Quick Sleep: The Ritz-Carlton Toronto
The eye-catching lobby of the Ritz-Carlton Toronto. The embedded bronze maple leafs are among the more than 450 pieces of original Canadian art scattered throughout.
Right off the top, we admit that we are unapologetic fans of the Ritz-Carlton chain. Our conversion came years ago when frequent stays at the Ritz-Carlton Millenia Singapore turned us into spoiled travellers.
Recently we stayed overnight at the Ritz-Carlton Toronto, which will soon be celebrating its 5th anniversary. One of the first things we noticed upon check-in was the unobstructed view of the iconic CN Tower from our 20th floor perch. Amazing with the floor-to-ceiling windows! Another finding that pleased us was the sprinkling of Canadian art throughout the property - there are over 450 pieces of original Canadian art, right down to the embedded bronze maple leafs in the lobby floor. Featuring local art is a Ritz-Carlton trademark, we were told, and for road warriors that certainly helps to jolt you into reminding where you are!
Modern to the core with all the technology features you'd expect in this type of property (right down to the television embedded in the washroom mirror), the interior designers (Kohn Pederson Fox of New York, in conjunction with Toronto-based Page + Steele) of the Ritz-Carlton Toronto still preserved the feel of luxury and sophistication on the guest floors and in the 263 rooms. We were pleased with the lounge - spacious enough for private conversations or small meetings - with its sumptuous food options throughout the day. However it would be nice to see its small bar remaining open past the 10pm close.
There's no lack of food and beverage offerings in the hotel, and guests are spoiled for choice for dining options in the area. In the hotel, head for TOCA on the mezzanine level - featuring Mediterranean and Canadian small plates, with a cheese cave and pastry corridor. A search of recent Google reviews yields a mixed picture, and Zagat rates TOCA 24 out of 30 for food and service. But we will try to include our own review soonest. The hotel has two bars on the lobby level - a louder, almost sports bar type watering hole facing Wellington Street and another more staid establishment near the Front Street side of the building.
There are no lack of tempting offerings at the thrice-daily servings in the Ritz-Carlton lounge.
The 5th floor features the 24-hour fitness centre - complete with indoor saltwater pool - and North America's only Spa My Blend by Clarins. We found the front door staff professional, welcoming and helpful: never a long wait for the valet to produce our car. We could not help but notice that the hotel has many Asian front-line staff - possibly a reflection of its clientele as well as its close proximity to the Shangri-La Hotel?
Our only regret? That we couldn't stay longer than one night!