The Drake Hotel, the boutique-hotel/bar/performance space that's become the cultural hub of West Queen West, celebrates a decade of renewed life this week; check out their amazing photo retrospective here. Back in 2004, the revamped Drake was welcomed and reviled in about equal measure; protohipsters flocked to the Drake Underground and the rooftop Sky Yard, but a lot of longtime area residents resented the increased gentrification of the traditionally-low-income neighbourhood. There was no turning back, though, and over the years the Drake's become the neighbourhood go-to place for bourbon, burgers, and book launches (not to mention celebrity-spotting). The Drake's brand is expanding with an inn in Prince Edward County and a cocktail lounge in the Financial District. Happy Birthday, Drake—you don't look a day over five.
· The 18 Essential Toronto Hotels [Curbed Toronto]
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