One happy diner at the Gladstone hotel, left, and below, its trés cool Room 404 Canadiana. Right, the Drake Hotel also makes for a hip haven.
Sleep at … Toronto may be low-key but it has a surprising amount of choice when it comes to luxury hotels, including The Four Seasons, The Trump (with its own chocolate lab), the 65-storey Shangri-La which, handily for visiting A-listers, is connected to private club Soho House by a walkway, The Hazelton Hotel, Thompson Residences and The Fairmont Royal York. The Royal York (100 Front Street West, +1 416 368 2511; fairmont.com) is worth a stay if you’re deep of pocket. At one time the tallest building in the British Empire, its history is tied to that of Canada’s, so if you want some heritage but can’t afford the room rate, pop in for afternoon tea. For Toronto glamour that isn’t as tough on the wallet, the boutique Drake Hotel (1150 Queen Street West, +1 416 531 5042; thedrakehotel.ca) is a must. Celebrating its ten-year anniversary this year, the owners plan to continue the cutting-edge vibe. Rooms have a laidback charm and showcase emerging artists, while downstairs there is always something interesting happening – a poetry slam, music, community art projects, free pancake breakfasts ... It’s a hip Canadian experience. Boutique hotel the Gladstone also has interesting gallery spaces and artistdesigned bedrooms (1214 Queen Street West, +1 416 531 4635; gladstonehotel.com). Further east along Queen Street West, The Beverley Hotel (+1 416 493 2786; thebeverleyhotel.ca) is a smart boutique spot with 18 rooms and a great restaurant. For budget napping, Super 8 (222 Spadina Avenue, +1 647 426 8118; super8.com) in Chinatown will have your credit card thanking you.
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APRIL/MAY 2014
CONNIE TSANG
INSIDE TRACK | TORONTO