The Broadview Hotel

"Give us the highlights of the Broadview.Straddling the historic Riverside and Leslieville neighborhoods in the East End, this charming boutique hotel occupies an 1891 Romanesque Revival landmark. The building counts the iconic (and notorious) Jilly’s Strip Club as a former tenant—it's where, legend has it, a live tiger once shared the stage with the dancers. Today, that decadent past lives on in the form of sumptuous furnishings and materials, custom wallpaper that replicates the one found under more than a century of layers, and an art installation made from the original fire escape. So it's got a good story. As we get into the check in line, who else are we likely to see?Independent-minded travelers and creative types looking to set up shop in an emerging neighborhood that's not terribly far from Downtown. Regular events and lovely public spaces draw a steady crowd of locals, too. How quickly will they get us to our room?The hotel has only 58 rooms; business at the reception desk is pretty quick. Speaking of our room, what's it like?Pet-friendly rooms are at once functional—a work/dining table, easy-to-control lighting and temperature, free WiFi, 40-inch TVs equipped with Google Chromecast—and good looking, with tall windows adorned with velvet curtains, vintage-inspired floral wallpaper, lovely art, and wood headboards wrapping the Eurotop king-size beds. Other touches include vinyl LP players, locally produced organic bath amenities and mini-bar items, Bodum French Press coffee and tea makers, and blackout shades. Higher-category rooms may have terraces, separate seating areas, or better views. All have showers—no tubs—in the marble bathrooms, and nightly turndown service. What's the best way to quench that post-travel hunger?Red leather banquettes, oversized factory-glass windows, and a beautifully stained wood bar set an elegant feel at The Civic, where the restaurateurs Erik Joyal and John Sinopoli—pioneers of the East End dining scene—put modern twists on menus inspired by the historic setting. Bright with natural light, pale leather banquettes, and a patterned tile floor, the ground-floor Café + Bar is open all day, serving coffee, cocktails, and the three meals in between. Up on the roof, drinks and small plates come with a side of city and river views; snag an outdoor high-top in the warmer months or one of the 100 seats inside the 360-degree glass enclosure (with a pyramid-shaped skylight) in winter. Dining aside, is there anything special to see or do on the hotel grounds?The regular events calendar includes drink and dining deals, pop-up exhibitions, live entertainment, rooftop yoga, and more. The hotel also offers several lovely venues for private events, including the large Lincoln Hall and Terrace, featuring original brickwork, and the gorgeous seventh floor Tower, featuring vaulted ceilings and arched windows. So would we want to come back?A boutique hotel with lots of style, standout cuisine, and warm service, The Broadview is a gem for travelers who value relaxed luxury and pride themselves on being ahead of the pack." - Sandra Ramani