The Edwardian-styled Royal Connaught Hotel, in the heart of downtown Hamilton, boasts a rich and impressive history. Named after his Royal Highness and then Governor General of Canada, the Duke of Connaught, the hotel opened in 1916. Compared by some to Ottawa’s Chateau Laurier, this iconic hotel immediately became Hamilton’s foremost destination for entertaining royalty, Prime Ministers, Hollywood stars and visiting dignitaries. a true icon.

The dream of businessman Harry Frost, it was built by Pigott Construction, whose other projects included the Skylon Tower, the Burlington Skyway, the ROM and Hamilton’s first skyscraper. Standing 50 metres high, the hotel’s palatial amenities included 244 bedrooms all with marble-floored baths and a 1500 capacity banquet hall. The ballroom and rooftop restaurant served as Hamilton’s prime venue for international entertainers boasting a breathtaking rooftop view of Lake Ontario and the Niagara Escarpment.

Even after closing in 2004, this grand hotel has maintained an impressive presence in the Gore Park area.

After two years of construction, the Royal Connaught Hotel opens with a lavish banquet and dance on June 5, 1916. Royal guests such as Prince Edward enjoyed a fortnight in luxury, with his entourage occupying two full floors.

Tragically, less than three years after solidifying his vision, Harry Louis Frost died from Spanish Flu March 7, 1919. Shortly thereafter, the hotel expands into the neighbouring building.

Prior to the 1922–23 season, the NHL held its Governors meeting at the Royal Connaught Hotel, where the visiting NHL teams who came to town to play against the Hamilton Tigers.

United Hotels Company, which owned the Royal Connaught Hotel, announced it had been sold. The new owner added 200 rooms and turned the bottom floors into offices and shops, and in 1931, the new extension of the Royal Connaught Hotel opened its doors.

During this period, World War Two dance classes were held in the main ballroom of the Royal Connaught Hotel.

Now known as the hottest spot in town, “bigwigs” from countless fortune 500 companies like Firestone, Westinghouse, Dofasco, and Stelco became regulars at the Royal Connaught Hotel. Ron Foxcroft, Founder & CEO of Fox 40 International, frequents the Hotel as a child for various events and lunches.

In 1955, the Royal Connaught Hotel was sold to the Sheraton chain, which renamed it The Sheraton-Connaught Hotel and later completes a million-dollar renovation.

Continuing its popularity as “the place to be”, the entertainment industry began to utilize The Sheraton-Royal Connaught Hotel as a venue for exclusive concerts and high-profile interviews. Best-known for his recording "Raindrops Keep Fallin' on My Head", Connie Smith interviewed B.J. Thomas and other bands at the Connaught.

In 1971, The Sheraton-Royal Connaught Hotel hosted Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau and wife Margaret to an exquisite event and dance.

Shortly afterwards, in 1972, the City of Hamilton celebrated their Grey Cup win outside The Sheraton-Royal Connaught Hotel

During this time, the hotel was again sold, twice; first to Toronto-based Citicom who completes another renovation worth $4 million; and, second to Joymarmon Properties Ltd.

The 90s saw the hotel change owners multiple times and have various financial struggles.

The film industry, known for having special interest in Hamilton, films The Incredible Hulk at the Royal Connaught. Shortly thereafter, in 2008, the hotel closed after going into receivership.

With plans to reopen the Royal Connaught, a public presentation of a proposed 100-storey “Connaught Towers” at the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce building. If completed, it would become the tallest building in Canada. Three months later, on Thursday, September 4, the project was officially cancelled.

June 2014, Two of the largest builders in the Hamilton area, Spallacci Group and Valery Homes, teamed up to renovate the hotel, and after months of renovation, the front lobby was given a complete restoration, and sample units for The Residences of Royal Connaught were made available to the public to purchase. The next phase release of units is set for 2016.

The first phase of condo units are sold out. All 122 homebuyers begin their décor selection appointments in a private appointment with a design consultant.

Renovations begin inside second building, which will become the Phase Two release of condo units set for release in 2016. The units, once lavish hotel suites, are stripped from floor to ceiling, right down to the concrete. Mechanical service upgrades begin. The exterior brick and masonry veneer is washed and restored.

Sections of Gore Park are substantially revitalized, with new landscape features and pedestrian-friendly common areas. Additional sections of Gore Park directly in front of Royal Connaught began their revitalization process, expected to be complete in late 2016.