best Toronto hotels The Ritz
Photo: The Ritz-Carlton Toronto

Our Picks for the Most Stylish Toronto Hotels

Editor-tested reviews of the eight chicest spots for a stay—and a staycation

Every world-class city needs a stable of world-class hotels, for both discerning visitors and residents looking for a superb staycation—or simply an expertly crafted cocktail in a buzzy hotel bar (such a singular pleasure!). Toronto is in the midst of a hotel boom, and that’s even before new arrivals W and The Ace join the scene this summer.

But which of the city’s myriad very good hotels are truly great? We sent our intrepid editorial team to find out, armed only with an overnight bag and a sense of adventure. Here are our top eight picks.

*A note on the rates: These are for reference only, as rates change constantly. Please check in with the hotel directly for the most up-to-date info.

1. Park Hyatt Toronto

4 Avenue Rd. (Yorkville; central)
Rooms from $629; suites from $850

Park Hyatt Toronto best Toronto hotels
The Park Hyatt Toronto is infused with impactful art, including Shannon Bool’s arresting tapestry. Photo: Park Hyatt Toronto

The vibe

The Yorkville jewel closed four years ago for a top-to-bottom refresh lead by renowned Canadian designer Alessandro Munge of Studio Munge. When the hotel re-opened last September, it was clear that the wait was worth it. A star feature of the hotel is its permanent collection of artwork from Canadian artists, many of whom are Indigenous. In the lobby, Shannon Bool’s soaring “Dead Ringers,” an abstract black-and-white tapestry sets the ultra-chic tone.

The rooms

In a word (okay, two): elegant perfection. I dropped my bag, slipped into the plush hotel robe and slippers, put the heavenly bergamot-scented Le Labo toiletries to use, brewed a cuppa, nibbled the lavender-infused dark chocolates left as a treat, and sank into the heavenly bed. I relished the stillness and  luxury of the moment. It felt as though my brain could finally shut off after months of constant whirring.

The spa

The brand-new Stillwater Spa is in a class of its own. The singularity starts at the entrance, at the base of the new statement staircase, which acts as an aesthetic through line for the hotel. Here, the focus is on customized care and what Kerry Werner, the spa director, calls “sustainable wellness.” (If you want the rat-a-tat of fluorescent-lit, results-oriented treatments, there are plenty of clinics to visit up the street.) The Stillwater, by contrast, is all gentle luxury. It’s worth arriving half an hour before your treatment to experience the spacious sauna and steam room. Then, sip strawberry-infused water and sample a madeleine from a sweet tray that would look at home at the city’s best afternoon tea spread.

What we’d change

The rooms and bathrooms are beautiful, but I would have loved a serious soaker tub—one of my favourite hotel indulgences.

What we love most

The rooftop Writers Room cocktail bar has been a favourite haunt of locals and visiting celebs for more than 50 years. Now revamped, it’s cozy and cool, with a Don Draper-esque vibe. The drinks menu features innovative new twists on classics like the Manhattan, as well as custom cocktails inspired by Canadian fiction. The Red Purse ($31)—a heady blend of cognac, bitters and absinthe—takes its name from an image in Margaret Atwood’s novel Cat’s Eye. The biggest bonus, though, is the view from the terrace, watching the big city lights shimmer and shine. —reviewed by wedding editor Alison McGill

Stillwater Spa Park Hyatt Toronto lobby
Gentle luxury at the Park Hyatt’s Stillwater Spa. Photo: Park Hyatt Toronto
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2. Fairmont Royal York

100 Front St. W. (Downtown)
Rooms from $579; suites from $779.

Fairmont Royal York Toronto
The best spot in the downtown core for a drink: Clockwork Bar. Photo: Fairmont Royal York

The vibe

Historic, majestic and, now, newly sexy. It’s not an exaggeration to say that the Royal York is a Toronto legend. Since its 1929 founding, it’s been a leading character in the city’s story of itself. (Queen Elizabeth, who has a permanent Royal Suite complete with private elevator, donated the clock in the lobby.) In 2019, to celebrate the hotel’s 90th birthday, a top-to-bottom reno marked an exciting new chapter. Queen Elizabeth’s clock is still there, but it now acts as a symbol for the lobby’s inviting Clockwork bar.

