The 17 best hotels in Toronto

What is it: Ace Hotel is your gateway to Scandi blisswith cozy state-of-the-art decor that melts the senses such as mood-lighting, contemporary wall art, patchwork linens, and our favorite by far, reading nooks by the window. Drizzle or shine, it really has a calming effect. A great spot for everyone, the hotel tends to pull in a hip, younger crowd, especially with its intimate DJ sets called the B-side every Thursday night in the lobby.

Why go: This four-star design haven is conveniently located near some of the city’s most bustling and notable neighbourhoods such as West Queen West, King West and Chinatown.

What is it: Once the site of the infamous Jilly’s Strip Club, The Broadview Hotel opened its doors in 2017, which helped to revitalize the area.

Why go: Just east of the downtown core is The Broadview Hotel, offering king-sized beds and a vinyl record player with a curated collection of records in every room. Outdoor terraces are available in some rooms, but everyone has access to the rooftop lounge—which has become a gathering spot for the local community and tourists alike.

What is it: A converted 1850s chocolate factory, this tiny boutique hotel boasts just four rooms—but they’re well worth the effort of getting a booking. The hotel shares space with George, a five-star restaurant, the women-only Sweetgrass spa and Verity, Toronto’s premier women’s club.. Each room is complete with marble bathrooms, handcrafted beds, and balconies overlooking private courtyards. 

Why go: Located in the Queen Street East district, this European retreat is just steps from the Theatre District, Distillery District and the Saint Lawrence Market. Owned and operated by the Aitken-Gundy family, the hotel’s exceptionalism derives from its staff, which takes extra care of its guests, constantly making them feel pampered.

What is it: The Shangri-La Hotel is Toronto's first Asian luxury hotel brand.

Why go: A public stainless steel sculpture created by Chinese contemporary artist Zhang Huan greets guests as they enter the hotel. All guest rooms boast modern amenities, but it’s the small details such as the lithographic works by Wang Xu Yuan and Asian-influenced design elements that set this hotel apart from others.

What is it: Towering above the city streets, the Fairmont Royal York is famously the Toronto hotel of choice for the British Royal Family–and we can see why.

Why go: In recent years, the Fairmont has gone modern, courtesy of a multi-million dollar refurb. But despite the spruce-up, it still retains the historic charm this iconic hotel is known for. You’ll also discover cute quirks throughout your stay, such as the restaurant’s honey, which is produced in hives on the hotel’s roof. Oh, and if you’re travelling with kids but still want a date night, childcare service is available.

What is it? A comfortable, contemporary hotel in downtown Toronto within walking distance of the CN Tower, Harbourfront Centre, Kensington Market and the Hockey Hall of Fame.

Why go? Thoughtfully designed guestrooms with a shocking amount of space for a city hotel. Guestrooms include a king bed, a long desk, nightstands, a couch and plenty of storage. The bathroom—also spacious—feels contemporary and fresh with a huge mirror, gray tile floors, and intricately tiled shower. 

Floor-to-ceiling windows in the room offer nice views of the street below and plenty of light during the daytime. Thankfully, heavy curtains allow for darkness for sleeping. Even though the hotel is located in the heart of the city, the room is quiet, making for a truly restful sleep before heading back out in the morning.

What is it: The spacious, tastefully furnished rooms and suites of The Sheraton Centre Toronto combine luxury with practicality. 

Why go: The hotel’s pool is under protective glass, meaning you can enjoy a dip even when the Canadian winter is in full (and super chilly) swing. And when it is a little more spring-like, guests can join in free fitness classes in the waterfall garden. Treat yourself to a Club Room and you’ll also be welcomed into the club lounge on the 43rd floor.

What is it: The Chelsea Hotel is an urban resort with 1,590 guestrooms, making it Canada’s largest hotel.

Why go: Despite its size, the hotel offers features that will cater to just about anyone. Adults get exclusive access to a pool and health club. Families can enjoy the Fun Zone that includes the Club 33 Teen Lounge, a Kid Centre, and a heated indoor pool that has a 130' corkscrew waterslide. Showing your room key at many hotel attractions will get you a discount on admission prices.

What is it: Hotel X Toronto by Library Collection is an urban oasis that combines luxury with sports and entertainment options for an experience like no other in the city.

Why go: With a full-service spa, four indoor tennis courts, two swimming pools, fitness studios, a cinema and seven dining experiences, Hotel X Toronto feels like a resort. Enjoy the views of the city and lake from the three-level rooftop SkyBar or take a dip in the outdoor rooftop pool, which is reserved for hotel guests.

What is it: An elegant hotel that’s seeped in history (it dates back to 1903) but has been given a delicious modern makeover. Highlights include the European-inspired Consort Bar – indulge in mussels with frites – and the pretty Victoria Café where they serve a lovely Afternoon Tea.

Why go: Located in the centre of town, this is a hotel that puts you in the heart of the action while also offering in-house attractions to make your stay special. Head out for dining and art shows, yes, but also make time to use the hotel’s excellent spa.

What is it: Located right on the waterfront, the Westin Harbour Castle has 977 guestrooms and recently renovated crown suites.

Why go: Sustainability is a huge theme at the Westin Harbour Castle. Vegetables and herbs used by the hotel’s culinary team are grown on the rooftop terrace, which is also home to three European honey beehives. For an intimate dining experience, try the Savoury restaurant, which seats just 10 people.

What is it: The Kimpton Saint George is the boutique hotel company’s first hotel in Canada.

Why go: It’s all about the design. Most of the art in the hotel is original, designed by Canadian artists—including the owl mural on the side of the building. The hotel’s colour scheme and furniture were carefully selected to give guests a feeling of community, one of the many things Toronto is famous for.

What is it: A stylish downtown institution with great skyline views and a popular in-house spa, this hotel will hit the spot with young couples and business travellers alike. They’re big on wellness, from Peloton bikes to massage therapists.

Why go: The rooms at the Executive Hotel Cosmopolitan have a home-from-home feel despite their resolute chicness and commitment to a city-slicker feel. We would never stay here without also booking a good few treatments in the SpaZen spa and scheduling time out for the jacuzzi relaxation room.

What is it: The Delta Hotels by Marriott Toronto is the flagship hotel of the brand and it overlooks the city’s waterfront.

Why go: With the CN Tower, Rogers Centre, Ripley's Aquarium, Scotiabank Arena and the Budweiser Stage just steps away, the Delta Hotel puts you close to all of the action. The harbourfront is visible from the lake view rooms while soaker tubs are available in the corner skyline rooms.

What is it: Attached to the Scotiabank Arena, the Le Germain Hotel Maple Leaf Square offers guests the chance to see the Toronto Raptors, Maple Leafs, and their favourite bands without having to step outside.

Why go: Conveniently located by Union station, the UP Express and the waterfront, Le Germain Hotel is in the heart of Toronto’s sports and entertainment district. Express yoga sessions, no checkout times, a Lexus courtesy car, and eco-friendly features are available to all guests.

What is it: The Yorkville Royal Sonesta Hotel is a luxury hotel just steps from some of Toronto’s most popular cultural hotspots.

Why go: After exploring the city, relax on the outdoor patio, which is connected to an indoor/outdoor bar.

What is it: 1 Hotel Toronto has been nicknamed a sustainable sanctuary, and rightly so, as this luxury lodging is furnished from head to toe using a mix of local and reclaimed materials. Think fallen trees and driftwood. Pretty impressive, right? 

Why go: Located downtown, 1 Toronto offers a bespoke wellness experience for those who want to feel re-energized. Power through a range of personalized workouts, then dine at 1 kitchen, which serves locally and responsibly sourced cuisine.