May 9, 2025

NEW FAIRFIELD MARRIOTT OPENS WITH 102 ROOMS AND 5-STAR RATING FROM ‘VERY COMFY’ OWNER

GRAVENHURST — You know it’s a great hotel when the owner sits on the bed and declares it “very comfy, very nice.”

Muhammad Akram — who wouldn’t dare put his feet up on the new pristine white duvet cover to not spoil it for a guest last night — gave the new five-storey Fairfield Marriott Inn & Suites franchise hotel he built the past year the thumbs up and his personal 5-star rating last evening.

He was joined at an official opening and ribbon cutting attended by more than a dozen family members and friends from Brampton. They were among some 70 well-wishers excited to see the hotel and along with several curious Gravenhurst Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours members.

**Marriott franchise owner Muhammad Akram said the new hotel beds are “very comfy, very nice,” but wouldn’t put his feet up so as not to spoil the white spreads for guests. Photos Mark Clairmont**

Akram said he’s “very happy” with his first 102-room hotel, which opened Feb. 15 at the south end of town next to the Hwy. 11 entrance to downtown Gravenhurst.

The family has a “future goal” to open another hotel like the Marriott his brother, who came down from North Bay, also built farther north.

Akram says he’s already “enjoyed” an overnight stay and will be back “every week” along with his wife, son and three daughters who were on hand for the happy occasion.

And more often in the summer.

Which is why he built in the Gateway to Muskoka community.

“Because this is a tourist area with lots of lakes.”

**Akram, his wife, three daughters and son shared a cake with about 70 guests who welcomed the new hotel to town Thursday evening.**

The dozens of opening evening guests couldn’t agree more as they toured the hotel and mingled in the large dining area off the lobby and savoured spicy chicken food provided by North Restaurant and Catering and the hotel’s kitchen staff.

Shubham Patel, the interim general manager, too, called hotel a “really beautiful property and nicely done.

“It’s a mix of different rooms to accommodate all our guests, including some that are bigger family size.”

Two “Queen” suites can accommodate six people.”

And the “King” rooms are designed for business travellers.

Handicapped rooms are also available in the six ground floor rooms and some of the rooms in the upper-floors.

Each has a bar-fridge, microwave and safe. And all have access to a tiny three- to four-foot deep heated pool and workout gym with bikes, weights and elliptical machines.

**Mayor Heidi Lorenz joined Akram, his family and town councillors as they cut the ribbon to officially open the 102-room Fairfield Inn & Suites at the south end of Gravenhurst.**

Mayor Heidi Lorenz said “finally we can host hockey tournaments.”

Already the OPP have made use of the corporate meeting room during training session stays. And the recent ice storm made the Fairfield a home for many hydro workers taking a break from doing wire repairs.

Breakfasts run from 6-9 a.m. and are included in room rates, which Patel said are all market driven.

“This is a flucuating market and depending on the day, night and season can vary at certain times compared to other hotels and each rent for $170 to $390.”

Patel said accommodation tonight is 40 per cent full.

The Fairfield is being managed by Invest Hotels, which operates hotels across Canada.

Patel said the hotel currently employ a dozen workers fulltime now and have 21 part-time staff who are all from Gravenhurst, Bracebridge and surrounding Muskoka communities.

He say’s he’s always looking for more employees.

Jennifer Turnor is the assistant GM.

The Gravenhurst Fairfield Inn & Suites can be reached at 705-710-0234.