4 Cool and Unusual Hotels in and around Toronto
Toronto is rightly one of Canada’s most vibrant and fascinating tourist destinations. Framed by the iconic CN Tower, it’s a glorious, multicultural metropolis. The fast-paced, technology-driven world of modern living ensconced in towering skyscrapers is the backdrop to hidden treasures revealing the city’s industrial heritage, rich European roots, and ties to some of pop culture’s most recognizable music, comedy, film, and TV. And this is all on the shores of Lake Ontario and a stone’s throw from the magnificent Niagara Falls.
Fittingly, it’s also home to a compelling collection of cool and unusual hotels that capture the spirit of this cosmopolitan city. From boutique accommodation to hip resorts, these places help bring to life Toronto’s unique character. It’s a mix of its status as an international center for business and finance, with old-world charm. The city is home to puffed-out shoulders of shiny, contemporary design and concrete high-rises with architectural twists on former glories, from forgotten chocolate factories to guest houses from the Victorian-era.
The Drake Hotel
The Drake Hotel mixes modernity with chic fun as the avant garde collides with refined simplicity. Each room is custom-designed boasting contemporary art, unique furniture, and exposed wood. A stay here gives you access to the glorious rooftop bar which is often a prelude to Drake Underground, the hotel’s own indie music destination. Art lovers will be impressed by the collection on show while any over-indulgence at the trendy restaurant can be worked-off at Drake’s own spinning classes.
Fallsview
Unusual because casino resort hotels were once largely the reserve of Las Vegas, Fallsview is also unique in the way the breathtaking views of Lake Ontario, and the magnificent waterfalls of Niagara, form a backdrop to over 3,000 slot machines on the casino floor. Similar to Canadian online casinos like Wildz which offers a Wildz casino bonus of $500 deposit match, to 200 free spins for first-time players, Fallsview also boasts some wonderful packages, such as its special “date night”. This bonus package gives couples $10 to play at the slot machines when they enjoy a luxury dinner-for-two.
Prince of Wales
Out of town near to the tourist hotspot that is Niagara Falls lies the Prince of Wales. This place exudes a sense of eras passed, its Victorian styling reminding us that it was built in the middle oof the 19th century. There’s a genuine sense of old-world charm as guests are welcomed into a hotel that retains its period ambiance (get ready for four-poster beds and antique fixtures and fittings) with the amenities expected by today’s traveler. For a true flavor of the hotel’s heritage, head to the Victorian Drawing Room for afternoon tea.
Hotel Ocho
Preserving Toronto’s industrial history is Hotel Ocho, which presents boutique living within a minimalist setting exposing the building’s turn-of-the-century roots. Perfectly located just a few minutes’ walk from some of the city’s key tourist attractions, the subtlety of Hotel Ocho is highlighted by virtue of having just 12 rooms, each designed around the industrial-chic aesthetics which give this place its distinct character. Art exhibitions are regularly held here with the hip espresso bar being a relaxing place to witness the city’s blossoming creative talent or just let the world go by.
Both Toronto’s rich history and vibrant modern culture are captured across its cool and unusual hotels. The great thing about these places is that they truthfully echo the spirit of the city, unlike the big, cookie-cutter chains. They present a way to enliven a trip to Canada’s largest city, allowing visitors to take in the sights, sounds and smells whether you’re wandering through old downtown Toronto, or settling down for a good night’s sleep in your hotel room.
