to offer an end-to-end portfolio to the hospitality, build-to-rent/MDU and SLED markets.  

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