Miguel Pérez, General Manager of the Riu Plaza Toronto, presents the new hotel in Canada’s financial capital

27 November, 2025 Share

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A few months ago, RIU Hotels & Resorts marked a new milestone with the opening of the Riu Plaza Toronto, and with it, its first foray into Canada. For the first time, the chain was operating in the country, and arriving at a new destination always represents a great challenge, not only in adapting to the local environment but also in integrating the new teams. Without a doubt, this great challenge culminated in the opening of a hotel in the heart of Canada’s financial capital.

To guarantee the success and proper functioning of a property of this magnitude, the General Manager is a key figure. They watch over the building as if it were their own home and are responsible for making sure all the pieces fit together so that the machinery operates correctly. To lead this new adventure, RIU chose Miguel Pérez as the captain. We had the pleasure of conversing with him to learn more about the hotel and everything that this great opening has entailed.

An Honour and a Challenge: The RIU Philosophy in a New Setting

As is usual at RIU, internal promotion is part of the company’s idiosyncrasy. Miguel has extensive experience in the sector since he was 19, including previous stints at prestigious chains such as Four Seasons and Mandarin Oriental. His journey with RIU began in 2012 in Cancun, before moving on to other Caribbean destinations such as St Martin and Jamaica. After a brief pause of less than a year, destiny brought him to his native Madrid, where he managed the rooftop of the Riu Plaza España for five years. “It was like managing an entire tourist destination: it’s a unique establishment, incomparable worldwide,” Miguel notes.

Having experience in both a holiday destination and an urban one, the question is inevitable: is operating a beach hotel different from a city hotel? Miguel is clear: the essence is practically the same, even though the setting varies. “The goal is identical: to provide the best possible service to our clients, offering a good product and taking care of the hotel. In an urban establishment, there are fewer opportunities to interact with the client, as they stay for fewer days and spend little time in the hotel. Therefore, the challenge is greater, as you have to build their loyalty in less time.” And in the case of Toronto, the challenge is double, as it is a completely new destination for the chain. “Assembling the team, getting them to understand the RIU culture and the level of service we offer is one of the first tests when arriving at a new place. The adaptation process always requires time, as technical aspects are also important challenges to consider,” explains the General Manager.

However, the excitement is at its peak. For Miguel, this new adventure is an honour that represents the opportunity to lead the experience of a hotel opening in a destination still unexplored by the brand. His goal is clear: to make the hotel successful in terms of client satisfaction and deliver the best levels of service in a market where clients already know and value the quality of RIU.

Service Quality and the Competitive Advantage of Gastronomy

When asked about the distinctive features of the new Riu Plaza Toronto, Miguel highlights three fundamental pillars that are setting the pace for the hotel. First, service quality is undoubtedly what clients are commenting on the most, along with the hotel’s premium location, which facilitates connection to the city’s main points. But what truly sets them apart from the competition is the breakfast. The Riu Plaza Toronto is the only hotel in the city that offers such a complete buffet-style breakfast of the category that characterizes the chain, which becomes a decisive competitive advantage.

The reception in the city has been very positive. The chain has benefited from local optimism and external factors that have boosted occupancy, especially on weekends. “The good weather that lasted until the end of October and, very especially, the sports events, helped us a lot,” comments Miguel. “The performance of the Blue Jays (baseball team) and their arrival in the World Series after 32 years generated over-occupancy in the city. This has helped us quite a bit to gain momentum. Now, the start of the basketball and ice hockey seasons adds to this. With the great offer of events and concerts and with Toronto being one of the host cities for the Football World Cup next year, the city’s dynamism is expected to continue.”

Regarding the client, the profile is quite diverse. While the largest share is Canadian and American, they also receive Mexican and European visitors. During the week, the hotel mainly hosts business clients (mostly single individuals), while the weekend transforms to accommodate families, groups of friends, and leisure tourism. However, a tourism profile is also observed during the week, more focused on couples looking to discover the city. Since its opening, occupancy has been close to 80%, with occasional days at 100%, reflecting a very positive reception in the city. This trend is expected to continue throughout November and December.

The Significance of Being the First Spanish Hotel in Canada

For the chain, the opening of the Riu Plaza Toronto is a highly relevant milestone, as it signifies the landing in a destination that had been planned for some time. It is about opening a new country and, at the same time, bringing the brand closer to a country that is a key source market for many of RIU’s holiday destinations.

The expectation has been high, both internally and externally. This hotel carries the symbolic weight of being the first Spanish hotel in all of Canada, a fact that has even been recognized with the visit of the Spanish Ambassador to the country, reinforcing the presence of the “Spain Brand” in North America.

For those who do not yet know the Canadian metropolis, Miguel summarizes the reasons why Toronto is a must-see destination, whose appeal varies depending on the time of year. Even winter in Toronto offers much to see, from sporting events and the possibility of ice skating, to a visit to the snow-covered Niagara Falls. He also highlights the proximity to natural parks and a vibrant entertainment area that offers a large number of bars and restaurants, as well as plenty of nightlife and gastronomy.

Toronto is a very multicultural city, and this mix is especially reflected in its extensive and varied culinary offer. The hotel’s location is ideal, very close to all attractions, allowing visitors to walk along the lake or visit the emblematic CN Tower. In short, the new chapter for RIU in Canada, captained by Miguel Pérez, promises to be as dynamic and vibrant as the city of Toronto itself.