WWW.WINDERMEREHOUSE.COM Windermere H O U S E THE CONGENIAL CORNERSTONE OF MUSKOKA
WINDERMERE HOUSE AT A GLANCE WINDERMERE HOUSE WHAT: A 4-star luxury hotel and resort that exemplifies success in the hospitality industry through strategic planning, exceptional service, and continuous innovation. WHERE: M uskoka, Ontario, Canada WEBSITE: w ww.windermerehouse.com THE CONGEN CORNERSTO OF MUSKOK 1 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 11, ISSUE 08
NIAL ONE A Windermere House in Muskoka Ontario oozes old world charm, provides luxury accommodation to decerning tourist and business travelers and caters to both local residents and patrons. Those fortunate enough to have experienced the charms of Windermere House have come away both renewed and holding fond memories of their stay. This 4-star luxury hotel & resort has sustained its success through Discover the partnerships, planning, and excellent amenities defining Muskoka’s premier luxury resort experience. 2 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 11, ISSUE 08
a blend of strategic planning, impeccable service, and continuous innovation. This includes enhancing guest experiences through personalized services, state-of-the-art facilities, and a commitment to environmental sustainability. The operational excellence displayed at Windermere House is second to none and forms the bedrock of its organizational expansion, encompassing rigorous staff training, efficient management practices, and robust financial strategies. These operations also extend to fostering local partnerships, supporting community initiatives, and promoting cultural enrichment, thereby embedding the hotel within its locale. At the core of this endeavor lies a relentless pursuit of guest satisfaction. Exceeding expectations through culinary excellence, bespoke concierge services and memorable events ensures a loyal clientele and positive word-of-mouth. However, the hotel takes it further, bridging the traditional with the contemporary by embracing digital innovation like seamless booking platforms and interactive guest experiences to enhance accessibility and engagement. Success for Windermere House looks like a harmonious convergence of exceptional service, sustainable practices, and meaningful community integration. Amid the post-COVID-19 recovery that many hotels are still trying to bounce back from, Windermere House stands above the crowd with glowing guest reviews, high occupancy rates, and a reputation as a destination of choice among discerning travelers. By embracing these principles, this luxury resort is thriving while setting a benchmark for excellence in the competitive world of hospitality. EMBRACING MUSKOKA AS IT CHANGES Nestled in the heart of Ontario’s picturesque Muskoka region, Windermere House stands as a beacon of hospitality and a cornerstone of community 3 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 11, ISSUE 08 WINDERMERE HOUSE
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integration and seasonal resilience. During the winter, the town of Windermere itself usually supports a population of 100-150 people. As the warmer months roll in people return to their summer homes and tourists visit, so that number jumps up to about 400. Typically, hotels in this environment experience feast and famine cycles between the slow and active months. However, recently, Windermere House has become more of a centralizing presence in the Muskoka region. “The resort itself has changed dramatically ever since we purchased the property a year ago... we came into the resort with a 5-year plan, knowing exactly what our investment was going to be,” explains VP of Sales and Marketing Joe Hall. Amid a region that fluctuates with the seasons, Windermere House has taken a welcoming stance as the region’s most memorable and pleasant constant. The hotel itself provides guests with a personalized slice of history through its pristinely maintained Victorian-era style decor, so when guests arrive, they feel like they’re in an entirely new environment. Windermere House leaders are improving on this experience by enhancing the resort amenities in the immediate area while promoting all of the highquality life opportunities that Muskoka itself has to offer. “Some of the newer amenities and features we’ve included this year are 3 new barrel saunas that overlook beautiful Lake Rosso. We’ve expanded the pool area… included a large hot tub, converted the tennis ball courts into pickleball courts, to get the best of both worlds for our guests,” Hall says. The resort has leaned its focus on promoting the outdoor activities available to guests like canoeing, 5 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 11, ISSUE 08 WINDERMERE HOUSE
