Six Trendy Boutique Hotels In Toronto

*By Erin Nicole Davis*

Some of the world’s most luxurious hotel chains have arrived in Toronto in the past decade. At the same time, however, the city’s boutique hotels were busy stepping up their hospitality game to offer talking point-filled alternatives that cut no corners…

Interesting and appreciated boutique hotels are now found throughout Toronto, from the hipster haven West Queen West neighbourhood, to the city’s ever-changing east end. If you want to go the boutique route, here are six solid options:

Six Trendy Boutique Hotels In Toronto

1. The Drake Hotel (1150 Queen St W)

In Toronto’s always eclectic Queen West neighbourhood, The Drake Hotel caters to the lovers of art, music, food, and unpretentious fun, offering a refined artsy vibe that’s attracted the creative move-makers since it opened in 2004. Each of the unique, character-rich rooms features eye-popping art, custom furniture and woodwork, Wi-Fi, exclusive Malin+Goetz toiletries, comfy queen-size Sealy mattresses, and unexpected multifarious touches like hand-made dolls…

The property is complete with multiple venues to eat, drink, and clink glasses at. Guests can enjoy a memorable brunch at the breezy Café, dine at the hotel’s popular restaurant, or let loose on the art-installation-filled rooftop bar, The Sky Yard, an Instagram-worthy year-round watering hole. The music lovers will appreciate the live indie music scene downstairs at the Drake Underground. As an added bonus, a stay at Drake includes complimentary fitness facilities at 99 Sudbury gym, spinning classes at Ride Cycle Club, yoga at Good Space, curated playlists in public spaces, and – naturally – an impressive collection of art.

2. Templar Hotel (348 Adelaide St W)

In the heart of the Entertainment District, Templar Hotel is discreet (so much so that it’s referred to as the city’s “secret” hotel), sleek, and modern and typically caters to the high-end urban business traveller with an appreciation for interior design. The 27 guestrooms range from single rooms to spacious two-storey lofts and feature Japanese-inspired platform beds, custom-built wardrobe units, Nespresso coffee machines, 9-foot ceilings, and oversized soaker tubs in the king rooms and lofts. In September 2018, a splashy new restaurant and cocktail bar called Mother Tongue opened up shop in the hotel to offer refined cocktails and a foodie-approved, Asian-inspired menu. For tourists, one of the best things about this hotel is its walking-distance proximity to things like the CN Tower, Rogers Centre, Queen Street, the Princess of Wales Theatre, and countless restaurants.

3. The Ivy At Verity (111 Queen St E)

In the historic Old Toronto, The Ivy at Verity offers a refined and intimate European-like experience that caters to women, but men are welcome as well. Housed within a former chocolate factory, The Ivy features a pool, gym, 24-hour lounge, and a sophisticated bar. A decided highlight is the 15,000-square-foot women-only Sweetgrass Spa, an award-winning urban oasis that offers a full range of spa services. Guests who would rather not leave their room can opt for the convenience of in-room massage treatments. Another draw of the luxurious hotel – and one that attracts diners from across the city and around the world – is the celebrated George Restaurant, one of Toronto’s top-rated spots. The fine dining restaurant offers seasonally sourced meals that are available à la carte or as a tasting menu experience. Catering to dietary restrictions, George offers vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options.

4. The Anndore House (15 Charles Street East)

One of the newest additions on Toronto’s boutique hotel scene is The Anndore House, a multifunctional spot that took over a dingy Comfort Inn just steps away from Yonge and Bloor and Yorkville. The hotel – which opened its doors May 2018 – features 113 chic guest rooms and suites that range from 225 to 500-square-feet. The unique, retrofitted rooms, feature nods to the past like contemporary art inspired by vintage photography, record players (guests are invited to choose records from the hotel’s impressive vinyl library), and retro-patterned mosaics in the bathrooms. The hotel offers a morning caffeine fix at its gourmet coffee spot Scarlet Door, memorable Mediterranean-inspired cuisine and quality cocktails at its Constantine restaurant and its upscale yet inviting bar, haircuts from its in-house barbershop, and stylish cruiser bikes to rent. Compared to some of its boutique hotel counterparts, the rates at The Anndore house are moderate and won’t break the bank.

5. The Hazelton Hotel (118 Yorkville Ave)

If you’re in the market for a luxurious stay, The Hazelton Hotel – located in Toronto’s forever-fashionable Yorkville neighbourhood – houses all things chic, shiny, and glamorous. A frequent spot for Hollywood’s finest to lay their heads, celebrities feel right at home in the hotel’s 77 oversized luxury hotel rooms and suites, which are designed by internationally renowned Yabu Pushelberg. Guests seeking a little star treatment themselves can enjoy it at The Spa at Hazelton by Valmont, Yorkville’s most exclusive posh refuge to relax and recharge. Another major draw of the hotel is its ONE Restaurant, celebrity chef Mark McEwan’s signature dining experience. At this self-proclaimed “see and be scene” spot, the food is just as worth writing home about as the people watching is, especially on its tree-lined patio.

6. The Broadview Hotel (106 Broadview Avenue)

A boutique hotel with a strong backstory, The Broadview Hotel was once the longtime Toronto landmark Jilly’s strip club (and rooming house) and is naturally full of talking points and references to the building’s colourful past. The spot – which opened for business in April 2017 – has become a hotbed for tourists and locals alike, thanks to the appeal of its restaurant, café, and bar. A strong emphasis is placed on preserving the storied history of the building and elements of times past including things like the original façade and arched windows, wallpaper inspired by discovered layers of pre-existing wallpaper, an artistic elevator feature wall made from pieces of the original fire escape, and old signage, like the original “New Broadview Hotel” sign. The pet-friendly rooms feature king-size beds outfitted with luxury linens, vinyl record players, and an eclectic mini bar filled with a selection of locally sourced goods.

One of the best parts about this hotel – especially in the warmer months – is The Rooftop Bar, which offers a stunning, 360-degree view of the Toronto skyline to accompany your cocktail…