Four Seasons Hotel Toronto
"What sets the Toronto Four Seasons apart from every other Four Seasons?Toronto is the hometown of the Four Seasons brand, so it was especially important that the location here represent the very best of the five-star name. Built in 2012 to replace the somewhat outdated 1960s original, this 55-story tower in the chic Yorkville neighborhood nails the concept of discreet luxury. The lobby is separated into small, lounge-like spaces, including a reception desk that’s tucked away in an alcove under a stunning sculpture of falling flowers. Enter via the quiet rear portico (which also leads to a separate residential tower) and you can make it to the elevators pretty much undetected; the scene is livelier off the Yorkville Avenue entrance, which opens onto the street-level D Bar lounge. So who else will we spot checking in?The hotel draws corporate execs, Four Seasons loyalists, celebs in town for the annual film fest, and locals frequenting the bar, restaurant, or spa. If you love five-star digs, this is the place to be. Speaking of check in, how quickly can we get up to our room?Check in (and out) are fast and flawless; you'll be up to your plush room in no time. Okay. We made it up to the room. What's it like up there?The 259 rooms (including 42 suites) are bright and airy, thanks to a spring-inspired color palette, plush furnishings, floral embroidery, and floor-to-ceiling windows with views that will make you feel like you're floating. Along with a Nespresso machine, complimentary WiFi, and Four Seasons' signature cloud-like bed, you’ve got tech touches like high-def Smart TVs, Bose stereos, deskside charging points, and an in-room iPad loaded with hotel info and menus. Bathrooms have separate showers and tubs, and ultra-fluffy robes. Famished after a long trip to Toronto, what are our food options?Stretching along Yorkville Avenue, D Bar offers share plates, charcuterie and cheese boards, light bites, craft cocktails, and more; it’s popular for morning coffee, daytime meetings, and the last drink of the night. There’s also a seasonal outdoor terrace and a DJ spinning tunes every evening (except Sunday). On the second floor, Café Boulud serves bistro fare with a contemporary twist, including rotisserie dishes, seafood platters, and Lyonnais classics inspired by chef Daniel Boulud’s upbringing, all paired with an extensive international wine list. Room service has plenty for kids, too. Tell us more about that room service.When the person who takes your room service order is already aware of your dietary preferences, that’s luxury service. The hotel’s chief concierge, Carolina Avaria, is also the president of the Canadian branch of Les Clefs d’Or concierge association, so if there’s a hook-up to be had, she has it. We're on vacation, so please direct us to the spa.At more than 30,000 square feet, the just-renovated 9th-floor spa is the largest urban spa in the Four Seasons portfolio; it boasts locker rooms stocked with essentials, a cushy relaxation lounge serving homemade treats, a eucalyptus-scented steam room, and 17 treatment rooms. There’s also a whirlpool and decent-sized pool (with dedicated kids’ hours) surrounded by loungers, an outdoor terrace with city views, and a gym outfitted with state-of-the-art equipment. Bottom line: why this hotel?Aside from the excellent service, great location, and plush accommodations, it’s worth checking in for the ultimate Four Seasons experience—right in the brand's hometown." - Sandra Ramani
