Though we may be a bit bias, we certainly believe Toronto is a world-class city worth visiting. From its amazing restaurants, to the great shopping, and cultural flair, it's pretty hard not to be entertained in Canada's biggest city. When it comes to deciding where to stay that can be a challenge, mostly due to the fact that there are so many outstanding options.
In the past few years, the city has seen the opening of more than a handful of luxury hotels open, from the Four Seasons to the Ritz-Carlton, meaning whether you're coming to party with your girlfriends, have a romantic weekend pour deux or are here on business, you won't be disappointed. Read on to find out our top 10 picks for hotels in Toronto.
A King Deluxe at the Thompson Toronto.
Thompson Toronto
Swanky, chic and sophisticated are just a few of the words you could use to describe this 102-room boutique hotel found in the hip King Street West neighbourhood of the city. Choosing Toronto as it's first Canadian outpost, this New-York based chain also boasts hotels in London, Chicago and Los Angeles. Style is paramount here, from the sleek guestrooms complete with hardwood floors and floor-to-ceiling views of the city, the 24-hour modern diner and best rooftop lounge in the city. Other favourite things? You can take a dip in the rooftop pool or watch a flick in their state-of-the-art screening room.
Rates start at $169/night.
Where to Find:
Thompson Toronto
550 Wellington Street West
Toronto, ON
1-888-550-8368, thompsonhotels.com
The Drake's Suite.
The Drake Hotel
Another hip, boutique hotel, the Drake may not be right downtown, but it's Queen West location is the perfect launch pad for boutique shopping, hitting the Ossington strip for dinner and drinks, and generally feeling more like a local than a tourist. You'll find 19 rooms, ranging from the Solo (130 square feet of coziness) to their one-and-only Suite complete with living area. Small or big, every room comes with an LCD TV, iPod docking station, complimentary Wi-Fi, and Malin + Goetz toiletries. We also can't say enough about the on-site dining options, from the sushi to the custom cocktails, whether you're on the rooftop or in the dining room, you'll be happily fed.
Rates start at $169/night.
Where to Find:
The Drake Hotel
1150 Queen Street West
Toronto, ON
416-531-5042, thedrakehotel.ca
A deluxe room at the Ritz.
The Ritz-Carlton Toronto
Raising the bar amongst luxury hotels in the city, The Ritz-Carlton Toronto is the city's only 5-Diamond award-winning hotel. Featuring 267-rooms and suites, all offer floor-to-ceiling windows that allow you to take full advantage of the views, spacious bathrooms with deep soaker tubs, heated floors, Wi-Fi and plush terry bathrobes. On-site you'll find fantastic dining options including casual dining at TOCA, the Ritz Bar where its bustling post-5 p.m. and come summer be sure to grab a seat at DEQ, where it's all about hand-crafted cocktails. You also can't miss the hotel's incredible full-service spa where you'll literally forget you're in the city.
Rates starting at $300/night.
Where to Find:
The Ritz-Carlton Toronto
181 Wellington Street West
Toronto, ON
416-585-2500, theritzcarlton.com
A guestroom at Le Germain Maple Leaf Square
Le Germain Maple Leaf Square
We are quite familiar with Le Germain hotels, having been to their Mercer Street location on many occasion, as well as being instantly impressed with the ALT Hotel addition at Pearson airport, so you can imagine our excitement at their newest addition to the city conveniently located right in the centre of all the action. Steps away from the Air Canada Centre, this is the perfect hotel to stay at if you're in town to see a sporting event or concert. Modern, yet inviting, the ambiance is chic without being stuffy. All of the guest rooms have spa-like bathroom, goose-down duvets, Molton Brown toiletries, complimentary Wi-Fi, and iPod-friendly alarm clocks. For a quick pre-event drink or maybe a nightcap, stop into Play Lounge, the hotel's onsite restaurant and bar serving up a tapas menu and generous wine list.
Rates start at $269/night.
Where to Find:
Le Germain Maple Leaf Square
75 Bremner Blvd.
Toronto, ON
1-888-940-7575, germainmapleleafsquare.com
A Superior Room at the Four Seasons Toronto.
Four Seasons Hotel Toronto
For those wanting to live the luxe life while in the city should certainly consider the brand-new Four Seasons found in the heart of Yorkville. With 269 spacious and modern rooms, including 42 suites, the vibe is fresh and chic, thanks to the wall of windows letting tons of natural light into the elegantly decorated spaces. No matter what you decide to book every room includes a gorgeous granite bathroom complete with a deep-soaking tub and glass-enclosed shower, as well as a TV behind the mirror, so you can watch the news while you put on your makeup! You absolutely must plan to be pampered while here. The hotel features a 30,000 square-foot spa complete with 17 treatment rooms, two steam rooms and a salon for hair, as well as manicure and pedicures. After you've gone into complete bliss we suggest keeping the feeling going with a dinner at the contemporary french restaurant Café Boulud, led by Michelin-star chef Daniel Boulud.
