Hi folks

So much more than accommodation, Pantages Hotel Toronto City Center provides a calm and tranquil environment sure to soothe the mind, body and soul. In the heart of the hotel lies our famous Martini Bar and Lounge, with the live and electronica entertainment and such a perfect gathering place for friends and colleagues, this space can transform into wonderful diversion from the stresses of the day.



We are very proud of our relationship with our performers and if you have not yet done so, we highly recommend you experience Robert Scott and The Great Bob Scott (every Friday), Brooke Nicholls, DJ Danny T, Two time Juno nominated and one time Grammy nominated Belinda Bailey and our newest addition to the line up straight from her staring role in We Will Rock You, Erica Peck.



Our After Work Social provides the perfect Thursday night venue and our Legacy events have been a great success for meeting people and networking.



Although I must remain discrete, many famous faces have enjoy libations and even joined in with our performers for very memorable evenings. So whether you want to enjoy a romantic cocktail with your loved one, a small gathering of colleagues or friends, the Martini Bar and Lounge is quickly becoming one of Toronto’s scenes to be seen.



Thank you to all my team at the Pantages Hotel Toronto City Center , led by Andrew Van Buskirk, the hotel director of operation and to Michael Kay our art, food and beverage director.



So until the next time…..enjoy!



David

Hi all,

Sorry it's been a little while since I've updated this. It's been very busy at both hotels and I guess that's a good thing!
But I will endeavour to update this blog regularly every week.

In today's blog, I want to talk about the new and exciting changes at our Martini Bar. Where to begin? Well, I guess first is the menu and drinks list. Our excellent Executive Chef Derek Kennedy (who I've raved about before in this blog) has come up with an interesting yet approachable menu. On the menu sure to be favourites: Crispy Duck Wontons, Freshly house-made Guacamole, a take on the kiddie fave, Tater Tots with a very grown-up smoked ham and whipped potato, and of the definite faves so far, mini-Berkshire Pork Sandwiches. As for our signature cocktails and martinis...our house specialty martini that we call The Pantini, is always a great thirst-quencher, but quickly on its heels is our delicious Raspberry Mojito. Of course you can be like James Bond and have a classic martini--shaken, not stirred of course.

Ok, so that alone should want to make you run and try it out.

But if that wasn't enough, we have some AMAZING specialty nights that have become very popular and they've only just begun:

"M3" Mondays - $5 Martinis, Mojitos & Mac & Cheese, with LIVE DJ

"After Work Social" Thursdays - $2 Mini Burgers & $5 Red Stripe, with LIVE DJ

"Jazz-Out" Fridays - $10 Premium Purple Haze Martinis, with LIVE PERFORMANCES by Robert Scott and Bob Scott

"Soundscape" Saturdays - $10 Premium Pantini Martinis, with LIVE DJ

Come check out all the great changes and drop us a line here to let us know what you think!

Until next time...

David

There's a story about our Lifestyle Specialist (concierge) going out in a rainstorm to get fresh coconut juice for one of our guests...

And then there's the story about one of our housekeepers noticing a birthday card in a guest's room while cleaning and quickly notified our kitchen, which resulted in the guest receiving a delicious - and unexpected birthday cake from us...

The thing is, these are not just "stories". It's everyday life at The Pantages Hotel. And a huge reason why we recently received our highest Guest Satisfaction Survey results in the high 90s!

What's a Guest Satisfaction Survey? It's a survey that our guests fill out through an independent third-party company, after they've stayed with us. Things like cleanliness of the room, friendliness and helpfulness of the staff, etc. are judged.

Is there room for improvement? Of course. We are always striving to be the best.

But what my team and I here at The Pantages firmly believe is that if you take care of the guest - if you really live the hospitality that's in all of your marketing, then it will shine through.

A big thank you therefore to all the wonderful, genuinely dedicated staff at The Pantages. Each and every department that comes into contact with our guest has an impact--from our sales department, to our valet, to our front desk, to our housekeeping staff. You are true superstars and without you, there would be no personality to our brand.

If you have yet to experience our truly unique and personalized service here at The Pantages, try us the next time you are in need of accommodations in Toronto. And drop me a line to let me know about your experience.

We look forward to meeting you...

Best,
David

We’re in the week of love…Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. And I believe we’re offering some of the best packages in the city to woo your loved one!

From an extensive list of romantic packages (check out our website www.pantageshotel.com for more specific info and to make reservations), featuring chocolate covered strawberries, fresh rose petals, couples massages, and long stemmed roses for your pillow to red, white (even non-alcoholic) wines and champagnes…and did I mention the endless supply of rose petals inviting you to your exceptional suite and bed?

Our Martini Bar and Lounge has become the perfect place to propose to your one and only, and we’ve been bombarded with phone calls from nervous grooms looking for that inspired and memorable way to pop the question. As some of you regulars will know, the Martini Bar only hosts top notch performers…however we have made some exceptions recently to allow a few grooms to play our Yamaha Grand piano to woo their fiancée! Their talents have ranged from the good, the bad, to downright ugly...but to date, it has always resulted in a YES! Proving once again it’s the thought that counts!!

One proposing groom-to-be actually stopped by in advance to drop off his engagement ring and asked us to create a dessert around it! Our staff are quite good at keeping track of multiple martini orders…but ALSO having to take care and guard a 2 karat diamond ring is a whole other matter! Jessica took great care of the symbol and our amazing Executive Chef, Derek Kennedy created a delicious and culinary masterpiece to surround it…now that’s one expensive order!

One of my greatest memories was watching one of our housekeepers help set the room for a nice, but extremely nervous young man. Lily was assisting him in placing all of his special tokens to set the perfect scene…reassuring him “don’t worry…she’ll say yes!!! Lily of course was right, and the two have decided to make The Pantages Suites Hotel & Spa their hotel of choice for their wedding night.

So give us a call and we will put your nerves to rest! We speak and translate the language of love… Whether you are looking for a memorable night or the memory of a lifetime, our amazing team at Pantages Suites Hotel and Spa will set cupid’s stage for you…



Best,
David

Hi Folks
I am about to complete my two weeks at Cornell University and head back to my family, to the Pantages, and to the Cosmopolitan in Toronto. I was so lucky that I could spend this time here without having to worry about the hotel's operations or sales. I know I have the best executive team backing me up who do what ever it takes to successfully deal with every challenge that arises. Actually, I find it very beneficial for every manager to try and handle issues directly that usually would have come through the General Manager's desk.

This is a great opportunity to thank my team members back in the two hotels in Toronto for allowing me to graduate this program without being worried on a daily basis.

Below, I'd like to take this opportunity to introduce you to some of my colleagues I've had the pleasure to meet here at Cornell. They are some of the best and brightest General Managers from successful hotels and resorts from 23 countries including Greece, Switzerland, U.S., Costa Rica, Monaco, Germany, South Africa, Egypt, China, Singapore, Mexico, Spain, Canada and many more.

Take care and I am looking forward to coming back to Toronto.

Yours

David