Does Your Hotel Room Have a Story to Tell? Christiane Germain Thinks So

Christiane Germain is the co-founder and co-president of Germain Hôtels, a Canadian hotel chain with 18 properties across Canada and 1 in West Palm Beach, Florida. Founded in 1988 by her and her brother Jean-Yves, Germain Hôtels is known for its refined yet playful approach to hospitality. I recently had the chance to chat with Christiane about her passion for storytelling in hotels, the importance of creating a sense of place, and why she believes that every hotel room has a story to tell.
Christiane is a natural storyteller. As she talks about her hotels, her eyes light up and her voice becomes animated. She describes each property as if it were a character in a novel, with its own unique personality and quirks.
"I love to think about the stories that our hotels could tell," she says. "What kind of people have stayed here? What kind of conversations have taken place in these rooms? What kind of secrets have these walls heard?"
Christiane believes that every hotel room has a story to tell, and she encourages her guests to explore those stories. She provides them with little touches that help them connect with the local culture and history. For example, the rooms at the Le Germain Hotel Calgary feature original artwork by local artists. The rooms at the Le Germain Hotel Toronto feature books by Canadian authors.
"I want our guests to feel like they're not just staying in a hotel room," she says. "I want them to feel like they're staying in a place that has a story to tell."
Christiane is also passionate about creating a sense of place in her hotels. She wants her guests to feel like they're not just staying in a generic hotel room, but in a place that is truly unique and special.
"I think it's important to create a sense of place in your hotel," she says. "You want your guests to feel like they're somewhere special, somewhere that they'll remember long after they've left."
Christiane achieves this sense of place through a variety of design elements. She uses local materials and artwork to reflect the local culture. She also creates intimate spaces that encourage guests to relax and connect with each other.
"I want my hotels to be places where people can come to relax and recharge," she says. "I want them to be places where people can create memories that will last a lifetime."
Christiane is a true pioneer in the hospitality industry. She has helped to create a new kind of hotel experience, one that is focused on storytelling, sense of place, and creating lasting memories.
If you're looking for a hotel that has a story to tell, a hotel that will make you feel like you're somewhere special, then you need to book a room at a Germain Hôtel. You won't be disappointed.