Hotels
Ritz-Carlton Toronto
The Ritz-Carlton Toronto is hard to miss. Being (a part of) Toronto's eighth tallest skyscraper, its got both street presence and some spectacular views. About to celebrate its first anniversary, the Ritz matches up with its sister properties around the world (77 hotels in 25 cities), but with a distinctly Canadian approach. The property is mixed use, featuring condominiums (with the largest penthouse fetching an astronomical $11 million), a full service spa, fitness centre, two restaurants and a bar. It's one of only a few five star hotels in Toronto.
The spacious foyer is a clever mix of modern glass, shiny steel and multiple types of warm-hued wood. Everything in this hotel sparkles, and being here during the holidays, the lobby is naturally decked out with a festive tree, poinsettias and lengths of garland, wrapped around the floating glass bridge overhead.
Checking in was a breeze. There was no wait, and the efficient staff had my card key in my hand before I could even mutter a thank you. After turning down their offer for help with my bags (it was only a one night stay), I hopped onto the chic elevator up to my 6th floor terrace room ($525).
All guest rooms feature floor to ceiling windows and heated flooring, a nice touch on this very cold day. Being on the 6th floor meant my view was pretty much of Roy Thompson Hall and the CBC building, but I'm a little skittish with heights, so no complaints there.
The room décor is safe, mostly composed of beiges, creamy whites and the odd touch of blue or green. The king-sized bed was a triumph, so sumptuous and comfortable that it made me lament the fact that it was only mine for one night. A sleek wooden quarter cut anigre bar, hardly mini, was stocked with several wines, beers and your typical snacks, but with a gourmet touch. There's a desk for working, and a large TV facing the bed. Another armchair by the soaring windows was a lovely spot to read. None of this was particularly mind blowing, but the attention to detail was obvious.
The bathroom can only be described as majestic. I mean, the mirror is a TV. Yes, you read that correctly. Mash a few buttons on the controller, and bam — mid-mirror there's a cute little 22" TV so that you can, you know, brush your teeth while you watch the news (I hope). With a separate water closet, shower and huge soaker tub, there's really nothing missing, except the cheesy floating candles and rose petals.
I would definitely be back, if not for the accommodations, then for the overall swanky vibe this property exudes. I just need to win the lottery first.
Writing and photos by Libby Roach
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Regardless, curious who paid for this stay.
We had our wedding cocktail afternoon reception at the Ritz-Carlton, and were given a complimentary corner suite for the night prior to the wedding. And no, our parents are not filthy rich and we're not a couple of spoiled brats. We were simply looking for a great venue with exceptional service, and that's exactly what you get at the Ritz-Carlton. (For curious minds, our budget was a modest $15,000 - 20,000.) We booked the venue a year prior to the hotel officially opening, and even if we had the initial visit when the site was deemed a construction site, we had no doubts because the franchise is dependable for its quality in all aspects in the hospitality industry. Throughout the whole planning process and on the day of the wedding, from our event coordinator to all the hotel staff, they were all absolutely excellent! Our guests and ourselves were treated like how we should be treated at a five-star hotel. Sure, you might say that we were only treated like royalty because we paid them oodles of money. But before the wedding, my husband and I went to the hotel on a couple of occasions just to have drinks at the lobby bar, and we were still greeted at the entrance and the service never slipped in quality.
I think if you were to write an article about the hotel (or any hotel), you shouldn't only focus on the furniture, decor, and their designers' choice of colours. A good chunk of the price of the room goes to paying the well-trained and courteous staff that will ensure that your stay exceed your expectations. My husband and I don't think we'll ever pay upwards of $500 for a room at the hotel, but we did enjoy ourselves while it lasted and plan to dine at the restaurant, TOCA, for our first anniversary. My many many thanks to all the hotel staff for an amazing experience!
Osmani youssef
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