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King Edward's doorman dressed to celebrate
Skyline's Kevin Toth, President & COO;
Jeff Waters, General Manager, The King Edward Hotel; and Gil Blutrich, President
Councillor Pam McConnell & Gil Blutrich unveil the history wall
Guests were treated to King Edward's infamous high tea
It was another milestone to be marked in Toronto’s history as the King Edward Hotel celebrated its 110th anniversary last week. Representatives from Skyline Hotels & Resorts and other travel professionals gathered at the landmark and travelled back in time to 1903. Guests were treated to a guided tram tour of Old Towne Toronto before the museum and history wall, a gallery of historical photos, was unveiled in the hotel lobby.
“We can’t leave the present and plan for the future without respecting the past,” said Gil Blutrich, President of Skyline. “We need to keep history alive.”
Blutrich told guests that when Skyline received the opportunity to acquire the King Edward last year, there were plans of converting the property into a student dormitory. Now the company is striving to keep the hotel’s original charm with a $35 million renovation.
The King Edward was built by George Gooderham. It cost $3 million to construct and the room rate for one night was $1.50. It was the only luxury hotel east of Yonge Street at the time and has hosted a broad range of celebrities including The Beatles, Elvis Presley, Mark Twain, Margaret Thatcher, John Lennon and Yoko Ono, Beyonce, Britney Spears and probably most famously, Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton.
“Skyline is keeping Gooderham’s legacy alive,” said Councillor Pam McConnell. “These aren’t just brick and mortar. They are important cornerstones of Toronto’s story. Because of Skyline, these stories live with every tourist that comes by.”
Before the end of the day’s festivities, guests enjoyed a lovely high tea in the King Edward’s Sovereign Ballroom. Visitors will also have the chance to take part in anniversary celebrations as they continue for the rest of May. The hotel will be hosting Sunday brunch, high tea and will feature a special “throwback” menu and cocktails in its restaurant. May 25th is Doors Open Toronto and guests will have the rare opportunity to visit the King Edward’s Crystal Ballroom (the ballroom was closed in the 1970s due to fire code regulations). The museum and history gallery continue to be exhibited month-long as well.
