People at the Heart of Our Story
It all began with a dream — that of Christiane and Jean-Yves Germain, who set out to create a hospitality experience where people are at the heart of every stay. In the 1980s, they opened their very first hotel with a simple yet ambitious idea: to welcome guests the way you welcome friends — with warmth, care, and attention to detail. Since then, the story of Germain Hotels has been written with authenticity, boldness, and innovation, carried forward by three generations who share the same passion.
A family adventure
This dream, born from a genuine desire to reinvent the hospitality experience, has evolved over the years into a dynamic family adventure. United by a shared passion for warm service, thoughtful design, and guest well-being, Germain Hotels has grown while remaining true to the core values that shaped its beginnings.
Meet the family — and get to know the people behind the story.
Canada’s Best Managed Companies
Today, we proudly celebrate our recognition as one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies for the 23rd consecutive year — a reflection of our team’s unwavering commitment and the strength of our founding values.
Christiane Germain, Co-Founder
Christiane Germain is the Co-Founder of Germain Hotels and Chair of the Board of Santé Québec. She has been instrumental in defining the group’s distinctive style — combining warmth, refined design, and understated luxury, with a deep commitment to personalized service. Passionate about cultivating local talent and mentoring emerging leaders, she continues to be a leading voice in Canada’s hospitality and business communities.
Jean-Yves Germain, Co-Founder
Jean-Yves Germain is the Co-Founder of Germain Hotels, which he led for over 40 years. A visionary leader and skilled strategist, he played a key role in the company’s development, financing and national expansion. Today, he remains a trusted advisor and influential figure within the organization, while actively pursuing real estate and philanthropic initiatives in Quebec City.
Marie Pier Germain, Co-President
Started with the company in 2006, Marie Pier is Co-President of Germain Hotels and brings nearly two decades of experience within the company. With a background in mechanical engineering, she has held key roles in operations, hotel design, sales and marketing. Her strategic and creative leadership is shaped by a unique blend of technical expertise and business insight.
Hugo Germain, Co-President
First joined the company in 2006, Hugo is Co-President of Germain Hotels and brings over 17 years of experience within the company. With his strong expertise in hotel development and operations, he has been instrumental in expanding the Alt, Le Germain, and Escad brands across Canada. Known for his hands-on approach and collaborative mindset, Hugo is a thoughtful and approachable leader.
Clarah Germain, Director of Guest Experience
Started with the company in 2015, Clarah is now Director of Guest Experience at Germain Hotels, supporting teams across our 19 properties nationwide. With a strong foundation in hospitality, communications and hotel management, and years of experience leading front-line teams and shaping brand-driven content, she helps create stays that are personalized, thoughtful, and infused with the signature Germain touch.
Laurie Germain, Vice President People and Culture
First joined the company in 2020, Laurie is Vice President, People and Culture at Germain Hotels, where she draws on over 15 years of experience in human resources to foster an engaging and positive work environment. Her strategic vision and extensive expertise play a key role in shaping the company’s culture and supporting its expansion across Canada.
Grand Builder Award – Québec’s Tourism Industry Alliance
For over 30 years, the Germain family has been building a company where vision is proudly passed down through generations.
From 1988 to the present day
Each hotel tells a unique story — one shaped by its location, guided by a clear vision, and brought to life by a dedicated team. Since the opening of our very first property in 1988, every new hotel has been thoughtfully designed, inspired by its surroundings and rooted in its community.
Behind each opening lies a strong idea: to create an authentic, human-scale space where guests instantly feel at home.
Explore our timeline to see how the Germain Hotels story has unfolded from city to city — and how it continues to evolve.
The first Germain Hôtels property opens in Quebec City.
Opens, formerly named "Hôtel Dominion 1912".
The first Germain Hôtels property opens outside of Quebec City.
The first Germain Hôtels property opens outside the province of Quebec.
Our first location opens under the Alt Hotels banner.
The Germain-des-Prés boutique-hotel is converted to an Alt Hotel.
The first Le Germain Hotel in Western Canada opens.
Second Le Germain Hotel in Toronto opens.
First Alt Hotel opens outside the province of Quebec, and is also the first to be located at an airport.
The first Germain Hôtels property opens in the Maritimes.
Opens in Griffintown, one of Montreal's newest hot spots.
Opens in the Sports, Hospitality and Entertainment district (SHED).
Located in the heart of beautiful Charlevoix, Quebec.
Opens in downtown Ottawa.
The hotel overlooks the Harbour and offers a spectacular view of the Narrows channel.
The first Le Germain Hotel opens in Ottawa, in a unique mixed-use complex combining a hotel, condominiums, a theatre and an art gallery.
Located in the Quartier DIX30 Square, close to renowned shops and surrounded by an urban park.
Opens in the heart of one of Calgary’s most up-and-coming neighbourhoods.
The hotel is opposite the Remain Modern Art Gallery and by the Saskatchewan river.
Located in the heart of the expanding University District.
A new generation is taking over the reins of the company.
