News Releases
Stay up-to-date with recent announcements and releases.
Post Hotel & Spa has been Awarded Wine Spectator’s Grand Award for the 21st time.
July 7, 2022 (Calgary, AB) – Post Hotel & Spa is pleased to announce that they have been awarded Wine Spectator’s Grand Award for the 21st consecutive year. The Grand Award wine program, which has been presented to the hotel annually since 2002, is under the direction of Cellar Master, Misun Bu and Sommelier, Julian Simard-Gillis. Since the previous owners, George & André Schwarz sold the hotel in November 2021, George is still overseeing the wine program on a consulting basis. The new owners, Canadian Rocky Mountain Resorts (CRMR) are committed to continue the wine program as before.
“We are dedicated to maintaining the long-standing reputation of one of the most notable wine cellars in Canada and upholding the incredible legacy of hospitality the Post Hotel & Spa is known for,” says Larkin O’Connor, President of CRMR. The dining room at Post Hotel & Spa is one of four Canadian restaurants to be bestowed the honour Wine Spectator’s Grand Award.
The wine cellar is located in the basement of the original 1940’s log lodge and is easily accessed from the Dining Room. Guests are in awe when they descend to the cellar and view the vast array of 20,500 bottles comprising of 2,473 labels. “Many bottles are ageing and are not yet listed, including both our Bordeaux and Burgundy collections from the 2017 and 2018 vintages,” says Bu. “Of special note, more than 95% of our wines were acquired at release and have been stored in our cellar since.” Surrounded by rack-filled walls, the main area of the cellar features a beautiful, custom-made table, ideal for special wine tastings and private dinners for up to 14 guests. Smaller storage areas in the cellar are cordoned-off with antique wrought-iron gates, each section housing carefully chosen treasures from the world’s greatest wine regions. Of course, the cellar is temperature and humidity controlled.
The Post Hotel & Spa wine program continues under the guidance and consultation of George Schwarz. Misun Bu has been the Cellar Master in charge of the beverage team since 2017 alongside Sommelier Julian Simard-Gillis who joined in 2018. Julian has recently won The Chaine des Rôtisseurs Young Sommeliers of Canada competition and will be going on to compete at the international competition in Europe later this year. Their dedication and knowledge have been greatly respected by management and guests. Misun, Julian and their team are always on hand in the dining room to assist guests with knowledgeable wine recommendations throughout their stay.
Media Inquiries & Requests
Pam Goldfeldt
Marketing Manager
Canadian Rocky Mountain Resorts
pam.goldfeldt@crmr.com
(c) 403.827.7266
(p) 403.775.7783
ABOUT CRMR
Canadian Rocky Mountain Resorts is a family of companies consisting of Emerald Lake Lodge in Field, British Columbia, Deer Lodge in Lake Louise, Alberta, Buffalo Mountain Lodge in Banff, Alberta. CRMR also owns The Lake House, Urban Butcher, QEVA and The Canadian Rocky Mountain Ranch.
ABOUT POST HOTEL & SPA
Originally built in 1942, The Post Hotel resonates with the spirit of its colourful founder, Sir Norman Watson – and the dedication of its current owners. Born in Switzerland, brothers André and George Schwarz were raised to appreciate good food, good wine and good company. For more than 43 years, their shared passion has been to welcome guests to this world-class Canadian Rocky Mountain resort. The Post Hotel & Spa is both the ideal accommodation for relaxation and the perfect starting point for most Canadian Rockies tours.
The Post Hotel & Spa is now part of the Canadian Rocky Mountain Resorts Family of Companies.
November 29, 2021 (Calgary, AB) – Canadian Rocky Mountain Resorts (CRMR) is pleased to announce that they will be adding a fourth hotel to their collection of rustic mountain lodges in the Canadian Rockies with the acquisition of the Relais & Chateaux Post Hotel & Spa in Lake Louise. In a parallel fashion to the Schwarz brothers, CRMR has taken on the lead investor role and the management contract for this unique property alongside other local Alberta investors.
CRMR also owns Buffalo Mountain Lodge in Banff, Deer Lodge in Lake Louise, and Emerald Lake Lodge on Emerald Lake as well as Urban Butcher and The Lake House in Calgary.
“We are extremely excited to carry on the incredible legacy of the Schwarz brothers and welcome The Post Hotel and Spa into our family of companies,” says Larkin O’Connor, President of CRMR. “Building upon the foundations that have been created by André and George, we look forward to continuing the traditions of the Post Hotel & Spa and honouring its renowned Schwarz hospitality.”
