What's the vibe
A stay at the recently-opened W Toronto starts with a glass of complimentary prosecco at check-in (squee!), and it only gets better from here. W Hotels may have locations all over the world, but this one feels Toronto through and through.
From the incredibly gracious and hospitable staff to the delicious dishes served in the hotel’s dining concepts, diversity and multiculturalism are on full display. The atmosphere is alluring and seductive, with modern design and beautiful art pieces (including several Bearbricks) featured throughout. If you want to feel like somebody in this city, W Toronto is the place.
What’s on the menu
The W Toronto is home to not one, but three excellent dining destinations, each with their own draw.
Decked out in art pieces, elaborate light fixtures and mod furniture, the hotel’s lobby bar, the Living Room is nothing to sniff at. Gather around the dazzling gold glowing centrepiece bar and sip beautifully crafted cocktails like the Flower Power, a sweet mixture of gin, lavender, lemon and prosecco served in a stunning glass orb.
The small plates here are inspired by Toronto's cultural neighbourhoods: jerk chicken skewers rep Little Jamaica, tomato and watermelon salad is a taste of Greektown, and Little Italy is presented in cheddar and potato croquettes. Sure, it might not be the same as the real deal, but the food here is sublime. And guests visiting the city can get a taste of Toronto's diversity all in one spot.
Upstairs, rooftop restaurant Skylight is a show-stopping affair with lush greenery and drapes cascading from the ceiling. Here you’ll find a bumping atmosphere late into the night and a Mediterranean menu of share plates you’ll want to hog all to yourself. When we visited, our meal was accompanied by DJ beats with extra flair from a live saxophonist strutting the room. The energy here is electric.
Public School doubles as a grab-and-go coffee spot and a cute and casual restaurant. Take in light plant-forward bites and comfort foods in the light and airy space. On the weekends, enjoy a brunch menu full of classics likes eggs benny and avocado toast.
What else
Follow the sultry track-lighting-illuminated hallways to your plush guestroom, where a luscious royal blue accent wall invites you in. Every room has a king size bed (or two queens) that’s as comfy as can be.
There’s no actual bathroom — the shower and water closet open onto the room and the sink is smack dab in the middle of everything. A seating area with a sofa and a massive TV on a swivelling mount make for prime lounging. Key feature: free eco-friendly bottles of Flow water in your room.
If you make it out of your robe, there’s a fitness centre, and the hotel is perfectly situated adjacent to Yorkville and all its delights.
Rooms from $370 a night.
W Toronto, 90 Bloor St. E.; marriott.com
