Union Hotel has been nominated for Hospitality Project of the Year, while Silver Hotel Group has been recognized for both Canadian Hospitality Ownership or Management and Uniquely Canadian Brand.
These nominations come from the True North Awards, an initiative created to recognize and celebrate the designers, developers, and visionaries shaping Canada’s hospitality and multi-residential spaces. Presented by NEWH, a leading networking organization in the hospitality industry, the awards spotlight the people and projects pushing boundaries, building community, and raising the bar for design excellence across the country.
These nominations mark an exciting moment for both Union Hotel and Silver Hotel Group. Together, they represent years of collaboration, creativity, and investment in building something that feels distinctly local—yet elevated.
Located in the heart of Toronto’s Financial District, Union Hotel was designed to be more than just a place to stay. With 189 rooms and a personality shaped by the city around it, the hotel brings together design, culture, and community in a way that feels both intentional and effortless.
At the same time, Silver Hotel Group’s recognition speaks to its long-standing role in shaping hospitality across Canada—bringing a forward-thinking approach to every property while staying grounded in what guests actually want: connection, comfort, and authenticity.
Union Hotel’s nomination for Hospitality Project of the Year is a reflection of the vision behind it—and the many hands that brought it to life.
From the outset, the goal was to create a space that feels uniquely Toronto. That meant moving away from generic hotel design and instead leaning into a hyper-local approach: collaborating with Canadian artists, sourcing products locally, and designing spaces that encourage connection.
The result is a boutique hotel that feels layered and lived-in. Guestrooms feature custom millwork, Canadian-made bath amenities, and curated artwork that gives each space its own character. Throughout the property, design elements subtly nod to Toronto’s textile and rail history, tying the past to the present in a way that feels modern, not nostalgic.
Beyond design, the experience itself was a key part of the vision. Spaces like the 6ix Courtyard and social lounge invite guests to gather, while partnerships and programming bring an added layer of culture to the stay. It’s this balance—between aesthetics and experience—that makes the project stand out.
Silver Hotel Group’s nomination for Uniquely Canadian Brand highlights something Union Hotel lives and breathes every day: a commitment to local.
Across the hotel, Canadian makers and collaborators are front and centre. From bath amenities by Routine to marketplace products sourced through partners like Whence, every detail has been thoughtfully chosen to support Canadian businesses. Even the hotel’s retail and merchandise—from robes to tote bags—reflect a focus on local design and craftsmanship.
Food and beverage follow the same philosophy. At the Humble Donkey Café + Lounge, partnerships with Toronto-based vendors bring the city’s flavours directly into the hotel, creating a dining experience that feels grounded and familiar, yet elevated.
Rather than simply saying “local,” Union Hotel shows what that actually looks like—through real partnerships, real products, and real stories.
The nomination for Canadian Hospitality Ownership or Management recognizes Silver Hotel Group’s broader impact on the industry—something that’s clearly reflected in Union Hotel.
With a portfolio of properties across the country, Silver Hotel Group has built a reputation for long-term stewardship and thoughtful investment. The focus isn’t just on opening hotels, but on creating spaces that evolve with their guests and communities.
At Union, that philosophy comes through in the details. From the way spaces are designed to encourage gathering, to the emphasis on guest experience at every touchpoint, there’s a clear intention behind how the hotel operates. It’s not about following trends—it’s about setting a tone that feels current, creative, and connected.
What makes Union Hotel stand out is how seamlessly everything comes together.
Art plays a central role, with Canadian pieces curated throughout the lobby and guestrooms, alongside large-scale murals that add energy and personality to the space. The hotel feels alive—constantly shaped by the artists and creators behind it.
Then there’s the atmosphere. Whether it’s grabbing a coffee at Humble Donkey, spending time in the courtyard, or simply moving through the space, there’s a sense that the hotel was designed for people to connect. It’s social without being overwhelming, stylish without being overdone.
At its core, Union Hotel reflects a simple idea: that hospitality can be thoughtful, local, and a little more personal.
While these nominations are a moment to celebrate, they’re also a sign of what’s ahead.
Union Hotel continues to evolve, with new partnerships, programming, and creative collaborations always in the works. The goal remains the same—to create a space that feels relevant, engaging, and rooted in the city it calls home.
None of this would be possible without the people behind it. From the artists and makers to the team members and guests who bring the space to life every day, Union Hotel is truly a collective effort.
These nominations are as much a recognition of that community as they are of the hotel itself.
We’re incredibly proud to be recognized alongside so many inspiring names in Canadian hospitality.
If you’ve experienced Union Hotel—or simply believe in celebrating Canadian creativity and design—we’d love your support.
Learn more about the True North Awards and vote for us!
