Welcome to the first-ever edition of Curbed's Hotel 18 map, your answer to the question, "Where should I stay in Toronto?" We've compiled the following list of the city's most essential hotels. From the trendy Shangri-La on University Avenue, The Thompson on Bathurst Street to The Templar Hotel, the city's best kept secret. If you have a favourite that wasn't included, just tell us in the comments or send it to toronto@curbed.com.
Read More/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/48740115/curbed_placeholder.54.0.jpg)
The 18 Essential Toronto Hotels

Four Seasons
The Four Seasons chain was founded by Isadore Sharp in Toronto. Four Seasons is now known as one of the premier luxury hotel brands in the world with chef Daniel Boulud's flagship restaurant.
The Hazelton Hotel
This five-star Yorkville boutique hotel features just 62 rooms and 15 suites with personalized service. Opened in 2008, the Hazelton kicked off Toronto's luxury hotel boom with a blast. The presidential suite with three bedrooms, four bathrooms, is 4,200 square feet with its own private elevator, wine cellar, and eight flat panel HDTVs.
Park Hyatt
Featuring one of Toronto's best rooftop bars, the Park Hyatt is also known for its luxurious Stillwater Spa and close proximity to Bloor Street shops and dining.
Windsor Arms
The Windsor Arms Hotel was known as Toronto's celebrity hot spot for almost three decades. The hotel continues to provide discreet luxury for those looking to stay out of the spotlight. Many of Toronto's most prominent chefs like Jamie Kennedy and Keith Froggett of Scaramouche, started their careers in the hotel's restaurant.
Pantages Hotel
The Pantages Hotel is the place to go if you're heading to the Ed Mirvish Theatre and want to be close to the restaurants. Fran's Restaurant attached to the hotel serves comfort food like their famous rice pudding. If you do feel like cooking, many of the suites come with a full kitchenette.
The Ivy at Verity
Located in the 1850s repurposed chocolate factory on Queen Street East, the Ivy at Verity is Toronto's hidden boutique hotel and part of the private women’s club. The hotel has only four rooms and there's no signage outside announcing the building. The hotel includes a restaurant and women's only spa.
The Drake Hotel
Designed by 3rd Uncle, the Drake features an eclectic and modern interior. Highlights include the chandelier in the restaurant made from bicycle frames. While the hotel has only a few rooms, there's always something to do with nightly entertainment in the Drake Underground.
Shangri-La
Opened in September 2012, the hotel has become a celebrity hot spot and popular food destination with Momofuku's Noodle Bar and Milk Bar. Chinese artist Zhang Huan designed the stainless steel sculpture, "Rising," showcased outside the building. The most expensive room at the Shangri-La is $10K per night.
The Templar Hotel
The Templar Hotel might be Toronto's coolest and best kept secret in the city. The hotel features cutting edge design and offers its guests airport pickup in a porsche.
Trump International Hotel & Tower
The Trump is Toronto's most over-the-top hotel with gold and marble finishes. While the hotel is well-liked by tourists, many suites owned by investors remain empty. The owners have had difficulty selling their units.
Omni King Edward
Toronto's classic hotel on King East recently changed ownership from Le Meridien to the Omni brand. The hotel with 300 rooms, was built in 1903 by the Gooderham family who also owned what's now known as the Distillery District. The hotel is currently undergoing a massive $40 million, retrofitting the rooms and building.
One King West
Completed in 2006, the condo/hotel is located in Toronto's financial district and one of the narrowest high-rises in Canada. The hotel was built by Harry Stinson and David Mirvish.
Thompson Hotel
The Thompson is Toronto's happening hotel on Bathurst and Wellington Street. The hotel offers a rooftop lounge, pool and the classy Scarpetta Restaurant. For more relaxed dining, you can also check out the mac & cheese at the 24-hour Thompson Diner.
Ritz-Carlton
Opened in 2011, the Ritz-Carlton is one of the tallest hotels in Toronto with 53 floors. The most expensive room at the Ritz-Carlton is $6K per night.
SoHo Metropolitan Hotel
The SoHo Metropolitan is one of the first hotel condo developments in the city. Actor Mark Wahlberg along with brothers Donnie and Paul, recently announced plans to open up a Wahlburgers' Restaurant in the hotel.
Fairmont Royal York
The Fairmont Royal York is the grand old lady of Toronto's hotel scene. The Royal Family always stays at the hotel and last year during the Grey Cup, Calgary Stampeder fans brought a horse into the lobby causing a stir. In addition, the Fairmont provides a customized pillow menu for their guests.
Le Germain Maple Leaf Square
Le Germain is Toronto's new boutique hotel near the Air Canada Centre. The hotel suites feature funky artwork and if your dog is traveling with you, there's a pet fee of $30.
Westin Harbour Castle
The Westin Harbour Castle is a classic favourite in Toronto because of its great waterfront view. It's a fun summer hotel with daily outdoor activities at Harbourfront Centre but bundle up if you're staying there in the winter.
Loading comments...