Just one year after acquiring the historic Hearthstone Inn, Samm Holdings has officially unveiled its transformation of the property into the Park Inn by Radisson Sydney—a reimagined hotel set along the Sydney, N.S. harbourfront.
Park Inn by Radisson Sydney. Courtesy of Samm Holdings.
The announcement was made on April 22, 2025, marking the completion of extensive renovations that began after Samm Holdings purchased the hotel in April 2024. The Hearthstone was among the first hotels to open in Nova Scotia, giving the project both historical significance and contemporary relevance as part of the province’s evolving tourism infrastructure.
“Investing in Cape Breton can be attractive due to its strong and growing retail economy, vibrant tourism sector, diverse cultural scene, and a supportive business environment,” said Ali Akman, president of Samm Holdings. “We are inspired by this unique confluence, creating a space that embodies the spirit of Sydney while offering a sophisticated serene retreat for every guest.”
The redesigned Park Inn by Radisson Sydney features 70 guest rooms, including a jacuzzi suite, and offers a full suite of amenities such as a restaurant and bar, a fitness centre, an indoor pool, and conference and event facilities. Its location—minutes from Sydney’s historic downtown and boardwalk—makes it a practical base for both business and leisure travellers.
Visitors to the city can explore the nearby Sydney Waterfront or pose beside the world’s largest fiddle, a popular photo spot. The hotel is also a short drive from the Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site, North America’s largest reconstructed fortified town.
The hotel’s new identity aligns with Radisson Hotel Group’s brand standards, while reflecting a local flavour that pays tribute to Sydney’s past and present. Samm Holdings’ investment signals growing confidence in Cape Breton’s long-term tourism and hospitality potential.
Samm Holdings is a division of Ankara-based Akman Holding, established in 1981 by Kemal Akman and his son Ali Akman. The company has diversified interests across industries such as real estate, hospitality, foreign trade, food, and automotive. In Canada, Samm Holdings has been active since 2013, acquiring and managing several hotel properties, including the Ramada by Wyndham and Travelodge by Wyndham in Thunder Bay, Days Inn by Wyndham and Travelodge by Wyndham in Moncton, N.B., Comfort Inn in Bathurst, N.B., and Travelodge by Wyndham Halifax. The company has also undertaken significant real estate developments, such as the Regal Plaza Corporate Centre near Toronto Pearson International Airport, a $104-million mixed-use complex featuring a Staybridge Suites hotel, office condominiums, and retail spaces.
With the unveiling of the Park Inn by Radisson Sydney, Samm Holdings continues to expand its footprint in Canada's hospitality sector, blending international expertise with local heritage to enhance the country's tourism landscape.
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