The rooms

A great lobby is great for visitors, but for guests, it’s all about the room. And it’s all here: pillowy carpets, fresh white linens and a deep soaker tub that surely proves irresistible to all who encounter it. The crown molding adds character; the gold accents, warmth. The overall effect is Art Deco-inspired boutique hotel minus any hint of chilly minimalism. The bed is a dream, an invitation to sleep late, order room-service waffles and leisurely read the paper while sipping espresso from a curved white cup.

The bar

Clockwork bar is a buzzily intimate space with curved sofas and crushed velvet pillows, all bathed in the kind of ultra-flattering purply golden light that immediately marks it as a quality joint. It delivers on the promise that every hotel bar makes: to make you feel incredibly welcome while also taking you outside of yourself. The service is warm, fast, professional, and the cocktails—well, the cocktails are perfection. I enjoyed a delightful Negroni ($18) with the most elegant sliver of orange peel. If you’re looking for something more private, the hotel’s Library Bar is the perfect spot to enjoy Oysters Rockefeller ($28) and a chilled flute.

What we’d change

The pool area itself is great, with a skylight above the pool (on the day I visited, it was raining, creating a lovely sense of water above and below), but overall, it’s in need of a spruce.

What we love most

Afternoon tea always sounds wonderful in principle, but can be tricky to properly pull off. The Royal York nails it. (At $80 per person, the expectations are high.) Served during the weekend in the Clockwork bar, the tea features an extensive range of brews—including a fiery, delicious Grand Bazaar Spice—along with pillowy soft scones, tasty sandwiches and desserts, like a dulce de leche cheesecake, you’ll think about long after your third cup has cooled. —reviewed by editor-in-chief Laura deCarufel

Rich jewel tones on the Fairmont Gold floor. Photo: Fairmont Royal York
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3. Shangri-La Hotel

188 University Ave. (Downtown)
Rooms from $775; suites from $975

Shangri La Hotel best Toronto Hotels
A stylish refuge in the heart of downtown Toronto. Photo: Shangri-La

The vibe

An East-meets-West aesthetic with a sophisticated yet welcoming atmosphere. Fresh orchid arrangements surround the entrance and Shangri-La’s signature fragrance (a blend of vanilla, sandalwood and musk) wafts through the air. It’s lovely. Stylish hotel guests are chatting in the cozy lounge area and the black marble fireplace is blazing. It’s upscale without being stuffy.

The rooms

My partner and I got engaged at the Shangri-La two years back, so returning for a staycation a month shy of our wedding felt so special. We walked into our spacious premier room and were greeted with a chilled bottle of champagne—such a thoughtful gesture. We immediately slipped into our fluffy hotel bathrobes, plopped ourselves on the plush king-sized bed (dressed with crisp Frette linens) and flipped on the television to enjoy some quality reality TV while sipping our bubbles. The white marble bathroom is a thing to behold: floor-to-ceiling windows, heated floors, a TV embedded into the mirror, a jet tub, and a display of Bathorium bath salts. Shortly after, we headed downstairs to Bosk—the hotel’s Canadian-Asian-inspired restaurant—for dinner, but we could have lazed in our room all night and remained perfectly happy.

The spa

Head up to the fifth floor of the Shangri-La and step into the dreamy, dimly lit oasis that is the Miraj Hammam Spa. With design influences from cities like Paris, Marrakech and Istanbul, the mood is tranquil and decidedly chic. Services include everything from standard mani-pedis and massages, to the indulgent Turkish bath ritual (think clouds of foamy eucalyptus soap enveloping your body before you get scrubbed down and oiled up until your skin feels like a newborn’s). During my stay, I tried the Signature Biologique Recherche facial, which is customized according to your skin type. The facial is done with cooling tools to minimize irritation and tighten the look of skin. My skin was smooth and glowing for days. After your treatment, don’t forget to unwind in the patio or lounge area with a steaming cup of mint tea while you nibble on tasty baklava, nuts and dried fruit.

What we’d change

We loved the ambiance and airy, open-concept design of Bosk, but the food was a little underwhelming. The cocktails and service, however, were excellent.

