There is no shortage of boutique hotels in Toronto. With a city that’s continuously growing and a tourism industry that seems to just keep getting bigger, boutique hotels in Toronto are popping up everywhere. For those that don’t live here, it may seem as if Toronto has popped out of nowhere, joined the world stage and is now a hot travel destination people are really talking about. It could have started with Bieber, been helped by Drake and sealed with The Weekend. Who knows.
Either way, people are starting to recognize Toronto as a destination to travel to, and while I’m biased in always trying to escape the city; there are many reasons why you should visit! I’ve written about how to see the best of Toronto in a day before but really if you’re going to stay do yourself a favour and come for at least a long weekend. With so many amazing restaurants popping up all over the place, the waterfront and countless attractions there’s enough to keep you busy.
If you’re anything like me though, one of the first things you do when looking for a new destination, besides booking flights is to look for hotels. Whenever I travel, I really try to stay only in boutique hotels. I find they have far better customer service, are often more unique and generally in great locations. I’ve put together a list of my favourite boutique hotels in Toronto to help get you started. Some I’ve stayed in myself, others I just know them from afar. Either way, I’m hoping this helps you to make a better and more informed decision when picking one of the best boutique hotels in Toronto.
Thompson Hotel
I’m incredibly biased towards this hotel, seeing as we’re getting married here in August! It recently became infamous as it was the sole hotel for the NBA All-Stars when they came to Toronto last February. It’s also no stranger to the likes of other movie stars or famous singers with people like Drake, Meryl Streep, Brad Pitt, George Clooney and Julia Roberts. Yes we’re serious.
What makes this hotel probably the most famous is the panoramic views you get from the top floor. The hotel is in quite a unique position in the downtown core so you’re blessed with an unobstructed view while enjoying a cocktail or a swim at the rooftop pool. The rooms are also beautifully decorated in a classic modern way. Not to mention the bathroom floors are heated for those super cold winter nights. I’m going to be honest, there’s not much more that would make this hotel more perfect.
| Average price: $400 CAD / night |
Windsor Arms Hotel
As one of the oldest boutique hotels in Toronto, the Windsor Arms Hotel is a classic favourite. The architectural design looks as if it should be in a city more worldly than Toronto but nonetheless you’ll find it centrally located near the University of Toronto. Built in 1927, the 28 suite hotel is small but mighty. Among locals, the Windsor Arms Hotel is probably best known for its high tea. If you’re looking at getting a reservation anywhere near a holiday, good luck. You may spot a few celebrities at this hotel as well but you’re more likely to find prestigious jetsetters and travelers with a bit of cash.
| Average price: $600 CAD / night |
Le Germain Hotel
As soon as you walk in through the hotel lobby of Le Germain Hotel you’ll get a sense of how luxurious the hotel is. The neutral colours seen throughout this boutique hotel add a calming air to your vacation. You’ll be hard pressed to find a boutique hotel in Toronto with a more ideal location. Sitting at the crossroads between the entertainment and the financial district, Le Germain Hotel appeals to a range of travelers. Plus it’s located on a side street so you won’t be subject to too much of the noise in this big city. Not only is there a rooftop putting green but a 24-hour gym as well. I don’t think it gets much better than that.
| Average price: $390 CAD / night |
Soho Hotel
I actually pass this hotel every single day on my walk to and from work hoping that one day I’ll get a chance to stay here. The Soho Hotel is pretty elegant as boutique hotels in Toronto go. Located right near the Rogers Centre, Queen West and the Entertainment district you’ll be in walking distance to most of the attractions you’ll want to see. The big beds, marble bathrooms and plethora of restaurants to choose from nearby will have you wishing you could live there. Mark Wahlberg actually opened up a chain of his Wahlburgers in the bottom of this hotel.
| Average price: $450 CAD / night |
Hotel Victoria
Hotel Victoria is located right on one of the longest streets in the world and one of the busiest spots in Toronto. You wouldn’t know it once inside the hotel though. The last time I stayed here I couldn’t believe how quiet the rooms were. For being walking distance from the Eaton Centre, Yonge and Dundas Square and the waterfront.The best part about Hotel Victoria is the breakfast restaurant located downstairs. Over Easy is probably one of my favourite spots in the city for breakfast. I just love how they put a whole pot of coffee on your table for you to enjoy!
| Average price: $280 CAD / night |
The Drake Hotel
Like the other Drake hotels, the Drake Hotel Toronto is incredibly unique. Set in Queen West and surrounded by hipsters the Drake fits the location perfectly. I would almost argue that the Drake helped to make Queen West what it is today. This hotel is definitely for the traveler who enjoys a unique cocktail, Instagram worthy bedrooms and being a bit away from the ‘touristy’ areas of a city.
| Average price: $250 CAD / night |
The Beverley Hotel
The Beverly Hotel is one of the newer hotels in Toronto, having opened in 2013. The location is ideal for those who love to shop as it’s right smack in the middle of Queen West and the Eaton Centre. If space is a necessity for you I would suggest moving on. The building is tall, skinny and you honestly wouldn’t even notice it wasn’t there as you walked by unless you knew to look for it. However, the hotel has an amazing looking patio, nice bright rooms and you absolutely can’t beat the price.
| Average price: $180 CAD / night |
Hotel Ocho
This hotel is one of the more unique spaces in Toronto. Originally built in 1902 as a factory, the hotel stayed true to its roots with industrial furniture and artwork scattered throughout. In the bottom of the hotel you’ll also find one of the better restaurants in the city. To be honest it actually took me ages to even realize this was a hotel. If food, industrial design and simple rooms are your style make sure to book your room as soon as possible!
| Average price: $420 CAD / night |
One King West Hotel
If posh, glamour is more your style then you’ll love the One King West Hotel. Located right on Yonge Street (one of the longest streets in the world) and a few steps from the Eaton Centre as well as the Yonge and Dundas Square, you’ll find yourself within walking distance of most of the cities attractions.
Try to request a room with a view, especially if you’re going to be facing south. The views of the Toronto waterfront or west side can be truly amazing. You’ll also definitely want to order some room service while during your stay. While it could be a little pricey (not much more than you’d spend going out for dinner), the food is incredible. Last time I was there I sampled the braised short rib and mashed potatoes and seriously thought I had died and gone to heaven.
| Average price: $300 CAD / night |
Gladstone Hotel
Similar to the Drake hotel, the Gladstone has rooms decorated all differently. The hotel is also one of the coolest spots in the city especially for art lovers as they regularly hold art exhibits. The location isn’t necessarily ideal if it’s your first visit to Toronto as it’s a bit farther away from the main sights but I promise it will be well worth the trek. Plus there are some great bars located in the bottom of the hotel if you feel like getting a drink before bed. I’ve actually been wanting to try out this spot for a while but it’s hard to justify it seeing as I live a couple blocks away!
| Average price: $250 CAD / night |