Rates start at $500/night.
Where to Find:
Four Seasons Toronto
60 Yorkville Avenue
Toronto, ON
416-964-0411, fourseasons.com
The exterior of the Windsor Arms.
Windsor Arms
The Windsor Arms is one of the city's hidden gems. While it is located just off Bloor Street, it's easy to miss when you're looking through the store windows of shops like Holt Renfrew, Chanel and Louis Vuitton. The hotel is a particular hot spot for afternoon tea and serves it up every single day. You'll find a total of 28 luxurious suites decked out in classic furnishings, complete with an oversized bathroom, complimentary Wi-Fi, Nespresso maker, Blackberry Playbook and Molton Brown toiletries. If you tend to travel with your furry friend, the Windsor Arms is pet-friendly and will happily arrange anything from dog walking to pet sitting.
Rates start at $295/night.
Where to Find:
Windsor Arms
18 St. Thomas Avenue
Toronto, ON
416-971-9666, windsorarmshotel.com
A Junior Suite at The Hazelton Hotel.
The Hazelton Hotel
On any given summer day walk through Yorkville and you'll pass by the hotel's jam-packed patios, arguably one of the best places in the city to people watch. Many A-list stars, musicians and personalities have been known to stay at this luxurious destination during not only film festival season, but throughout the year. An ultra-luxe 5-star boutique hotel, there are a total of 77 rooms and suites to choose from, designed by renowned interior designer Yabu Pushelberg whose studio has worked on some of the world's most iconic spaces including Tiffany & Co.'s Fifth Avenue flagship store, and W Hotel Times Square. In addition to the comfortable accommodations the hotel is also home to the Mark McEwan restaurant "ONE," an intimate spa, a state-of-the-art fitness centre and a private screening room built to Hollywood standards.
Rates start at $400/night.
Where to Find:
The Hazelton Hotel
118 Yorkville Avenue
Toronto, ON
1-866-473-6301, thehazeltonhotel.com
The Tower Suite at The Gladstone Hotel.
The Gladstone Hotel
To get the ultimate in style and value, we suggest booking a room at The Gladstone Hotel. Found in the Queen Street West neighbourhood, you're right around the corner from great vintage shopping, one-of-a-kind boutiques, and trendy restos and bars. Formally a Victorian hotel, you'll now find 37 unique rooms each distinctly decorated by local artists, interior designers and architects. All rooms come with complimentary Wi-Fi, functional windows, premium cable and all-natural Canadian bath amenities. Food-wise you can dine in either the Gladstone Café and the Melody Bar -- pop in Friday or Saturday night where you'll find the city's best Karaoke happening.
Rates start at $150/night.
Where to Find:
The Gladstone Hotel
1214 Queen St. West
Toronto, ON
416-531-4635, gladstonehotel.com
A guest room at the Trump Toronto.
Trump Toronto
Carrying the prestigious Trump name comes with certain expectations and those over-the-top, luxurious details certainly ring true at this downtown destination. Occupying 65 stories of skyline, a total of 261 guest rooms and suites are available, decorated in a rich palette and including amenities like complimentary Wi-Fi and local calls, Nespresso coffee machines, deep soaker tubs and floor-to-ceiling windows so you can truly enjoy the views. It wouldn't be the Trump without a spa to get pampered in and here you'll find a 15,000 square-foot oasis found high above the sky. Taking advantage of vertical space, STOCK Restaurant Bar & Lounge lives on the 31st floor and serves up steak and seafood dishes with a twist.
Rates start at $360/night.
Where to Find:
Trump Toronto
325 Bay Street
Toronto, ON
1-855-888-7867, trumphotelcollection.com
A guest room at the Shangri-La Hotel Toronto.
Shangri-La Toronto
It doesn't get much more central than the Shangri-La Toronto. Situated on University Avenue, you can easily walk to a meeting on Bay Street, an exhibit at the Art Gallery of Toronto or shopping at the Eaton Centre. The hotel offers 202 spacious guest rooms and suites, all with a large working areas, Nepresso coffee machines, L'Occitane bath products and an iPad. Staying fit here is a cinch thanks to their large heath and fitness facility, which includes a private studio for yoga and pilates, as well as a pool, Jacuzzi, sauna and steam rooms. Melt away any travel woes at the intimate Miraj Hamman spa, which we love, or go right for a night cap at the Lobby Lounge, which regularly offers live entertainment.
Rates start at $460/night.
Where to Find:
Shangri-La Toronto
188 University Avenue
Toronto, ON
647-788-8888, shangri-la.com
