Temptresses, tigers, and tall tales abound at this historic hotel. Ride Toronto’s bustling Broadview streetcar eastbound to this 1891 Romanesque Revival landmark nestled between the city’s gentrified Riverside and Leslieville neighborhoods. Sitting on the corner of Broadview and Queen, this red-brick building is a standout in an otherwise down ‘n dirty hood with a side of slight seediness. But it’s this colourful, sordid past (and present to some degree) that contributes to this hotel’s standout status.
The building, originally founded as a gentlemen’s social club, has seen several hospitality incarnations, including when it was a 1970s boarding house with the notorious Jilly’s Strip Club. Local lore says a live tiger once shared the stage with dancers. The hotel honours this history throughout with fancy furnishings including bronze poles repurposed with hooks as hanging units in some rooms, custom wallpaper that replicates the original print, and an art installation above the lobby elevators made from the original fire escape.
Deemed a historic landmark, the exterior has been maintained while the interior has been meticulously restored and reimagined as a 58-room beautiful boutique hotel. The spacious and airy rooms are replete with record players, locally-sourced mini bars, luxurious crimson drapes, and lovely light fixtures. Among the hotel highlights are the glass-encased near-360 rooftop, which is slated for renovations next year. Nosh on a small plate of tuna tartare or cauliflower bites here while sipping a Chardonnay with a view for a lovely evening “in.”
The Neighbourhood
In the midst of a slow gentrification, this neighbourhood is vibrant and buzzing with bars, restaurants and the nearby east Chinatown, and another historic hood close by, The Distillery.
Nearby
Opera House: A night in this hotel would be capped off right with some live music at the likewise historic Opera House. A former vaudeville theatre from the early 1900s, this unique landmark has been a concert venue for more than 30 years hosting everyone from Nirvana and Eminem to the The Black Eyed Peas and The Killers.
White Lily Diner: A Bib Gourmand recommended resto, this old school diner smokes its own bacon to compliment its homemade biscuits and donuts, and homegrown veggies. Breakfast is top of mind here but you can dine all day here on savoury salads and sandwiches on homemade bread, and then some.
Bonjour Brioche: This v popular French bakery and bistro has been serving breakfast and brunch in Toronto's east end since 1997. Grab a decadent Croque Madame sandwich with toasted brioche, ham, gruyere cheese and a fried egg to start your day.
Time Out tip
Grab some fresh baked goods from Blackbird Baking Co, and head over to Riverdale Park to watch the sun descend behind a city skyline with locals.