Brandon-based Genesis acquires hotels in Calgary

A Brandon-based hospitality company has expanded its portfolio into Calgary with the acquisition of two Marriott-branded hotels near Calgary International Airport.

Genesis Hospitality Management acquired the Courtyard by Marriott Calgary Airport and Residence Inn by Marriott Calgary Airport in September, adding 329 guest rooms and extended-stay suites to its portfolio.

The six-storey dual-branded property, located at 2500 and 2530 48th Ave. NE., was built in 2012 and includes 171 rooms at the Courtyard and 158 extended-stay suites at the Residence Inn.

Entering the Calgary market was a strategic move for the company, which had been looking for an opportunity in the city for some time, Genesis executive president Kevin Swark said.

“Calgary properties were particularly attractive because they are Marriott brands Genesis already knows well,” he told the Sun.

“We have six other Marriott hotels in our portfolio. We’re very familiar with Courtyard by Marriott and Residence Inn by Marriott, so they’re great brands to work with and great brands to own.”

The condition and performance of the hotels were also factors in the acquisition.

“These two hotels were in very good condition and not that old, so they had been quite successful in the past number of years,” Swark said.

The properties offer a combined 7,900 square feet of conference and event space, including the Stampede Ballroom, which can accommodate up to 300 people. Guests at both hotels also have access to an indoor pool, sauna, fitness centre and complimentary airport shuttle service.

The acquisition brings Genesis’ total portfolio to 16 hotels that it owns or manages across Canada, up from 14 before the Calgary purchase. The company employs about 1,100 people across its properties.

In Manitoba, the company owns the Victoria Inn and Clarion Hotel in Brandon, as well as the Victoria Inn in Winnipeg and the Victoria Inn in Flin Flon.

Its broader portfolio also includes Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt, Hampton Inn and Comfort Inn properties in Ontario and Alberta.

Genesis does not plan major changes to the properties following the acquisition. Swark said both hotels were renovated within the past two years and will continue operating under their existing Marriott brands.

The company also plans to retain the existing workforce.

“We’re not making any changes to the employees. We need all of those employees to continue running the hotel as is,” Swark said.

“It’s just simply an ownership change at the top end, and nothing changes with the guests.”

Swark said the company hopes to acquire additional properties over the next few years, although it does not currently have another deal underway.

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