kayaking, paddleboarding, the beach, ice skating, and even snowmobiling. From its humble beginnings to its current status as a thriving 57-room resort, Windermere House has weathered challenges and embraced opportunities and is now embodying the essence of Muskoka living year-round! NAVIGATING CHALLENGES WITH RESILIENCE The COVID-19 pandemic posed significant challenges for Windermere House, as it did for the entire hospitality industry. However, what made the difference and set the foundation for a terrific recovery was Windermere House’s meticulous planning and adaptation. The resort typically had an abundance of staff ready to accommodate guests, but due to the restrictions that were in place at the time, it was forced to operate at half its normal capacity, downsizing its staff as well. While there was uncertainty as to what a recovery without enough staff would look like, the solution inevitably presented itself in another area. Believe it or not, since having to operate at limited capacity during the pandemic the resort has gradually experienced an incredible rise in its food and beverage revenue with it being double what it used to be thanks to its focus on takeout service. Additionally, in an era dominated by digital connectivity, Windermere House recognizes the need to leverage technology to amplify its brand presence and guest engagement. So, social media has become one of the resort’s primary methods of drawing attention to itself. “Our Social Media Manager does a great job… and we have now had a pretty big following on multiple platforms in the last five years,” says Resort Operations Manager Avery Kober. At the core of Windermere’s success also lies its deep-rooted partnerships with local vendors and artisans. The resort is part of the Avendra program—a robust buying initiative that supports regional businesses. These connections not only enrich the guest experience but also sustain the local economy yearround. Partnering businesses like Taylor Farm Markets and Down to Earth Organics also exemplify Windermere House’’s commitment to sustainability and community support These local providers not only supply fresh produce but also collaborate during winter months, offering unique experiences like sleigh rides—a testament to resilience in challenging times. So, in the eyes of Windermere residents and Muskoka natives, this resort is less of an attraction and more of a community staple that performs well beyond the scope of its original purpose. 6 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 11, ISSUE 08
INVESTING IN TOMORROW’S INFRASTRUCTURE TODAY Looking towards the future, Windermere House has embarked on a substantial $5 million investment plan. This initiative aims to enhance both the aesthetic appeal and operational efficiency of the resort. Out of the $2.5 million that has already been spent, some of the recent upgrades have included expansive pool areas and structural improvements like new roofs and drainage systems—a blend of functionality and aesthetic allure that enhances guest comfort and satisfaction. It’s not just physical infrastructure that’s being invested in, as Windermere House has already invested in the exact digital infrastructure that will support these improvements. The best example can be found in how the resort is integrating technology beyond social media to bolster its culinary experiences, another extremely 7 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 11, ISSUE 08 WINDERMERE HOUSE
marketable amenity. The resort uses a program called Open Table that Kober describes as a “restaurant tool that lets guests make reservations online… it tells you how many times a guest has visited, and what they’re dining on.” According to Kober, the software has allowed the resort to compensate for the labor shortage left by the pandemic, specifically in the culinary industry. With a focus on locally sourced ingredients and innovative dishes, the resort’s dining experiences rival those of any top Muskoka restaurant. When coupled with the integration of local flavors and seasonal delicacies that not only delight guests but also support regional producers, the resort can foster a sustainable culinary ecosystem that operates all year round as well. From campaigns showcasing the resort’s scenic beauty to advanced reservation systems that personalize guest experiences, technology plays a pivotal role in enhancing operational efficiency and guest satisfaction. Looking ahead, Windermere House aims to redefine Muskoka’s hospitality landscape by extending its operational season. Traditionally a summer destination, the resort has successfully expanded its prime season from May to October. “We want to make a go at this being a 365-day resort,” Hall says, explaining that future endeavors 8 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 11, ISSUE 08
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PREFERRED VENDOR/PARTNER n Allseas Fisheries www.allseas.net Since 1983 Allseas Fisheries has served the food industry by providing the finest and widest line of fresh and frozen seafood available. The company imports more than 100 different species for 40 + countries around the world on a weekly / annual basis. will continue to focus on capturing the allure of Muskoka during the quieter winter months, enticing guests with unique experiences and exceptional service amidst the region’s serene winter landscapes. At the end of the day, Windermere House epitomizes the spirit of Muskoka—a region of natural beauty, community resilience, and unparalleled hospitality. With a strategic focus on sustainability, local partnerships, and guest-centric innovation, the resort not only weathers challenges but thrives amidst them. As it continues to evolve and expand its offerings, Windermere House remains a cherished destination—a testament to the enduring allure of Muskoka living. 10 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 11, ISSUE 08
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