What we loved most

The concierge is incredibly friendly, attentive and courteous, which ensures your stay begins on a high note. The live music in the lobby is an incredible touch. We were entertained and delighted by the string quartet playing pop hits like Harry Styles’s “Watermelon Sugar”—I truly felt like I stepped into an episode of Bridgerton. In the bedroom, the mechanical drapes that open and close at the touch of a button are nothing short of luxurious. —reviewed by associate editor Melissa Perdigao

best Toronto hotels Shangri-La
Cozy elegance at Toronto’s Shangri-La hotel. Photo: Shangri-La
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4. The Drake Hotel

1150 Queen St. W. (West end)
Rooms from $332; suites from $549

best Toronto hotels Drake Hotel
Mid-century modern, perfected, at The Drake hotel. Photo: The Drake

The vibe

Since opening its doors in 2004, The Drake has become as emblematic of Toronto as well, Drake himself. Then, at the end of 2021, the Drake expanded: Dubbed the “Modern Wing,” the sleek structure soars five-storeys high and counts 32 guest rooms, including a steel-clad cantilevered rooftop suite. Like all things Drake, the revamped lobby is an exercise in cool. There’s a groovy ’70s-style couch, travertine coffee tables and several pairs of mid-century modern club chairs. Everything’s set against a swirl-emblazoned rug in a riot of jewel tones and the most expertly curated playlist. 

The rooms

The decor is plush yet unpretentious: boldly patterned wallpaper, velvet headboards and terrazzo walk-in showers. (There’s also a very cute stuffed toy on every bed.) It’s swanky to be sure, complete with Frette linens and Malin + Goetz toiletries (in refillable pumps), but it’s not all show. Every last detail is about meaningful design, from the handcrafted sconces to the original artworks—handy labels provide background on every piece and artist. 

The dining

In the colder months, I highly recommend settling in by the fire and sipping one of the lobby bar’s exquisite cocktails—all starring local spirits. (A word of advice: Do not skip the snacks. Pecorino-sprinkled truffle fries, anyone?) On a warmer nights, the rooftop patio, called the Sky Yard, just can’t be beat in terms of atmosphere.

The ground-floor restaurant is also definitely worth a visit, with its postcard view of Queen Street West and delectable eats. A long-time fixture on the brunch scene, it’s probably best known for being the place to kick off a Saturday or Sunday. (Make sure to snag an order of the wild blueberry mini scones—served with whipped honey butter and strawberry rhubarb preserve—for the table.) That said, the lunch and dinner menus are equally deserving of hype. There’s even a sushi menu (it’s incredible) available Tuesday to Saturday. 

What we’d change

There is no spa and that truly is a tragedy because just image how fabulous a Drake spa would be. Apart from that, it must be noted that the Drake is situated in a particularly lively part of Toronto and even houses a nightclub (Drink Well) so it’s not the quietest hotel. That’s part of its appeal for many, of course. It’s hip, it’s trendy, it’s urban. I for one didn’t find the noise to be bothersome—the rooms appear to be very well insulated—but still, if you’re looking for a tranquil oasis, this probably isn’t it.

What we love most

The whole place has the kind of slinky atmosphere that makes married couples flirt like they’ve just met or prompts groups of girlfriends to ponder buying a pack of smokes for old times’ sake. Just fun, fun, fun. You’re practically guaranteed to have a ball when staying here. —reviewed by beauty & lifestyle director Katherine Lalancette

Drake hotel restaurant best Toronto hotels
The Drake’s communal spaces are a destination in themselves. Photo: The Drake
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5. The Ritz-Carlton Toronto

181 Wellington St. W. (Central)
Rooms from $749, suites from $889

best Toronto hotels The Ritz
The pool at The Ritz-Carlton Toronto is unbeatable. Photo: The Ritz-Carlton Toronto

The vibe

The Ritz is ritzy, baby! Thanks to the hotel’s recent renovation, completed in 2019, everything looks as white-glove gleaming as it should as part of the chain that inspired the phrase “It’s not the Ritz, but…” to describe all lesser accommodations, after opening its first doors at the Place Vendôme in 1889. The decor is a mixed homage to Toronto’s history (subtle touches like luggage detailing on the headboards, a nod to the hotel’s rail station location), as well as the city’s cinema scene with portraits by Canadian photographer Caitlin Cronenberg and floor lamps that look like they were lighting a film set long ago. There’s also a gorgeous pool, a fitness centre and a Spa My Blend by Clarins spa with a Champagne nail bar.

