Hotel X Toronto by Library Hotel Collection: hotel review

Hotel X Toronto: What is it?

While its doors might not be open to the general public just yet, the stars of the NHL will be checking into Hotel X Toronto during the playoffs, where the property will act as home base for five and seven NHL teams. 

It’s safe to say that staycations are on the horizon for the next little while and this luxury urban oasis is the ideal getaway without, you know, actually getting away. The first thing you’ll notice about Hotel X is its size – the waterfront’s equivalent of the tall kid in the class picture, it sticks out and for good reason. Crucially, the hospitality is exceptional. This is a large resort-style hotel, but the service and attention to detail make you feel like you’re the only guest. First things first: get yourself to the rooftop, pronto, where a year-round heated pool and a sky bar welcome you with panoramic views of a city that feels like it could be all yours, just for the evening.

The hotel boasts some exciting interior design (don't forget to look up in the lobby at the stunning light fixtures), but once you're inside the rooms, cool, clean lines abound. Depending on which one of the 406 rooms you stay in (39 of which are suites), you can expect pared-down decor with crisp white sheets, given an injection of colour with plush sofas and leather armchairs. All rooms are equipped with a Nespresso Zenius coffee machine, L'Occitane toiletries and big squishy mattresses that'll ruin sleep in your own bed forever after – console yourself with the stunning views of the lake.

Hotel X Toronto: What's the food like?

Pètros82 may be in a hotel, but this isn’t your average instant-oatmeal-hotel-restaurant situation. It’s hard to take your eyes off the stunning 40-foot floor-to-ceiling windows, but the Mediterranean-inspired seafood will bring you back down to earth, or in our case, under the sea. For our main we had a whole fish freshly imported from the Azores, grilled to perfection and accompanied by a side of chef Richard Andino’s paella. For a liquid dessert, try the coffee and cookie cocktail. It’s a delectable twist on the espresso martini, garnished with a mini Oreo, that will have you dancing in the moonlight and, if you’re not careful, turning the sign to a hungover “do not disturb” in the morning.

Hotel X Toronto: What else?

You’d have to stay a week to fully experience all of Hotel X’s amenities. From two indoor tennis courts overlooking the Toronto skyline to a movie theatre (sans sticky floors) and a Top Golf simulator, there’s so much room for activities without actually leaving the fully licensed premises. Yup, you can even drink in the gym. The Guerlain Spa is a special treat-du-jour. The only Canadian location of the French beauty house opened late last year and it is fancy as f -rench. The radiance facial is like a yoga retreat for your face. Snack on delicate macarons in your plush robe, watch sailboats dance on the lake and wonder, “is this real life?” It is for today, at least.

Rooms start at $283 per night. 111 Princes' Boulevard, corner of Lakeshore Blvd W &, Newfoundland Rd, 647-943-9300, hotelxtoronto.com