Toronto's Chelsea Hotel Turns 50

After four name changes and five expansions, the Chelsea Hotel, which opened in Toronto in October 1975 as a mixed residential and university housing building with 808 rooms, celebrates its 50th anniversary this year as the largest hotel in Canada, with 1,590 keys. 

With a prime downtown location, the independently owned upper mid-scale affiliate of the prestigious global Langham Hospitality Group is all-welcoming, from flight crews and meeting attendees to families and couples. Offering 24,000 square feet of versatile space, the building has purpose, spirit and soul, with fresh appeal.

In 2023, the hotel completed a $25 million facelift including refreshing 600 Executive Tower rooms, upgrading the Wi-Fi and doubling the capacity of the all-day Elm Street Bar & Lounge restaurant. 

Last year, the Chelsea invested close to another $35 million in renovating 993 Chelsea Tower rooms and all meeting, function and banquet facilities. Additional refurbishments slated for completion by fall 2025 include renovating the lobby and adding a lobby bar. 

This March, the hotel showcased enhanced spaces including the 550-capacity Churchill Ballroom and 320-capacity Mountbatten Salon to industry associations including MPI, PCMA and SITE Canada as part of Global Meetings Industry Day. 

Unique venues include the heated indoor rooftop swimming pool and scenic seasonal outdoor sundeck.

In my three stays to date, first in 2018 and most recently in 2024, the people and customer service stood out each time. 

“Following several years of reviewing guest comments, the consistent message was about our friendliness,” said Tracy Ford, director of public relations. “That inspired our mission statement, “Toronto's friendliest hotel that provides exceptional service and great value.”

“My gosh, we’ve always had great staff,” stated Regional Vice President, Canada and Managing Director Josef Ebner in 2013, when the hotel rebranded from the Delta Chelsea to Eaton Chelsea. With the hotel since 1992, Ebner retired in late 2024 following an illustrious 60-year career in hospitality. His successor, Shane Downey, is a seasoned hotelier with global experience. 

From sustainability to giving back, the Chelsea is an upstanding citizen. Certified as an EarthCheck Gold property, the hotel has been an official sponsor and partner of the Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto since 2013, raising more than $1.5 million for the SickKids Foundation.

Honored as Tourism Employer of the Year at the annual Ontario Tourism Awards of Excellence gala last year, the Chelsea also invests in its people. Representing 25-plus nationalities, the 600-plus strong workforce scores high on engagement and includes several long-timers with the property since the 1970’s. Those that leave now lead hospitality and tourism organizations around the world—the industry knows the hotel as “Chelsea U” or Chelsea University.  

[Related: Toronto Goes All In for Groups]

Service From the Heart at a Hotel to Call Home

Turning 50 in October 2025, Toronto’s Chelsea Hotel, the largest in Canada, attracts a loyal following of guests and employees

 alike. Here, four long-time staffers share what has changed, what has stayed the same, and for them, how Toronto’s friendliest hotel feels like a home away from home.

Annette Harper, Housekeeping Office Coordinator 

“With the Chelsea since April 1977, I spent my first years as a room attendant, followed by another five years as a supervisor. Working here means a great deal to me, from meeting new people to being part of a friendly environment. The Chelsea truly feels like a second home where I am taken care of as if I had a personal chef and driver!

I’ve seen management teams and workers come and go over the past 48 years, along with work shifting from manual to computer-based. Unchanged are the welcoming atmosphere and the sense of care among the staff.  Everyone continues to work together toward the same goal.”

Gary Myers, Director of Services & Security 

“I started in May 1981 as a security officer. What I like most about my work is the sense of adventure and unpredictability. No two days are ever the same, with constant new challenges that keep things exciting and push me to learn and grow. Whether it’s navigating unique guest situations or adapting to new circumstances, I’ve come to love that every day brings something different. It's never boring—and that’s what’s made it such a rewarding place to be."

So much has changed over the past 44 years, especially when it comes to technology. I remember starting with metal keys and using speedy memos with carbon paper. There were no cell phones, no pagers, and everything was handwritten or communicated face-to-face. Today, everything's digital—emails, texting, Zoom calls—and while it’s efficient, we’ve definitely lost some of that personal, human connection that used to be central to how we worked. I miss that sometimes, because those moments of real-time connection created lasting bonds with guests and colleagues.

On the plus side, the heart of the Chelsea remains unchanged in the way we care for our guests and for each other. Customer service has always been a top priority, and the pride that comes from being part of the Chelsea team is as strong today as it was when I first started. Most meaningful are the lifetime friendships and connections that I have made over the years. No matter how much things change, that sense of community and belonging has always remained."

Jim Stewart, Director of Human Resources

“Having been here for more than 20 years, the Chelsea Hotel is more than just a workplace—it’s a second home. Over 25% of my colleagues boast more than 20 years of seniority, a testament to the deep-rooted loyalty and sense of belonging that permeates the culture. With a low turnover rate and a warm, welcoming atmosphere, the environment feels like one big family, where people genuinely enjoy being together and work toward the common goal of providing exceptionally friendly service to our guests. Many former employees—affectionately known as “boomerangers”—have found their way back, drawn by the rewarding experiences and supportive community they once called home. Friendly, familiar and full of heart, the Chelsea Hotel is a place people are proud to belong to.”

Rob Housez, General Manager

“I first joined the Chelsea in 1998 as hotel manager and stayed 10 years before leaving to become general manager of another Delta property. In 2015, I returned to the Chelsea to take on my present role.

At our core, we’ve always thrived on delivering an outstanding value equation for all our guests, including event and meeting planners who trust us to help bring their visions to life. With 1,590 newly renovated guest rooms and refreshed meeting and event spaces, we are proud to match our renowned service with an elevated and modernized experience.

At every step, we strive to deliver an exceptional value for planners and attendees alike. From small gatherings to large-scale conferences, we offer the space, service and support you need to deliver a standout experience. We are known for genuine heart-first hospitality, making guests feel welcomed and cared for. We don’t just serve—we connect. Our hospitality is genuine, warm and heartfelt.”

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