About Four Seasons

The Four Seasons Story 

In spring of 1961, a man in his 20’s by the name of Isadore “Issy” Sharp introduced what would become the most celebrated name in the service industry. Four Seasons. The first Four Seasons Hotel, a 125-room motor hotel, was on Jarvis Street in downtown Toronto. The hallmark of the modestly sized hotel was the personal style of service offered to each and every guest. In 1963, Sharp followed up his debut with the Inn on the Park in Toronto, an urban resort-style hotel that boasted one of the city’s top restaurants.

In the mid 1960’s, Sharp met a British family in London that owned a Hyde Park-area property and wished to open a hotel. The family believed there was a sufficient number of grand hotels and told Sharp they wanted a no-frills alternative. Sharp, however, believed there was another way. “I want to create a personal down-to-earth hotel. Not for royalty, but for people who want to be treated that way and are put off by the stuffy formality of traditional ‘grand’ hotels”, Sharp recalled. The Hyde Park property became known as the Inn on the Park, London in 1970 and was named Europe’s Hotel of the Year. Two decades later it was renamed the Four Seasons Hotel London.

By the mid 70’s, Four Seasons had made its way into the US market. In 1986, Four Seasons Resort Club Dallas marked a first within the hotel industry by offering its guests a full-service spa. And, as the first hotel to recognize the importance of a good night’s rest, the company worked closely with its suppliers to create a custom bed for all guest rooms. Other service ‘firsts’ included 24 hour room service, mini bars, and in-room bathroom amenities.

Since 1961 the signature Four Seasons tree has been a symbol of world-class service and a deeply instilled corporate culture. The Four Seasons name now resounds from Toronto, to London, Milan, New York and Hong Kong. In January 2006, the Robb Report published its 30th anniversary issue celebrating icons and innovators who define excellence. Among the 20 distinguished brands, were Rolls-Royce, Cartier, Louis Vuitton, Tiffany, and of course, Four Seasons.

In 1982, Sharp once again set the standard by introducing Four Seasons Private Residences and offering the same services to owners as it did at its hotels and resorts. Sharp’s vision of creating a “home away from home” can now be found in some of the most sought after private residences in the world, including Costa Rica, Bora Bora, San Francisco, Whistler, and now Denver.

The company's long history of distinguished service extends beyond the reach of all other hoteliers. By insisting on multi-lingual concierges, world-renowned chefs, and innovative designers, it is able to deliver an unparalleled guest experience the Four Seasons way. Four Seasons continues to challenge the ordinary by anticipating rather than simply meeting the needs of its guests. It is that company-wide standard that will consistently place Four Seasons at the top of any traveler’s wish list.