The Vibe
With nearly 1,600 guest rooms, the towering Chelsea Hotel is Canada's largest hotel. Its competitive rates and prime downtown location attract a wide range of guests, so expect to see a steady stream of couples, families and business travellers passing through the hotel's airy lobby. A big ballroom and numerous smart-looking meeting rooms make it a popular choice for meetings and events, while families are drawn by the extensive kid-friendly features, which include a children's centre with hotel pets and video games. Inviting rooms and great wellness facilities (including a picturesque rooftop sundeck) make it an affordable option for a relaxing staycation.
The Rooms
Chelsea Hotel’s rooms are bright and business-like, decorated with neutral colours and light wood furniture. We stayed in the Chelsea Room, the entry-level room category, which features a work desk with ergonomic chair, along with a flat-screen TV and free Wi-Fi. Most rooms also have balconies, with the higher-floor rooms in particular offering excellent views of downtown.
Spotless bathrooms have shower/tub combos and lovely Pharmacopia bath products. The Chelsea Room offers more than enough space for couples, but if you’re looking for something roomier, you can upgrade to a studio or one-bedroom, both of which also add kitchens with stovetops and microwaves.
The Features
Our favourite spot in the hotel is Deck 27, which is home to an adult-only indoor pool, large fitness centre and whirlpool, along with separate male and female saunas. There's also sunny rooftop space with scenic city views, a chilled-out spot for watching the sunset on warm evenings after a swim or a workout. For dining, Market Garden On the Go offers breakfast and light dinners for pick-up or in-room delivery. TBar serves up remarkably good Indian food and crowd-pleasing international fare. Be sure to try one of their signature Caesar cocktails, made with house-made Clamato juice.
Kid-friendly features are where this property truly shines. The Family Fun Zone includes a 130-foot water slide with pool plus the colourful Kid Centre, where kids can play with the hotel’s two resident bunnies, Marbles and Thumper. There’s also a teen lounge with arcade games, TVs, as well as foosball and pool tables.
The Location
Chelsea Hotel is well-located for sightseeing, shopping and dining, making it an ideal base for those visiting Toronto or staycationers. It’s a five-minute walk to either the College or Dundas TTC stations, with attractions like the CN Tower and the Royal Ontario Museum reachable in about 15 minutes by subway. As a bonus, guests can get discounts at local spots like the Art Gallery of Ontario and Steamwhistle Brewery by showing their Chelsea Hotel room key.
Rooms start at $112 per night
33 Gerrard St W, Toronto, 416-595-1975, chelseatoronto.com
