The Best Luxury Hotels in Toronto
Toronto is the undisputed capital of Canada’s media and retail industries. That might sound boring, but all that money fluttering around means the country’s largest city is home to a five-star hospitality scene. Whether you’re looking for a swanky suite at a flagship international chain or a glamorous boutique property, we’ve rounded up the best places to stay.
1. Four Seasons Hotel Toronto
Hotel
Located in the well-heeled Yorkville neighborhood, enjoy many hours navigating some of the city’s most expensive shopping and restaurant options. This luxurious property offers elegant rooms with muted tones and stunning views, thanks to floor-to-ceiling windows. The expansive, fully-equipped fitness center features a yoga studio, as well as a pool and a spa. The hotel’s restaurant, Café Boulud, serves up some of the best French cuisine in the country.
2. The St Regis Toronto
Chain Hotel
The centrally-located St Regis Toronto is a quick stroll from some of the city’s most popular landmarks, such as the CN Tower, Ripley’s Aquarium and Saks Fifth Avenue. Luxurious rooms come with all the amenities, including Nespresso machines, iHome sound systems, soaker tubs and walk-in showers. There’s a heated indoor saltwater pool with a deck area, with lovely city views. The modern fitness center offers private personal trainers and the full-service spa features a sauna and whirlpool.
3. The Fairmont Royal York
Boutique Hotel
This elegant, historic hotel offers easy access to the city’s downtown attractions. When it opened in 1929, the hotel was considered the tallest building in the country. Despite now being dwarfed by surrounding skyscrapers, this landmark hotel still stands out with its castle-like appearance. Indulge in numerous treatments at the onsite spa and take a dip in the indoor lap pool. There’s also a large fitness room, whirlpool, children’s wading pool, sauna and steam rooms. The restaurant Reign highlights regional fare and has an interesting selection of cocktails.
5. Kimpton Saint George
Hotel, Luxury
The Kimpton Saint George is another artistic addition to Toronto’s bohemian Annex neighborhood. You can’t miss the giant owl painted on the west-facing wall of this 14-story tower, a masterpiece by local street artist Jerry Rugg. The colorful streak runs into the lobby, with alpine murals by local painter Tisha Myles. Bespoke decor from Mason Studio provides a more homey feel than most luxury hotels, and the price is a bargain, too.
6. Le Germain Hotel Toronto
Hotel, Luxury
Once a hat factory, this Mercer Street property became a Le Germain hotel in 2002, exuding a sense of calm from the double-height lobby to the rooftop putting green. The Zen vibe also pervades every one of the 123 rooms, with rich wooden fittings on the walls, textured carpets on the floor and a Bose stereo to complete the mood of low-key luxury in the heart of downtown.
7. The Omni King Edward Hotel
Hotel, Luxury
8. The Ritz-Carlton
Spa Hotel, Luxury
9. Bisha Hotel
Hotel, Luxury
This glam boutique hotel is all about over-the-top opulence, with etched gold, crushed velvet and black marble everywhere you turn. Also, more than 3,000 pieces of art, including dozens of original Andy Warhol prints, adorn every spare wall. With 96 rooms a couple of blocks north of the Rogers Centre, Bisha has Iron Chef contestant Akira Back as a chef in its Asian fusion restaurant. There is also 44th-floor cafe KŌST, which serves nibbles and drinks and has its own infinity pool.
10. Shangri-La Hotel
Hotel, Luxury, Spa Hotel
Toronto’s Shangri-La enjoys all the elegance of the Singapore original, with Asian accents sprinkled throughout its 202 rooms. Surrounded by the eateries and nightspots of the upscale Entertainment District – including Momofuku Noodle Bar next door – the Shangri-La shimmers with dark polished wood, Japanese ink prints and crystal chandeliers. Indulge in a luxury hammam spa treatment or finish the day with laps of the 20 metre indoor heated pool.
11. The Hazelton Hotel
Spa Hotel, Luxury
With gold framing in the lobby, green granite in the bathrooms and priceless masterpieces by artists Bruno Billio and Sorel Etrog in the common spaces, The Hazelton oozes old-school Hollywood cool. With 77 rooms, this Yorkville landmark sits on the doorstep of Toronto’s high-end shopping strip, the Mink Mile. But you might not be able to drag yourself away from the hotel, if you’re feasting at ONE Restaurant, the brainchild of acclaimed local chef Mark McEwan, or indulging in a facial with products from Swiss skincare line Valmont in The Hazelton’s intimate spa.
12. SoHo Metropolitan Hotel & Residences
Hotel, Luxury
If you spot a celebrity or two at the SoHo Met, it might not be because they’re staying there. This luxury boutique hotel contains the sports bar Wahlburgers, owned by the Wahlberg brothers – chef Paul and actors Mark and Donnie. Besides the burgers, this lavish downtown property dishes up 89 relaxing rooms, offering custom-made maple woodwork, artisanal Molton Brown skincare products and a striking Dale Chihuly glass sculpture hovering over the entrance.
Sandra MacGregor contributed additional reporting to this article.
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