The lobby
1 bedroom corner suite
The bar
The Ritz Carlton
Whether it’s wealthy boomers or business travellers on Madmen-era expense accounts, YTO’s luxury hotel scene is buzzing. Open Jaw took a look at 4 of the newest players.
The Ritz Carlton
Opening date: February 16, 2011
Number of rooms: 267
Ambience: Confidence, comfort and old money
At last, a chandelier! Though this cousin of YUL’s legendary Ritz Carlton doesn’t have the same courtly elegance, the spacious, soaring-ceilinged lobby of the Toronto Ritz is a breath of fresh air. A formal cluster of chairs greets you – along with low-slung tables sporting a variety of coffee table books (a nice touch, as is the urn of complimentary hot chocolate on a recent miserable wintery afternoon). Large cast bronze maple leaves set into the floor lend a nice Canadian touch, along with the warm wood paneling around the reception area. A small glass case displays Hermés and Cartier goodies. Toward the back and down a spacious staircase is the bar: abuzz with dealmakers and those who are clearly quite at home surrounded by elegance when they are “putting on the Ritz.”
Largest suite & rack rate for it: (2,415 sq. ft.) - $6,000/night
Smallest room & rack rate for it: (465 sq. ft.) - $600/night
Brand of bathroom amenities: Asprey
Thread count of sheets: Frette 400 Thread Count Italian Bedding
Number of restaurants: 1 (TOCA)
Number of bars: 1 lounge (DEQ Lounge) & 1 bar (Ritz Bar)
Signature cocktail: The cocktail menu changes frequently
Have any celebrities stayed with them? Unfortunately the Ritz Carlton declines to give these details away
What’s the oddest request their concierge has dealt with to date? “We receive custom requests all the time. Anything from a specific brand name product, to having a store stay open late, to all white floral. The list goes on.”
