Collingwood’s Iconic Corporate Retreat Venue: The Dorchester Hotel

October 22, 2024
The beautifully illuminated brick façade of The Dorchester Hotel
The beautifully illuminated brick façade of The Dorchester Hotel

At The Idea Hunter, we believe that to create exceptional corporate retreats, we need to experience venues firsthand. When we discovered The Dorchester Hotel in the heart of Collingwood, its timeless elegance instantly struck us and we knew we had to visit.

Click here for a video overview of our visit to the Dorchester

A visit to The Dorchester isn't complete without exploring Collingwood itself, as the hotel is seamlessly woven into the fabric of this beautiful town. As true Toronto locals, we were used to heading straight for the bustling Blue Mountain Village, a favorite for tourists and corporate groups alike. However, we've recently discovered that Collingwood is a destination all on its own.

The Dorchester Hotel is located right on the main street, and seamlessly blends its classic charm with modern comforts, creating a space where style never goes out of fashion. Each room feels like it tells a story, radiating a sense of history while offering contemporary luxury.

For over 127 years, The Dorchester has represented Collingwood’s heritage. Now, it serves as a refined corporate retreat venue. It is the perfect place for leadership teams or corporate groups to connect and grow.

The lobby of The Dorchester Hotel exudes modern sophistication with its sleek black reception desk, warm wood accents, and elegant lighting
The lobby of The Dorchester Hotel exudes modern sophistication with its sleek black reception desk, warm wood accents, and elegant lighting

Key Highlights for Your Corporate Retreat Experience at The Dorchester Hotel:

The Owners' Story: Chris and Tammy are the heart and soul behind this beautifully re-modeled hotel. Born and raised in Collingwood, this dynamic couple not only created a welcoming and stunning space for visitors but also gave back to their city by restoring the 127-year-old brick building at 172 Hurontario Street, a historic landmark in the downtown core. If your group gets the chance to meet Chris and Tammy for a tour, don't miss it! Their passion and excitement for what they do is truly inspiring. Chris may even drive you around town in one of the vintage Dorchester vehicles.

The Owners' Story: Chris and Tammy are the heart and soul behind this beautifully re-modeled hotel

Timeless Style: The Dorchester blends historic charm with modern comforts. After visiting many hotels around the world, we appreciated the unique and bold style of The Dorchester, appealing to both the feminine and masculine guest.

This elegantly designed guest room features a cozy, plush bed framed by modern black wainscoting, accented with stylish lighting and artwork. The inviting space combines classic and contemporary touches for a luxurious and comfortable stay
This elegantly designed guest room features a cozy, plush bed framed by modern black wainscoting, accented with stylish lighting and artwork. The inviting space combines classic and contemporary touches for a luxurious and comfortable stay

Versatile Meeting Spaces: The Dominion Room is designed to meet your team’s needs, offering the feel of a historic yet modern private library or club. It comfortably accommodates up to 30 people, with seating for 20 at the table, and comes equipped with all the necessary technology.

The Dominion meeting room at The Dorchester Hotel offers a sophisticated space with rich wood paneling, a large polished conference table, and elegant lighting. Ideal for professional gatherings, the room combines style and functionality in a refined setting
The Dominion meeting room at The Dorchester Hotel offers a sophisticated space with rich wood paneling, a large polished conference table, and elegant lighting. Ideal for professional gatherings, the room combines style and functionality in a refined setting

The Dominion meeting room at The Dorchester Hotel features a long, elegant wooden table, plush leather chairs, and stylish lighting. The room offers a sophisticated atmosphere perfect for executive meetings or private gatherings

Luxurious Accommodations: Each of the 28 rooms has been thoughtfully designed with a blend of timeless aesthetics and modern functionality, ensuring a comfortable and stylish stay. With the owners also owning the furniture store next door, the attention to detail feels even more personal—like being invited into a beautifully curated home for the weekend.

