The best boutique hotels in Toronto are often cultural hubs as much as hotels. These spots often host pop-up galleries, exhibits, and special events, along with creative innovation in the form of their ever-evolving suites and sensational dining menus. These boutique hotels do "intimate" in a way that blows their colossal-sized counterparts out the water, though that personal attention and cozy appeal usually comes at a bit of a premium price.
Here is the list of the best boutique hotels in Toronto.
1. Drake Hotel
It's no surprise that the Drake Hotel would top this list. An unabashed "hotbed for culture" (at least, according to its own description), this 19-room hotel always seems to play host to some sort of acclaimed exhibit, installation, show, or other artsy event, with its super-stylish rooms (sometimes) available to those who don't want to make the trip home. Rooms start at $169, with the Drake Cafe brunch a good consolation prize for those who can't snag a reservation.
The Gladstone Hotel is 37 rooms of one-of-a-kind accommodation, with suites inspired by "Teen Queens," 1930's living, and cheeky Canadiana. Built back in 1889, the Gladstone in its recent incarnation has served to seduce local and visiting art-minded types, with its Melody Bar hosting a mean bluegrass brunch, plus regular karaoke nights for those who like to bask and/or entertain in the embarrassment of others.
3. Thompson Hotel
Unveiling itself with much esteem in the fall of 2010, Thompson Hotel has since climbed to the forefront of Toronto's boutique hotel scene (to the chagrin of its relentless naysayers). Its 102 guest rooms are just part of Thompson's appeal, with the view offered from its rooftop patio and three dining options helping to win over new visitors. All day breakfast at its 24-hour diner definitely garners a few extra points, too.
4. Hotel Le Germain Mercer St.
In the heart of the Entertainment District, Hotel Le Germain is pretty much at the centre of everything downtown. The hotel offers dining in its Victor Restaurant, schmoozing in its Social Media Lounge, and fresh tulips in every guest room.
5. Hotel Le Germain Maple Leaf Square
Opened in 2010, the 167-room hotel boasts a Play Lounge for catching the game in sophistication, and rainfall showers for elegantly washing off the post-game sweat. Rooms start from about $269 per night, and go all the way up to $1500.
6. The Ivy at Verity
A bit of a hidden Corktown Gem, The Ivy at Verity is "intimate" in a way that can only be guaranteed by a four-room boutique hotel. Outfitted with plenty of luxuries-- soaker tubs, heated floors, private terraces, and in-room spa services-- these rooms certainly seem well worth the $300+ price tag per night. The hotel also offers access to George Restaurant, Verity meeting facilities, and SweetGrass Spa amenities and services.
7. Templar Hotel
One of the newest hotels on Toronto's boutique scene, Templar Hotel quietly arrived in the Entertainment District about one year ago. The hotel offers 27 ultra-sleek suites, which range in size from 300 square feet to over 2,000. The hotel is also equipped with a private spa for even more reclusive indulgence, plus fine dining in the form of the Monk Kitchen, which offers a daily menu based on seasonal ingredients.
8. Cosmopolitan Hotel
27 floors, 97 suites, and one fantastic deluxe Shizen Spa. The vibe at Cosmopolitan Hotel is all about healing and serenity, which explains the yoga mats and meditation television channel that's granted to all Cosmopolitan guests. This hotel is right in the heart of Toronto's downtown core, throwing its hat into the food and wine game with its very own Eight Wine Bar and Restaurant.
9. Hotel Ocho
A boutique hotel for Chinatown, Hotel Ocho is a historic turn-of-the-century building transformed for espresso-enthusiasts, foodies, and luxurious overnight stays. Rooms here tote a trendy vibe with exposed brick, wood beams, and big flat screen TVs, though of equal attraction is the continual roster of events hosted on Hotel Ocho's main floor space. Twelve rooms, and great proximity to Toronto's best dim sum.
The best boutique hotels in Toronto are often cultural hubs as much as hotels. Unveiling itself with much esteem in the fall of 2010, Thompson Hotel has since climbed to the forefront of Toronto's boutique hotel scene (to the chagrin of its relentless naysayers). Hotel Le Germain Mercer St.
In the heart of the Entertainment District, Hotel Le Germain is pretty much at the centre of everything downtown. One of the newest hotels on Toronto's boutique scene, Templar Hotel quietly arrived in the Entertainment District about one year ago. A boutique hotel for Chinatown, Hotel Ocho is a historic turn-of-the-century building transformed for espresso-enthusiasts, foodies, and luxurious overnight stays.
