Canada’s first Hard Rock Hotel taking shape in Old East Village

Canada's first Hard Rock Hotel is set to open in just a few months in the Old East Village. CTV London's Nick Paparella got a tour of the facility.

With three months to go before its official opening, the Hard Rock Hotel at 100 Kellogg Lane is still a work in progress – but nearing completion.

Construction on the $100-million, five-storey hotel started in 2021.

“We’re definitely excited to bring this property to London and to Canada,” said Brendon Ainscow, the general manager of the Hard Rock Hotel. “It’s the first one in Canada and it will really bring a sense of pride to Londoners.”

The hotel will feature 164 rooms, London’s first indoor-outdoor swimming pool, a fitness centre, a retail shop, and three different restaurants and bars.

“Our main restaurant Sessions will be open offering three meals a day in the Hard Rock Hotel. It will feature a lot of Canadian cuisine,” said Ainscow.

The second one is called GMT, which is located in the main lobby, and it will feature cocktails and martinis and a limited menu.

“And finally, we have our speakeasy, which is called 1913 named after the year that the Kellogg factory first opened,” said Ainscow. “It will be up to our guests to find where it is located in the hotel.”

The musical theme will be evident throughout the building. For example, each room is equipped with a special mirror featuring the height of many famous recording artists.

“Also, one of the things that the Hard Rock brand is really known for is a program called The Sound of Your Stay, and one component of the program is guests have access to a variety of guitars stored on site, which can be delivered to the rooms,” said Ainscow. “We also have turntables and vinyls, which are available for the rooms as well.”

The hotel with its signature Hard Rock guitar is set to open its doors in April, with Ainscow adding, “This is really going to be a special spot, and we can’t wait to open.”