An example of one of the luxurious bathrooms which features dramatic black tile walls, a sleek freestanding tub, and elegant lighting.
An example of one of the luxurious bathrooms which features dramatic black tile walls, a sleek freestanding tub, and elegant lighting.

This stylish bedroom features a bold maroon headboard, crisp white linens, and a playful leopard-themed accent pillow
This stylish bedroom features a bold maroon headboard, crisp white linens, and a playful leopard-themed accent pillow

The Dorchester's rooms feature modern kitchenettes with sleek black cabinetry, stainless steel appliances, and a stylish green subway tile backsplash
The Dorchester's rooms feature modern kitchenettes with sleek black cabinetry, stainless steel appliances, and a stylish green subway tile backsplash

This chic living room features a warm orange sofa, a marble-topped coffee table, and bold wall paneling in dark tones. Accented with modern décor and a stylish round mirror, the space offers a blend of comfort and contemporary design.
This chic living room features a warm orange sofa, a marble-topped coffee table, and bold wall paneling in dark tones. Accented with modern décor and a stylish round mirror, the space offers a blend of comfort and contemporary design.

The Small but important Luxury details: From fresh local croissants upon arrival and lavender-scented sachets on our pillows to blackout curtains and keyless door entry, every aspect of this hotel reflects its commitment to a comfortable stay. And let's not forget the plush linens, Nespresso machines, and personal record players—every detail is thoughtfully curated to ensure your team’s stay is as comfortable as it is inspiring.

A selection of freshly baked pastries greets guests upon arrival at their room during a stay at The Dorchester
A selection of freshly baked pastries greets guests upon arrival at their room during a stay at The Dorchester

Curated Activities for Team Bonding: The Dorchester offers a variety of experiences, from helicopter tours to private wine tastings, all designed to inspire and refresh your team. They also work with you to provide exclusive, custom-curated activities, only revealed once you've booked.

Still with us? Let’s break down the highlights into the finer details that we know matter to you:

Dining at The Dorchester Hotel

Now to move onto a true gem that sits attached to the Dorchester lobby – The Dorchester is home to the best restaurant in Collingwood, and that’s not just our words but backed by online reviews and rating as well.

The Tremont Café is a dining experience that is memorable and an experience all on its own. It is the perfect place to end the day after a fun team building event or productive strategic meeting, for a memorable and delicious team dining experience.

With fresh, local ingredients and Mediterranean-inspired dishes, it’s the perfect setting for celebratory dinners and catered meals throughout the day. Whether you are starting a team building event or celebrating the end of the retreat, the food will impress everyone.

When the restaurant is not serving the town of Collingwood and Hotel guests, it is available for your event catering needs.

The Dominion Room: A Versatile Conference Room for Corporate Retreats

For corporate retreats, the right conference rooms can make all the difference. The Dominion Room at The Dorchester is designed to provide an ideal environment for everything from focused team meetings to more relaxed gatherings.

It comfortably accommodates up to 30 people, with seating for 20 at the table, and comes equipped with all the necessary technology. Equipped with a mounted screen for content sharing, innovative shadow windows that adjust for privacy, a room divider for breakout sessions, and built in power outlets in the long harvest table, it’s perfect for executive leadership teams or special events.

The room has modern technology, adjustable seating, and a practical layout. This makes it the best place to boost team dynamics and improve the work environment during your retreat. Whether your goal is fostering better team work, solving work-related challenges, or creating innovative ideas, the Dominion Room ensures you will have a productive work space.

Corporate Retreat Experiences: Curated Activities for Your Team

Once the meetings are done, its time to getting out of the boardroom and experience Collingwood with your teams. And let us tell you – this town has a lot to offer! At The Dorchester, a corporate retreat is more than just meetings. It focuses on fun activities that help teams bond. The hotel and surrounding town offer a wide range of activities designed to enhance your retreat experience and inspire team bonding.

