Brand: Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts

Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, a globally acclaimed luxury hospitality brand, was founded in 1960 by Isadore Sharp in Toronto, Ontario. The company’s first hotel, a motor hotel also named Four Seasons, opened in 1961 in Toronto and quickly set a new standard for comfort and service. Sharp’s vision was to create a hotel chain that offered personalized, high-quality service in an intimate and luxurious setting, a philosophy that became the cornerstone of the Four Seasons brand. Over the decades, Four Seasons expanded internationally, opening iconic properties in cities like London, New York, Paris, and Tokyo, as well as exotic destinations such as the Maldives and Bora Bora.

Four Seasons is renowned for its unwavering commitment to excellence, offering world-class amenities, exquisite dining, and exceptional guest experiences. The brand has also been a pioneer in the hospitality industry, introducing innovations like 24-hour room service, premium bedding, and spa services. Despite its global presence, Four Seasons remains deeply connected to its Canadian roots, with its headquarters still based in Toronto. In 2007, the company was taken private through a partnership between Prince Al-Waleed bin Talal of Saudi Arabia, Bill Gates’ Cascade Investment, and Isadore Sharp, ensuring its continued focus on luxury and innovation. As a proudly Canadian brand, Four Seasons continues to set the benchmark for luxury hospitality worldwide.

Founded: Canada
Owned: Saudi Arabia (Prince Al-Waleed bin Talal), United States (Cascade Investment), and Canada (Isadore Sharp)
Manufactured: N/A (hospitality services provided globally).

Notable: Despite its global expansion and international ownership, Four Seasons has maintained its Canadian identity and headquarters in Toronto. The brand remains a symbol of Canadian excellence in hospitality, with its founder, Isadore Sharp, continuing to play an active role in its operations. Four Seasons’ success story highlights Canada’s influence in the global luxury market and demonstrates how a Canadian brand can achieve worldwide recognition while staying true to its core values of quality and service. Its commitment to innovation and personalized experiences underscores its role as a leader in the hospitality industry, showcasing Canada’s ability to excel on the global stage.