Here are five Boutique Hotels that have opened over the
past five years in Toronto that just may cater to your lifestyle.
The Cosmopolitan Toronto (birth
2005)
Affectionately called the Cosmo in a recent listing
of the top 60 new hotels in the world it was listed number 10 and was the
only Canadian hotel to make the list. The man who created this hotel is a
Zen enthusiast and non-hotelier. Cosmo has a health focus that attempts to
provide a sanctuary for its guest where they can restore the balance of
mind, body and soul. As a result it features an increase flow of oxygen
throughout the building, a hand picked address (8 for its esoteric
qualities), it has natural gemstone fountains, bamboo plants, and yoga mats
in each suite. Add to this a Shizen spa and solarium and a trendy lounge
restaurant serving tapas and martinis and you should find yourself
unwinding easily.
www.cosmotoronto.com
Pantages Hotel
and Spa (birth 2004)
This hotel was created by the same man
who created the Cosmo. He likes to suggest that between the two hotels the
Cosmo with a quieter, more tranquil environment is the Ying while the
Pantages part hotel and part condominium residences with a lot more action
being literally steps away, to bars, restaurants and theatres is the yang.
The rooms have contemporary furniture and inventive décor. A stylish glass
lobby and new martini bar set the tone of sophistication. Some rooms
feature kitchens if you want to scramble yourself up a meal. On the fourth
floor you will find Jacuzzi style bathtubs, air purifiers, fountains and
yoga mats.
http://www.pantageshotel.com
Soho
Metropolitan (birth 2003)
This hotel is really 21st century
with it smart technology to adjust lighting, motorized draperies and do not
disturb light. You’ll also love the marble-clad bathroom, Frette linens,
floor-to-ceiling windows and designer toiletries. The first four floors are
the hotel while the other 12 floors are two-story loft condos. The
Penthouse on top comes with its own glass elevator. The rooms are oversized
at 600 square feet. On site they have an award wining restaurant and bakery
call Senses. Top it all off with a world-class 10,000 sq ft health, fitness
and spa you’ll enjoy a very relaxed visit.
www.metropolitan.com/soho/
Hotel Le
Germain (birth 2003)
This is a French Canadian company who
created a unique concept that began in Quebec. The moment you walk into the
open-concept, two level lobby with its glass front entrance, high-ceilinged
library, and soft white couches you know this where you want to be. You’ll
find Frette linens and Aveda products in your bathroom and a concierge
staff that goes out of their way to make your stay comfortable. The Luce
restaurant and lounge is operated by the former owners of a fusion cuisine
restaurant and this is reflected in the menu This is a hotel for those
that know what they want.
www.germaintoronto.com/en/accueil.asp
The
Drake Hotel (rebirth 2004)
Take a former railway hostel
spend millions of dollars and transform it into one of the sleekest joints
in town in the new Art and Design District and you have a hotel that is
listed amongst the greatest hotels around the globe. Complete with 19 crash
pads, a European influenced lounge, a neighbourhood café, licensed rooftop
patio, yoga studio, treatment room, restaurant and small theatre its
everything a sophisticated traveler could ask for. It has a bohemian flair
and has become the cultural centre for the area, which abounds with an
array of trendy shops and hip art galleries. It at times seems like a more
a artistic community centre then hotel with the local artist, writers, film
makers and sculptures dropping in.
www.thedrakehotel.ca
The Gladstone
(rebirth 2005)
This is a classic brownstone hotel built in
Victorian times with a hand operated elevator that is still in good working
order. This is in the same neighbourhood as the Drake. It presents guests
with a funky, to sleek and sophisticated, to luxurious and elegant feeling.
Each room was created by and artists and his statement and biography on the
wall. It is a place where artist can show their work and perform. If you
visit the bar you may be seating next to a budding artist or a
neighbourhood patron who has been there for years. If you really want added
luxury ask for the corner Suite called the “honeymoon/rockstar suite”. It
is a turreted bedroom with a 360-degree panoramic view of Toronto and Lake
Ontario.
www.gladstonehotel.com
Bill Genova is
a Toronto tour guide, and Crave Canada’s Correspondent. He specializes in
Walking Tours. Visit Bill’s web site at www.genovatours.com
Article Written By Bill Genova /
CraveCanada.com
Last Updated: Monday 22nd May 2006 -
8:26pm BST
United States Edition