Go together or let your guests pick their own journey:

After a productive day, take advantage of the Scandinave Spa. With access to the Thermal Journey, your team can relax in Scandinavian baths, saunas, and peaceful relaxation areas. This wellness experience will help your team recharge and foster creativity.

Scandinave Spa features a Nordic-inspired retreat which offers a peaceful escape where guests can relax and rejuvenate amidst nature.
Scandinave Spa features a Nordic-inspired retreat which offers a peaceful escape where guests can relax and rejuvenate amidst nature.

For more active retreats, Duntroon Highlands Golf offers the ideal setting for outdoor team building retreats. Should we note a couple golf courses? Monterra Golf at Blue Mountain, Blue Mountain Golf & Country Club

Golf at Duntroon Highlands Golf Course offers a perfect blend of activity and relaxation, making it an excellent choice for active team retreats.
Golf at Duntroon Highlands Golf Course offers a perfect blend of activity and relaxation, making it an excellent choice for active team retreats.

For those seeking something unique, we recommend a Big Blue Air helicopter tour. This adventure will allow your team to take in the breathtaking views of Georgian Bay and the Niagara Escarpment. For an added touch, your group can visit Georgian Hills Vineyards for a private wine tasting or elevated team dinner and evening under the event tent.

 An elegant outdoor setup at Georgian Hills Winery, featuring long wooden tables adorned with minimalist décor and delicate lighting. This serene vineyard setting is perfect for hosting intimate gatherings, offering a picturesque backdrop for corporate retreats or special events.
An elegant outdoor setup at Georgian Hills Winery, featuring long wooden tables adorned with minimalist décor and delicate lighting. This serene vineyard setting is perfect for hosting intimate gatherings, offering a picturesque backdrop for corporate retreats.

The Big Blue helicopter tour offers a breathtaking aerial experience over Collingwood and Blue Mountain, departing from a scenic location with stunning views.
The Big Blue helicopter tour offers a breathtaking aerial experience over Collingwood and Blue Mountain, departing from a scenic location with stunning views.

Prefer the water? The Cruise & Stay Package offers a scenic boat tour aboard The Huronic. Your team can enjoy the views of Collingwood’s harbor and Georgian Bay. You can choose a sunset cruise or a Thursday night dinner cruise with live music. These outdoor activities provide a unique way to enhance the retreat and keep your team connected.

For those who want to stay active, The Dorchester is connected with Northwood Gym, offering day passes and group fitness classes, making it easy to keep energy levels up. If your team likes wellness options, Vortex Wellness Studio has treatments like infrared saunas and meditation pods. Everlove Yoga Studio offers yoga classes to help your team stay balanced during the retreat.

The Northwood Gym in Collingwood offers a fully equipped, modern space with state-of-the-art fitness machines, free weights, and ample room for strength training.
The Northwood Gym in Collingwood offers a fully equipped, modern space with state-of-the-art fitness machines, free weights, and ample room for strength training.

Why The Dorchester Hotel is on our list Corporate Retreats and should be on yours to:

At The Idea Hunter, we have over 21 years of experience creating memorable corporate events. We are excited to welcome you to The Dorchester Hotel. This venue combines history, luxury, and innovation.

While Blue Mountain may get the spotlight, Collingwood is truly a destination of its own, and definitely worth adding to the list. The Dorchester stands out as a refined gem that offers an elevated retreat venue for corporate teams. With so much history behind its walls, it is an inspiring and interesting place to visit, that will keep you curious and engaged.

Ready to start planning your retreat? Let The Idea Hunter and The Dorchester Hotel collaborate to bring your vision to life. Contact us today to create a bespoke corporate retreat experience that will inspire your team and leave a lasting impression.

The lobby entrance of The Dorchester Hotel welcomes guests with a sleek, modern design featuring bold black finishes, elegant lighting, and warm wood accents. This stylish space sets the tone for a luxurious and refined guest experience

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