"Take it from the top: What's Toronto's Thompson like?With its buzzing rooftop, sleek crowd, and location in King West Village—an area of historic factories now considered one of Canada’s capitals of cool—the Thompson is one of Toronto’s year-round hot spots. A bold, contemporary style pervades the property, with industrial accents and loud pops of color creating a vibrant backdrop for the action. The vibe is very much urban resort, and it's a one-stop hub for all your entertainment needs. Who's here?Hip urban professionals mix with buttoned-down business travelers and the occasional movie star. What's the mood up in the rooms? What are the highlights?Sophistication-with-an-edge is the prevailing vibe in the 105 rooms, which have been envisioned by NYC-based Studio Gaia with dark woods, chic furnishings, jewel-toned accents, and floor-to-ceiling windows. Tech-wise, there’s a smart alarm clock, Soundfreaq Sound Rise Bluetooth system, 42-inch plasmas loaded with movies, and multimedia-equipped work area. Rooms have Keurig and Marley coffee; suites have Nespresso machines. The marble bathrooms have heated floors, walk-in showers, and D.S. Durga amenities. What is the wifi situation?Wifi is free. Most importantly, how is the food? Will we have options?Serving drinks and a light menu throughout the day, the Lobby Bar draws groups of colleagues and laptop warriors to a happy-hour and late-night crowd; there’s also a seasonal patio and live music Thursday through Saturday. The Thompson Diner, a full restaurant, is a modern spin on the classic diner, and Greenhouse Juicery, open 21 hours a day (from 6 a.m. to 3 a.m.), does a great weekend brunch. The lower-level, guest-list–only Wildflower lounge is a intimate space for cocktails and music, while the Rooftop draws crowds with drinks, sushi, bottle service, live entertainment, and 360-degree views of the city and Lake Ontario. That sounds like a fun time. Who will we spot on the roof?While the Rooftop Lounge hosts a lively local crowd, the adjacent 40-foot pool is only open to hotel guests, members, and residents of the Thompson's private apartments. Bottom line: worth it, and why?Fans of the Thompson's signature boutique style and lifestyle scene won't be disappointed." - Sandra Ramani
