Sternlicht turning Toronto's Thompson into Canada's first 1 Hotel

Starwood Capital Group CEO/Chairman Barry Sternlicht is bringing his 1 Hotels brand to Canada.

Barry Sternlicht
Starwood Capital Group
CEO/Chairman Barry Sternlicht

Photo credit: Christopher Michel

The upcoming 1 Hotel Toronto is being developed in partnership with Mohari Hospitality, a global real estate investment company and owner of the building, which currently operates as the Thompson Toronto, part of the Hyatt portfolio. The downtown property will undergo an "extensive transformation" ahead of the rebranding.

"1 Hotel Toronto will introduce the city to a new standard for an eco-conscious luxury experience, and is the first of its kind in Canada," said Sternlicht.

The brand reuses existing structural and reclaimed materials gathered from the local community, including timber, driftwood and local limestone.

The hotel will remain open and operating as the Thompson until the renovation begins.

In June, Sternlicht announced plans for a "little brother" brand to the 1 Hotels flag. Treehouse Hotels, set to officially launch later this year in London, will be a "less-serious" take on hospitality, he said at the time.

SH Hotels & Resorts, a subsidiary of Starwood Capital Group, will manage the new brand's hotels on behalf of Starwood Capital.