The rooms

The rooms are all stately elegance with charcoal, cobalt gold and silver velvet covering a mix of contemporary and mid-century modern furniture, with tasteful touches of Hollywood-esque glam. Of utmost most importance, the beds are plush and vast and come with Frette linens and the requisite mountain of pillows that lets you know you’re in a luxe hotel bed. If you’re lucky enough to snag a south facing room, you can gaze at the lake, look dizzyingly way up the CN tower and watch the planes coming and going from Billy Bishop. If you’re really lucky, snag a corner suite if only for the heated toilet seats and multi—multi—function bidet (er “front massage”?) with touch screen controls. And the robes! The robes are lined with the hands-down softest heaven-sent baby cloud breath fleece ever to grace any garment anywhere.

The restaurant

There are three restaurants here: the gastro-pub Epoch, the Ritz bar (cocktails with Frank?), but we tried the Italian Toca, specifically the four-course pasta dinner offered on Monday nights that highlights a different region of Italy every month. It’s finished with a cheese course from the glass-walled cheese cave within the restaurant, which guests can tour with a guide. The house-made fusilli with pesto and smoked eel (yes—but you’d swear it’s pancetta) was one of those dining experiences that makes you throw your head back with “Oh my God”s at every other bite. It was tough call, though, between the tasting menu and the à la carte, from which you can order Carbonara that’s tossed at your table in a giant Parmigiano wheel. Fun! There is also, for some Corner Suite guests, the Ritz-Carlton Club Lounge, an exclusive lounging and dining area with a continuous complimentary buffet. The breakfast buffet is the most well-appointed spread we’ve ever stuffed ourselves at.

What we’d change

The purple and apple green throw pillows in Toca seem like they were left over from the pre-reno days and give a distinctly ’90s vibe (but not in a good current-’90s-obsession way).

What we love most

That old-Hollywood feel: In these rooms, you’re poised side-saddle on the gold velvet divan, swirling an amber spirit, ice and a maraschino cherry in a lowball glass before you pop out to a premiere—whether you are or not. —reviewed by managing editor Eden Boileau

Old Hollywood vibes with ultra-modern amenities in a Ritz-Carlton Toronto Corner Suite. Photo: Ritz-Carlton Toronto
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6. 1 Hotel

550 Wellington St. W. (Central west)
Rooms from $500; suites from $799

1 Hotels best hotels Toronto
Warm minimalism at the sustainability-focused 1 Hotel Toronto. Photo: 1 Hotel Toronto

The vibe

The lobby is grand with soaring ceilings, plush seating and an elegant bar but the grandeur is chill, infused with a woodsy lakeside retreat vibe. Potted plants adorn every surface from the wall-to-wall shelves stacked with books, baskets and pottery and on the floor huddled with boulders and gnarled tree stumps. Behind the bar stretches a seasonal “living mural” of plants and flowers by local floral designer Lauren Wilson.

The rooms

The rooms are more of the same eco heavenliness: all natural fabrics, chunky-knit throws, leather ottomans, macramé wall-hangings, plants and more plants. The windows are wall-to-wall, the beds too comfortable to ever leave. The beautiful deep-emerald-green glassware turns out to be fashioned from old wine bottles and the bath products by Bamford are organic (and match the deep green glasses). After using them in the marble and glass rain shower you can wrap yourself in a robe that’s actually an extra-long organic cotton hoodie (so cozy!) hung on hangers made from compressed wrapping paper and old maps.

The restaurant

The hotel’s 1 Kitchen actually does resemble a cottage kitchen with its unfussy mismatched chairs and touches of mint green. The menu is a plant-forward and locally and sustainably sourced: trout from a tiny Ontario fishery, organic chicken, greens from the restaurant’s own garden. When I finished my mushroom tartine appetizer, I wanted to eat it all over again. Same for my glossy, bubble-gum-pink strawberry lemon cheesecake.

What we’d change

The shower controls! They were way too confusing.

What we love most

The decor. It’s like checking into five-star forest where luxe has never been so green and green has never been this luxe. There isn’t a maroon vest in sight—the staff wear understatedly cool garb designed by sustainable-fashion designer Misha Nonoo in silk, cotton and cashmere. —reviewed by managing editor Eden Boileau

Very California cool. Photo: 1 Hotel Toronto
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6. Hotel X Toronto

111 Princes’ Blvd. (Lakefront west)
Rooms from $520; suites from $720

Hotel X Toronto staycation best Toronto hotels
Pure bliss. Photo: Hotel X Toronto

The vibe

Situated within the grounds of The Ex, Hotel X opened in 2018. It’s modern, shiny, draws a diverse crowd and is the most luxurious hotel to be found within gazing distance of Lake Ontario.

