Toronto, the vast urban center celebrated for its cultural diversity, is a city where over half of its residents come from different countries, making it one of the world’s most cosmopolitan cities. The cultural mosaic includes not just Chinatown and Little Italy, but also Greektown, Koreatown, Little India, Little Poland, Little Portugal, and even Little Malta. Landmarks like the towering CN Tower, a vast lakeside area, and numerous museums add to Toronto’s appeal. The culinary scene is equally impressive, offering endless gastronomic delights. Each visit brings new discoveries.
Having frequently visited Toronto over the years, I can attest to its vastness and the wide selection of hotels available. However, not every hotel meets the mark. Drawing from my experiences, I’ve compiled a list of the best hotels in Toronto to enhance your stay, ensure savings, and maximize your enjoyment of the city. Here are my top hotel recommendations in Toronto:
6. Pantages Hotel Downtown
The Pantages Hotel, a contemporary skyscraper, is situated in the vibrant heart of downtown Toronto, making it an ideal location for theater lovers due to its close proximity to numerous iconic theaters. Next to the hotel is the historic Fran’s diner, a 24-hour eatery from the 1940s, famous for its classic diner dishes and excellent breakfast options.
Guests are greeted with remarkably spacious and bright rooms, thanks to the floor-to-ceiling windows and elegant hardwood floors. The decor combines sophistication and comfort, featuring luxurious royal blue curtains, plush area rugs, and unique wall art. Rooms come equipped with a large desk, a Keurig coffee machine, a secure safe, and a flatscreen TV, with deluxe rooms and suites also offering the convenience of a kitchenette. Beds are designed for a restful night’s sleep with cozy comforters and high-quality sheets. The expansive marble bathrooms have been recently renovated and include walk-in rain showers and premium toiletries.
Toronto, Canada’s largest city, is a patchwork of lively neighborhoods, each brimming with attractions, activities, and culinary delights. Selecting a hotel from the recommended list will undoubtedly enhance your Toronto experience.
5. The Yorkville Royal Sonesta
The Royal Sonesta, located in the trendy Yorkville neighborhood and close to the renowned Royal Ontario Museum, is a four-star hotel offering a range of upscale amenities. It boasts a cozy indoor rooftop pool, a serene massage studio, a vodka bar with an impressive selection of over 50 international vodka brands, and a restaurant with a menu inspired by Toronto’s diverse cultural heritage.
The rooms feature a modern, minimalist design and are flooded with natural light. They include a spacious desk, a comfortable seating area, a Nespresso machine, a flatscreen TV, and a minibar. The luxurious marble bathrooms have walk-in showers, though the water pressure could be improved, as well as plush bathrobes and slippers. Additionally, the hotel offers a 24-hour fitness center, accommodating guests’ wellness needs at any time.
4. Park Hyatt Toronto
Located in the prestigious Yorkville district, known for its designer boutiques, gourmet dining, and luxurious accommodations, the Park Hyatt Toronto represents five-star sophistication. The hotel exudes a modern, chic vibe with sleek furniture, curated artwork, and a cohesive color palette. Guests can savor meals at the on-site upscale steakhouse, which offers hearty breakfast options like steak and eggs, and take advantage of the compact, well-equipped gym.
The guest rooms are spacious and bright, thanks to large windows, and come with numerous amenities including Bluetooth speakers, a 55-inch flatscreen HDTV, a secure safe, a stocked minibar, blackout drapes, and a Nespresso machine.
The bathrooms are generous in size, featuring large walk-in rain showers and high-end complimentary bath products. My experiences with Park Hyatt hotels have always been positive, making them an excellent choice for redeeming points for a stay.
3. The Broadview Hotel
Located in the fashionable Riverside area, this four-star boutique hotel is a beautifully restored treasure from 1891, blending historical charm with contemporary luxury. The hotel features a rooftop bar with breathtaking views and a cozy café on the ground floor perfect for morning breakfasts. The spacious rooms are adorned with opulent red curtains, high ceilings, large windows, and rich dark wood floors. The whimsical decor includes terrariums, vibrant floral wallpaper, and even a record player.
Flooded with natural light, the rooms are equipped with a desk, a flatscreen TV, a minibar, a French press for coffee, and ample wardrobe space. The beds, featuring plush pillowtop mattresses and luxurious Italian linens, ensure a restful night’s sleep, with headboards that include built-in reading lights for convenience. While the bathrooms are on the smaller side and could benefit from more space for personal items, they offer large walk-in showers with excellent water pressure and locally made artisanal bath products.
2. The Fairmont Royal York
The Fairmont Royal York, located directly across from Toronto’s primary railway hub, Union Station, is a prestigious five-star hotel with a rich history. Since opening in 1929 as a railway hotel, it has been the preferred lodging for Queen Elizabeth II during her visits. The hotel retains the aesthetic of that era, exuding an air of refined, bygone elegance, especially evident when enjoying a drink in the atmospheric, Art Deco-inspired lobby. The hotel offers a variety of amenities, including an indoor pool, hot tub, and a well-equipped fitness center with a sauna and steam room, as well as a restaurant with an expansive breakfast buffet.
The grand rooms are generously spacious and filled with natural light, featuring amenities such as a minibar, desk, small table, flatscreen TV, and the comfort of plush bathrobes, slippers, and a tea/coffee maker. The large, tiled bathrooms have walk-in showers with robust water pressure and are stocked with complimentary toiletries. While there is a fee for Wi-Fi, joining the complimentary Accor hotels program grants free access. Overall, the Royal York epitomizes opulence in downtown Toronto, conveniently located near the city’s main attractions.
1. Ace Hotel
Nestled in the Garment District, this four-star hotel is just a short walk from the vibrant Chinatown, the trendy Queen Street West, and the heart of downtown Toronto. Entering its expansive lobby, you are transported to a scene reminiscent of a Wes Anderson film, featuring minimalist yet stylish decor with soft pastel hues and gentle wooden accents. The lobby also serves as ‘The Lobby,’ a chic cocktail lounge that becomes a bustling hotspot for the city’s trendsetters in the evening. In the morning, it offers fashionable breakfast options such as hearty avocado toast and savory smoked salmon flatbread. The hotel boasts a rooftop bar with stunning views, regular DJ events, and a well-equipped fitness center.
The rooms, available in small, medium, large, and suite sizes, are filled with natural light from expansive picture windows. They showcase distinct Canadian charm, featuring in-room turntables with a selection of Canadian vinyl records curated by a local record label, minibars stocked with regional treats, and beds adorned with bespoke quilts crafted locally. Each room includes a 55-inch TV, and the artfully tiled bathrooms feature spacious walk-in showers (with select rooms offering bathtubs), upscale toiletries, plush bathrobes, and hair dryers, ensuring a stay that’s both comfortable and culturally immersive.