Posted: May 20, 24 | May 20, 2024
Toronto is a huge metropolis known for its diversity. More than half of the city's residents are foreign-born, making it one of the most multicultural cities in the world. These include Chinatown and Little Italy, as well as Greecetown, Koreatown, Little India, Little Poland, Little Portugal and even Little Malta!
Toronto also boasts iconic landmarks such as the CN Tower (one of the tallest free-standing structures in the world), an expansive waterfront, and endless museums. There's a lot of amazing food here too. You will never be bored when you visit.
I've been to Toronto often over the past few years (it's a short flight from where I grew up). The city is large and spread out and has many hotels to choose from. But I know from experience that not all of them are great. So, to help you have fun, save money, and enjoy the city, here is a list of the best hotels in Toronto.
1. Ace Hotel
This 4-star hotel is located in the Garment District, conveniently located between Chinatown, trendy Queen Street West, and downtown Toronto. When you enter the spacious lobby, you feel like you have walked into a Wes Anderson movie set. It features a minimalist, retro-chic design with pastel tones and soft wood panels. I love that the lobby is also a very cool cocktail bar (literally called The Lobby) that comes alive at night with the city's fashionable set. (In the morning, you can enjoy appropriately trendy breakfasts like avocado toast and smoked salmon flatbread.) The hotel also boasts a rooftop bar with incredible views and regular DJ nights, as well as a fitness center.
Rooms are small, medium, and large (suites are also available), and large picture windows allow for plenty of natural light. I love all the uniquely Canadian touches, including the in-room record player with a selection of Canadian vinyl albums from a Toronto record label, the minibar stocked with locally produced products, and the comfy beds adorned with custom, locally made duvets. All rooms include a 55-inch TV and beautifully tiled bathrooms with a walk-in shower (some with a bathtub), luxury toiletries, fluffy bathrobes and a hairdryer.
2. Fairmont Royal York
Located across the street from Toronto's Union Station (the city's main train station), the Fairmont Royal York is an iconic 5-star hotel with a rich history. It opened as a railway hotel in 1929 and has always been the official residence of Queen Elizabeth II during her time in town. The hotel maintains its original décor and style, and I love both its quaint and elegant charm. I love sipping cocktails and soaking up the atmosphere in the moody art deco style lobby. The hotel also boasts an indoor swimming pool, a hot tub, a fitness center with sauna and steam room, and a restaurant serving a rich buffet breakfast.
The elegant rooms are spacious and have plenty of natural light and are equipped with a minibar, desk, end table, flat-screen TV, plush bathrobes, slippers and tea/coffee making facilities. The large tiled bathroom features a walk-in shower with excellent water pressure and free toiletries. They charge for Wi-Fi (which I think is ridiculous for a hotel of this size), but you can access the Wi-Fi for free if you sign up for a free Accor hotel account. Overall, Royal York is a great choice for luxury located in the city center, close to all of the city's major landmarks and attractions.
3. The Broadview Hotel
Located in trendy Riverside, this historic hotel was originally built in 1891 and has since been restored into a beautiful 4-star boutique hotel. The rooftop bar has great views, and there's a cute cafe downstairs that serves breakfast in the morning. I especially love the lush red drapery, high ceilings, large windows, and dark wood floors in the spacious rooms. The décor also adds a bit of whimsy, with terrarium plants, funky floral wallpaper, and record players in each room.
Rooms are filled with plenty of light and include a desk, flat-screen TV, minibar, French press coffee maker and wardrobe. The pillowtop beds are extremely comfortable and decorated with luxurious Italian sheets. I also appreciate the little reading light mounted on the headboard (perfect for reading at night). The bathroom is a bit small and lacks some features (I found there was nowhere to hang or place items), but the huge walk-in shower had great water pressure and was stocked with locally made toiletries.
4. Park Hyatt Toronto
Toronto's Park Hyatt is located in Yorkville, an upscale neighborhood known for upscale shopping, fine dining, and luxury hotels. A five-star property, the entire hotel features a modern and sophisticated design with stylish furnishings, sophisticated artwork and a harmonious color palette. The restaurant inside is an upscale steakhouse (serving a hearty breakfast including steak and eggs) and there's also a small fitness center.
The rooms are nice and spacious, with lots of natural light thanks to the large windows. In-room amenities include Bluetooth speakers, 55-inch flat-screen HDTV, safe, minibar, blackout curtains, and Nespresso coffee maker. The bathroom is spacious and features a walk-in rain shower and complimentary luxury toiletries. I generally find Park Hyatt hotels never disappoint. I stay there a lot because it's a great place to use my points.
5. Yorkville Royal Sonesta
The Royal Sonesta is also in Yorkville, right across the street from the Royal Ontario Museum (one of my favorite museums in the city). This 4-star hotel boasts a heated indoor rooftop pool, a massage studio, a vodka bar (offering more than 50 vodkas from around the world) and an on-site restaurant serving a menu inspired by Toronto's cultural diversity.
I love that the rooms have a modern, minimalist design and have lots of natural light. A large desk, seating area, Nespresso machine, flat-screen TV and minibar are also provided. The large marble bathroom features a walk-in shower (thought the water pressure was a bit low), plush bathrobes and slippers. I love that there is also a 24/7 fitness center.
6. Pantages Hotel Downtown
This stylish high-rise hotel is located right in the heart of downtown Toronto's activity. Pantages is a stone's throw away from several historic performing arts venues, making it especially suitable for those with theater tickets. I also love that you are right next to the historic Fran's restaurant. Built in the 1940s, it's open 24 hours a day and serves classic dinners (plus a great breakfast menu).
The rooms are incredibly spacious and bright, with floor-to-ceiling windows and beautiful hardwood floors. I really love the design of the room, including the lush royal blue curtains, plush rugs, and unique artwork on the walls. Rooms also include large desks, Keurig coffee makers, safes, and flat-screen TVs (deluxe rooms or suites include a small kitchenette). The bed was nice and comfortable, with a cozy blanket and thick sheets. The huge marble bathroom has been recently updated and is stunning with a walk-in rain shower and luxurious bath amenities.
Canada's largest city is full of unique neighborhoods filled with interesting things to see, do and eat (I love walking around the city and eating). There are many hotels to choose from here, but if you choose one from the list above, you'll have a great time in Toronto!
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