The rooms

Checking in to a Premium guest room on the 24th floor is my first gasp-inducing moment of the stay. I push open the door and move past the spacious bathroom with soaker tub (and thoughtfully provided L’Occitane bath salts) and inviting pillow-top bed, and sink into one of two armchairs in front of the nearly floor-to-ceiling windows, perfectly framing the lake. The sun sparkles off the water, people walk and cycle along the waterfront paths of Martin Goodman Trail, tiny bodies lounge on towels on Hanlan’s Point beach and a yacht club’s worth of sailboats carve frothy white wakes amid the blue. It all feels extremely Mediterranean.

The restaurant/bar

Be sure to have a sunset drink at Valerie, the newly opened rooftop bar with a massive patio and jaw-dropping views of the city and lakeshore. The music is loud and the crowd is ready to have fun—join them with one of the specialty cocktails like the fresh and herbal Valerie’s Garden, made with mint and cucumber-infused Ketel One and Lillet Blanc ($22). Be aware that the rest of the drinks menu is limited, with only a house red and white wine available by the glass, and rosé in a can. Then, head downstairs to the also new Roses Cocina for dinner (this is also where hotel guests eat breakfast), where you can sample haute Mexican-inflected dishes like halibut with coconut and chayote relish ($39), stuffed peppers with poblano crema, and a refreshing watermelon, mint and queso fresca salad in a stylish room.

What we’d change

The fiddle leaf fig trees dominating the lobby are shiny, huge and…fake, which feels a little chintzy for a place this expensive (though the large green wall behind reception is real, and beautiful). And surely the rooftop bar could serve rosé from a bottle?

What we love most

A staycation here is all about the rooftop pool. Walking out onto the deck, with its towel-draped loungers, pristine 55-foot pool and even more spectacular view over the lake, I feel a long way from my west end apartment—Los Angeles, maybe, or even Sydney. The water is a perfect 26 degrees (it’s open and heated year-round), the white towels are plush, the margaritas are frothy and icy and not too sweet, the fries are crisp and come with plenty of mayo. The crowd is eclectic, which makes for fun people-watching: There’s a beautifully groomed couple in matching Speedos, families attending a wedding onsite, and a well-oiled group ordering tequila shots. Even if everything else were extremely mediocre, this pool would make a staycation worth it. —reviewed by executive editor Rani Sheen

Hotel X Valerie restaurant Toronto
Hotel X is all about the views, including at its new rooftop restaurant, Valerie. Photo: Hotel X Toronto
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7. The Kimpton Saint George

280 Bloor St. W. (Central)
Rooms from $455; suites from $617

Kimpton Saint George Toronto hotel staycation
The Kimpton Saint George uses impactful green touches throughout its elegant decor. Photo: The Kimpton Saint George

The vibe

Modern with a touch of eclectic, the Kimpton Saint George feels luxurious and cozy at the same time. The green hues throughout the hotel are calming, and the artwork throughout—by artist Laura Langford—creates a soothing and artistic environment in the space. The gym in the building matched the decor of the hotel and made the workout experience feel that much more elegant. It’s also a dog-friendly hotel.

The rooms

My partner and I brought our dog, Toasty, with us, and we were delighted to see a dog bed and a water bowl available as soon as we arrived in the room. So helpful not to have to pack those extra things for a staycation! The bathroom had the most delightful shampoo and conditioner from Atelier Bloem that made me want to purchase it right away. Each room also features a yoga mat, extremely comfy robes and bottled cocktails—a perfect combo for unwinding.

The restaurant

While the Fortunate Fox isn’t owned by the Saint George directly, it was nice to have a restaurant attached to the hotel—especially one with an outdoor patio. The space was nicely decorated with warm speakeasy vibes that matched the hotel.

What we’d change

I was very happy with our room service breakfast, but I would have loved to eat on the patio with Toasty—right now, the patio doesn’t open until later in the day.

What we love most

In addition to the Atelier Bloem bath amenities, I loved the nightly hosted evening wine hour at the hotel! It was such a nice experience to sip wine by the fireplace and chat with other guests at the hotel.

Kimpton Saint George hotel Toronto
Photo: The Kimpton Saint George
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Accommodations for editors were provided by the featured hotels. The featured hotels did not review or approve this story.

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