A Canadian "First": The Place d'Armes Hotel & Suites Receives International Star Diamond Award for Outstanding Hospitality

1 January 1970

The Antonopoulos Group of boutique hotels and restaurants is pleased to announce that The Place d'Armes Hotel & Suites has been awarded the prestigious International Star Diamond Award-the first ever bestowed upon a Canadian hotel-in recognition of its exceptional hospitality, gastronomy, and service.

Recipients are chosen annually by the American Academy of Hospitality Sciences, based in New York City, and governed by an international Board of Trustees, including Mr. Donald J. Trump.

"We are thrilled to receive this award, and privileged to share it with other premier destinations worldwide," said Dimitri Antonopoulos, Vice President of Marketing for the Antonopoulos Group. "The Place d'Armes is an extraordinary hotel, a mélange of historic old world charm and luxurious modern amenities, truly unique to Old Montreal. We are extremely proud to be the first hotel in Canada to be so honoured."

The International Star Diamond Award was recently presented to the Place d'Armes Hotel & Suites during a star-studded gala celebration in Old Montreal. Special guests included Tara Conner, Miss USA(R) 2006 and members of the Quebec circus troupe Cirque Eloize, as well as the Honourable Liza Frulla, Olympic sprinter Bruni Surin, designers Jean-Claude Poitras and Yves Montpetit, and actress Jacynthe René.

"Over the years, the International Star Diamond Award has become the most prestigious emblem of achievement and true quality. The Place d'Armes Hotel & Suites is an exquisite property, and well deserving of this distinction," said Mr. Joseph D. Cinque, President of the American Academy of Hospitality Sciences.

An elegant testimony to Montreal's rich heritage, the recently expanded Place d'Armes Hotel & Suites represents in total a $29 million investment in regional tourism. This award-winning, sophisticated boutique hotel boasts 83 rooms and 52 suites, extensive conference and meeting space, and banquet facilities. In addition, the hotel houses popular gastronomic bar/lounge Suite 701, and Rainspa, a 2,000-square foot, urban day spa with Montreal's first hammam-a Turkish-inspired steam bath.

About the American Academy of Hospitality Sciences

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The American Academy of Hospitality Sciences is renowned worldwide for awarding excellence in the global travel and luxury services sector. Each year the Academy bestows its coveted International Star Diamond Award exclusively on five star establishments-hotels, restaurants, chefs, airlines, cruise lines, and products-deemed to be of pinnacle quality by its esteemed Board of Trustees. Among these trustees are some of the finest corporate hoteliers and celebrated three star Michelin chefs in the world. The International Star Diamond Award is the most prestigious emblem of achievement and true quality-an award many strive for, but few attain.

Evaluations of establishments are based primarily on gastronomy, hospitality, attitude, quality, cleanliness and above all, service. The decisions of the Academy are based exclusively on whether the establishment demonstrates a commitment to excellence in luxury and service within its category and classification. This standard of dedication is what sets the Academy's internationally recognized Star Diamond Award apart from all others.

For more information, please visit www.stardiamondaward.com.

About The Antonopoulos Group

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Since arriving in Canada 30 years ago from their native Greece, brothers Tony and Costa Antonopoulos have built a portfolio of elegant restaurants and boutique hotels in the historic district of Old Montreal. Their consistent delivery of outstanding client services has raised the bar on hospitality industry standards. They have been instrumental in the development of area tourism, as recognized by the Tourism Montreal 2000 Special Development Prize. Their work in support of Quebec culture and heritage has also been recognized, and they were proud recipients of the 1998 Exceptional Achievement Award from the Food and Consumer Products Manufacturers of Canada.

The Antonopoulos Group operations employ more than 400 people, and hotel, restaurant, bar and spa holdings include: Restaurant du Vieux-Port, Galiano's, Modavie Restaurant Wine Bar, Auberge du Vieux-Port, Restaurant Les Remparts, Bar à Vin-Remparts, Le Place d'Armes Hotel & Suites, Aix Cuisine du Terroir, Suite 701, Rainspa, Hotel Nelligan and Verses Restaurant.

For additional information about the Antonopoulos Group please visit www.oldmontrealhotels.com or access each hotel individually at: www.hotelnelligan.com, www.aubergeduvieuxport.com, www.hotelplacedarmes.com.

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For further information: high-resolution photos, or to coordinate an interview with a spokesperson from the Antonopoulos Group, please contact: Communications MECA: Julie Lepsetz, (514) 288-8500 x233, jlepsetz@meca.ca; Hind Ounis, (514) 288-8500 x234, hounis@meca.ca

Source: newswire

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