Toronto is a sprawling metropolis known for its diversity. More than half of the city’s inhabitants were born outside the country, making it one of the most multicultural cities in the world. There is not only a Chinatown and a little Italy here, but also a Greek, a Korean, a little India, a Little Poland, a little Portugal and even a little Malta!
Toronto also has iconic landmarks such as the CN Tower (one of the tallest free-standing structures in the world), a great waterfront and an endless selection of museums. There is also a lot of good food here. I am never bored when I visit.
I’ve been to Toronto a lot over the years (it’s a short flight from where I grew up). The city is big, sprawling and has a ton of hotels to choose from. But I know from experience that not all of them are great. So that you can have fun, save money and enjoy the city, here is my List of the best hotels in Toronto:
1. Hotel Steigenberger
A bed in front of a panoramic window in a paneled wall, in front of a windowsill at The Ace Hotel in Toronto, Canada
This four-star hotel is located in the Garment District (ideally located between Chinatown, Queen Street West and downtown Toronto). Upon entering the great lobby, you will have the impression of walking on the set of a Wes Anderson movie, with its retro-Chic minimalist design that presents many pastel shades and soft wood paneling. I love the fact that the lobby is also an ultra-cool cocktail bar (literally called the Lobby) that comes to life at night with the fashionable Ensemble of the city. (In the morning, here are trendy breakfast dishes, such as loaded avocado toast and a smoked salmon flatbread.) The hotel also offers a rooftop Bar with incredible views and regular DJ nights, as well as a fitness center.
The rooms are divided into small, medium and large (there are also suites) and have a lot of natural light thanks to the large panoramic windows. I love all the unique Canadian touches, like the turntables in the room with Canadian vinyl albums curated by a Toronto record label, the Minibars with locally made products and the comfortable beds adorned with custom local quilts. All rooms have a 55-inch TV and the beautifully tiled bathrooms are equipped with a walk-in shower (some with a bathtub), designer toiletries, fluffy bathrobes and a hairdryer.
2. The Fairmont Royal York
An indoor swimming pool in a glass atrium at The Fairmont Royal York Hotel in Toronto, Canada
Located directly across the street from Toronto’s Union Station (the city’s central train station), the Fairmont Royal York is an iconic five-star hotel with a rich history. It opened its doors in 1929 as a railway hotel and has always been the official residence of Queen Elizabeth II when she was in town. The hotel has retained the decor and style of the time, and I like the elegant Old World Charm. I really like to soak up the atmosphere over a Cocktail in the atmospheric Art Deco-style lobby. The hotel also has an indoor swimming pool, a hot tub, a fitness center with Sauna and steam room, as well as a restaurant serving a great buffet breakfast.
The majestic rooms have plenty of space and natural light, a minibar, a desk, a small table, a flat-screen TV, soft bathrobes, slippers and tea/coffee making facilities. The large tiled bathrooms have walk-in showers with excellent water pressure and free toiletries. They rate for Wi-Fi (which I find ridiculous for a hotel of this caliber), but if you sign up for a free Accor Hotels account, you can access Wi-Fi for free. Overall, the Royal York is the best choice for luxury in the heart of the city center, close to all the main sites and attractions of the city.
3. The Broadview Hotel
A large guest room with a bed in front of floor-to-ceiling windows with rich red curtains and a sofa and a table on the side at The Broadview Hotel in Toronto, Canada The historic property on the trendy river was originally built in 1891 and has since been transformed into a magnificent four-star boutique hotel. The rooftop Bar has a great view and there is a nice cafe on the ground floor that serves breakfast in the morning. I especially like the lush red curtains, high ceilings, large windows and dark parquet floors in the spacious rooms. The decor also adds a bit of whimsy, with terrarium plants, funky floral wallpaper and even a turntable in each room.
