With the intention of raising the bar of current upscale hotel offerings in Canada, Accor North America and Realstar Hospitality Corp. today announced they will build a new, stylish "designed in Canada" Novotel prototype in Montreal at the Technoparc St. Laurent Research Park. Novotel Montreal Ouest is scheduled to open in Fall 2006.

The 5-story, 120-room prototype, was designed in Canada by the award-winning teams of WZMH Architects Limited and II by IV Design Associates, the creative and forward thinking groups behind such projects as the CN Tower; Canadian Space Agency, Scotia Plaza in Toronto (WZMH Architects); the Maple Leaf Lounge at the Air Canada Centre and Virgin Mobile's new Canadian headquarters (II by IV Design Associates).

A highlight of the new prototype is its modern, sophisticated architecture that offers flexibility of common space, and focuses on the leisure, lounge and restaurant areas.

"Our new prototype is the perfect marriage of leading-edge boutique-style design and a great upper-mid-market brand," said Irwin Prince, President and COO of Realstar Hospitality. "Today's traveler appreciates design and comfort, things that are often mutually exclusive. We are building a hotel that offers both, and will be the standard as we develop more Novotel properties across Canada."

Novotel Montreal Ouest draws on the best elements of Accor's European heritage of forward-thinking design, but takes into account North American preferences and offers guest rooms featuring innovative responses to common requests. For example, a headboard with integrated lighting - strategically positioned - provides excellent reading light while in bed. Wall-mounted flat screen televisions, portable telephones, complimentary high speed internet access and ample working space are all part of the standard amenity offering. Guest bathrooms, inspired by Novotel's ambitious and popular "Novation" upgrade program, feature a fashion-savvy vanity design with ample lighting and chic fixtures. Oversize, walk-in showers and translucent doors that enter the room at a 45-degree angle, create a spacious and relaxing guest area.

The initial impression is equally important and the architects and design team spent countless hours creating the perfect entrance. A distinctive glass curtain wall combined with a gracious porte-cochere is incorporated into the sweeping exterior design of the building - an adaptable and practical main-floor feature that creates a refined focal point.

A variety of exterior interpretations have been created so that the prototype design will fit comfortably into any environment, while maintaining the integrity of both the hotel and its surroundings - whether city centre or rural resort.

Mel Glickman, principal of WZMH Architects Limited, added, "Most franchise brands in Canada are based on an American-designed building. Looking at Novotel hotels around the world, we were determined to design a prototype that would stand out from the typical stucco and brick standard hotel fare."

"We were truly inspired as we adapted Accor's European design to the prototype," said Keith Rushbrook, principal of II by IV Design Associates. "We've created a wonderful sense of European environment throughout the entire hotel, and we're particularly proud of the seamless integration of lobby, lounge and restaurant on the main floor."

The hotel also features large, flexible meeting space with break-out rooms designed specifically to incorporate natural light - a commodity not often found in typical branded hotels. In addition, a fitness studio, indoor pool and whirlpool are all on-site. An exceptional menu and creative bar offerings are just a few of the hotel's special features.

About Realstar Hospitality Corp. | Realstar Hospitality is a leading developer, operator and franchisor of major hospitality brands in Canada and the United Kingdom. Realstar Hospitality Corp. acquired the master franchise rights for the Motel 6, Studio 6 and Novotel brands for Canada in 2003. The company plans an aggressive expansion of the Novotel brand across the country based on the new Montreal prototype combined with a select number of conversion properties.

About Accor North America | Headquartered in Carrollton, Texas, Accor North America operates more than 1,200 upscale and economy properties including Sofitel, Novotel, Ibis, Red Roof Inn, Studio 6 and Motel 6 locations in the U.S., Canada and Mexico.