Photo Courtesy www.ottawa-airport.ca

 In keeping with the theme of excellent customer service from our blog post two weeks ago about Minto Suite Hotel, it is a privilege to share another business in our community receiving recognition.

On February 14^th, the Airports Council International (ACI) announced that  Ottawa International Airport  be honoured once again with several awards in the Airport Service Quality (ASQ) customer service benchmarking program.  ACI has ranked Ottawa International Airport as first in North American (all sizes of airport), and second in the World (for airports that serve 2-5 million passengers).  Since Ottawa International has joined the ASQ program in 2004, they have finished in the top three positions in each category that they qualify for.  This is an amazing accomplishment!!  A huge congratulation is in order to the Ottawa International team, on making Ottawa an inspiring destination for visitors!

Attention all fashionistas, you weekend of fashion has finally arrived!!  Over the course of 6 seasons, Ottawa Fashion Week (OFW) has become a stage for national and international designers to showcase the newest designs in Canada’s capital.  This is not only an opportunity to showcase wonderful talent, but also unite the art and fashion industry!  Tickets are still available from Ottawa Festival Tickets.  Tickets range in price from a day pass $45-55, to a week pass for $95.  A $10 portion of your ticket price will be donated to UNICEF Canada.  For those who want to sit in the front row, like Anna Wintour, there are just a few spots left!

Elizbourk,  frAsh, DeMOYO and Ella Peru, are just some of the labels you will see represented at this weekend’s Ottawa Fashion Week, held at the Westin Hotel.  The week officially begins today, February 17th, and will run until Sunday, February 19th.

Minto Suite Hotel has received CAA/AAA’s prestigious 4-Diamond for the 18^th year in a row!  This is a feat that very few can accomplish!  The CAA/ AAA ranks lodging and restaurants each year based on rigorous evaluation and impromptu inspections.  The Four Diamond award is given to upscale establishments whose accommodations offer superior quality and style.   The establishments in North and East Ontario that have been chosen for the Four Diamond Award are part of a select group representing the highest ranks in the hospitality industry.

To be eligible for the evaluation, properties must meet Four Diamond requirements during an unannounced inspection of the establishment.  Once an establishment has been designated as CAA/AAA Approved, inspectors must then assign a rating of One to Five Diamonds based on the extensiveness of services, quality of the facilities and amenities.

Minto Suite Hotel is one of only 5 hotels (out of more than 59 hotels within the city) that received the 4-Diamond Award – an incredible accomplishment!  If you have ever been to Minto Suite Hotel you’ll understand why they have been awarded this honor year after year!  Minto Suite Hotel offers guests spacious suites, a convenient location, and of course a wonderful and friendly staff!  The team at Minto truly offers an inspired experience, just as the service vision states: “We create personalized experiences and commit to developing a culture, where we inspire our guests and one another through a genuine passion to show hospitality.” 

It is the perfect little getaway for family, couples, or business travelers, as it has something to offer everyone!   From the indoor pool and fitness centre, bike rental during the summer season, various restaurants and shopping centers that are just steps away and the new business center!  These are just some of the reasons that set Minto apart from other hotels in the area and have earned the status of a 4-Diamond property!

                                                                                                     Winterlude officially kicks off today!!  This three week event offers all ages, something wonderful to enjoy!  The official ceremonies begin tonight at the American Express Winterlude Opening, with activities at Jacques-Cartier Park and the Museum of Civilization, as well as a beautiful display of musical fireworks at 9pm tonight!  This is a light show that cannot be missed!

Here are just a glimpse of the many activities you and your family can take part in!  Head over to Gatineau to take a ride down the giant slide, try to Zumba in the snow or check out the snow maze at Snowflake Kingdom at Jacques-Cartier Park.  Or across the bridge in Ottawa, you can find Confederation park turned into Rogers Crystal Garden.  In the Crystal Garden, you will find BlizzArt, Ice-Carving Competitions, and numerous DJs!  And finally, you can always go skating at the Rideau Canal!  Don’t forget to pick up a hot Chocolate and a Beaver Tail!  If you want to check out all the activities being held across the city, check out: Canada’s Capital/ Winterlude

Grab your coat, hat and gloves and get out an enjoy all this city has to offer during this wonderful three week festival!