“This was an incredibly difficult decision for us,” says André, Co-Owner of The Post Hotel & Spa. “We are happy that CRMR, who is also a family-owned company, will be the new owners. They share with us a commitment to rocky mountain culture, excellent service and family values.”
“We view this sale and transition more as a passing of the torch, from a pair of brothers (André and me) to another pair of brothers (Ryan and Larkin), who are committed to carrying on the traditions of the Post Hotel & Spa that have led to creating great friends and lasting memories with all our guests and staff,” says George, Co-Owner of The Post Hotel & Spa. “We wish them every success with the Post Hotel & Spa and know our guests and staff will be treated as part of their family.”
In order to maintain consistency and uphold our commitment to the Schwarz legacy, the CRMR team will be retaining the current management team (Michael and Carol Schwarz) as well as all the staff at The Post Hotel & Spa and will work closely with them to ensure a smooth transition.
“Given the nature of this transaction, the major benefit is that we are able to retain all the staff in order to preserve the legacy, culture and atmosphere created by the Schwarz brothers,” says O’Connor. “The staff are what makes this property what it is, and we look forward to working, learning and growing with them.”
Matt Rachiele with Colliers International acted as financial advisor to CRMR on the acquisition. Rachiele’s hard work and shared passion helped match Ryan and Larkin O’Connor up with an equally passionate group of local Albertans. This once in a generation sale was completed in such a positive, collaborative, and passionate way, it could have only happened between individuals with a shared love of the Rockies and unmatched boutique hospitality experiences.
CRMR looks forward to welcoming The Post Hotel and Spa’s guests and staff into our family, as we continue to celebrate rocky mountain culture, Swiss-Canadian hospitality, and strong family values.
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For Images: High resolution images of all four gentlemen are located here: https://bit.ly/3o4znMC
For Media Requests:
Lauren Telfer
Director of Marketing & Communications
Lauren.telfer@crmr.com
587-893-8945
ABOUT CRMR
Canadian Rocky Mountain Resorts is a family of companies consisting of Emerald Lake Lodge in Field, British Columbia, Deer Lodge in Lake Louise, Alberta, Buffalo Mountain Lodge in Banff, Alberta. CRMR also owns The Lake House, Urban Butcher and The Canadian Rocky Mountain Ranch.
ABOUT THE POST HOTEL & SPA
Originally built in 1942, The Post Hotel resonates with the spirit of its colourful founder, Sir Norman Watson – and the dedication of its current owners. Born in Switzerland, brothers André and George Schwarz were raised to appreciate good food, good wine, and good company. For more than 43 years, their shared passion has been to welcome guests to this world-class Canadian Rocky Mountain resort. The Post Hotel & Spa is both the ideal accommodation for relaxation and the perfect starting point for most Canadian Rockies tours.
News Release: The Prow at Buffalo Mountain Lodge
Buffalo Mountain Lodge Announces The Prow
May 17, 2021 (Banff, AB) – After months of renovation imagery, teaser social media posts, and whispers of what’s to come, Buffalo Mountain Lodge in Banff is now proud to announce the launch of our bold new restaurant concept, The Prow. Buffalo Mountain Lodge is owned and operated by Canadian Rocky Mountain Resorts (CRMR).
The Prow will be a totally new restaurant in the award-winning Buffalo Mountain Lodge hotel on Tunnel Mountain Road. The concept is to bring guests amazing local cuisine in an approachable way, and catering to all dietary needs. The menu will include game meats, excellent shareables, and our luxe pastas made proudly in house. Guests can expect to see more variety in price points and offerings that suit all tastes.
The Prow has been working with Amanda Hamilton Interior Design, who runs an award-winning boutique design studio with expertise in commercial and residential design in Calgary and Vancouver. The design for The Prow is interpreted as bold, modern, and welcoming, with homage to the mountains surrounding it. Along with the restaurant, the renovations extend to the Lounge and Front Desk areas of the main lodge as well.
“When guests arrive, it will be a fresh new experience when they walk into the main lodge. The renovations will really be striking to return customers.”, CRMR owner Larkin O’Connor notes.
CRMR is proud to present some familiar faces, with Lance Monteiro as Chef de Cuisine at The Prow. Monteiro was the Head Chef at Cilantro Restaurant and Bar C in Calgary, both under the CRMR banner, and returns with a force in Banff to flex his expertise and creativity.
“The name for The Prow comes from its roots in climbing and skiing. Activities in the Rockies are a huge part of our lives, so it really fit the space. It refers to an overhanging arete in climbing, or the highest point on the ski hill. It also reflects the proud protruding entrance, which you can see in the design of Buffalo Mountain Lodge’s buildings.”, O’Connor explains.
The Prow is expected to open its doors in June 2021.