Steve M.
Yelp
If you're looking for a high-end piece of Heaven on your next visit to Toronto, look no further. The new Hotel X has impressed this jaded traveller, and that's no easy task: I've stayed in many great - and not so great - hotels across North America, and I can honestly say that the X more than delivers: in a world of hotel-steaks, the X is the Filet Mignon.
We started with a standard King room, which was beautiful and well-appointed, but then upgraded from the standard room to a corner suite, where we were immediately bedazzled by the panoramic views of the waterfront and Toronto-city proper. Our suite was on the 24th floor, and we felt like kids as we watched the planes take off from Billy Bishop airport. Though it felt as if you could reach out and touch the jet as it lifted off, the windows are incredibly insulated, and no sound comes in. The suite is a multi-room format, with a high-ceilinged living room with glass walls at least 14 ft high, a dining/breakfast nook, 2 bathrooms - a powder-room in the hall, and a master bathroom off the bedroom.
The master bathroom has a deep, 2-person tub as it's centerpiece, with a large glass-walled shower and a view of the CN Tower. The bedroom was roomy with an over-sized King bed, and another gorgeous view of the city, especially at night. The bed was one of the best we've slept in (at least, for us) - firm, but forgiving. The pillows were varied enough that both of us found ones that worked. The drawers are filled with all the amenities a forgetful traveller might need, from toothbrushes & emery boards to mouthwash & loofa sponges. Finally, you have good control of ventilation/AC/heat from 2 locations, so you can control your surroundings. One nit-pick: it would be nice to have a Dyson-style fan in one of the closets, to help with air-movement in the bedroom. This IS a luxury hotel after all, n'est pas?
The property itself is a new construction, around 30 stories tall, right across the street from the Trillium Park and William G. Davis Trail, a long-winding walking path/bike path along the waterfront. The hotel is up a little hill, which helps even the lowest floors to have fantastic views. The lobby is cavernous, with a day-bar, gorgeous and very unique furniture and art and a staircase to the 2nd floor amenities. The front desk is easily seen and accessed, and check-in is beyond warm and welcoming. A little more on the staff later...
While the Hotel is still in the process of constructing additional facilities such as a full spa (this made my wife happy), and a 2nd gourmet resto featuring Mediterranean cuisine, farm-fresh and sourced locally, there are great options in the hotel already, such as the rooftop bar, full cinema, tennis courts...and FOOD!
In-Room Dining: We checked in at midnight after a long day of travel, and you can imagine how happy we were to find out that they had 24 hour room service. The gourmet burger went down very well at 2:30 AM...
Maxx's Diner - unlike the name suggests, this is a high-end dining experience, with an open-kitchen concept. Our meals were sumptuous...I had the Cornish Game Hen (cooked THEIR way) and my wife had the beef tenderloin, which was perfection. We loved interacting with the Chef and watching him run the crew in the kitchen. He also sent us a special dessert, with his regards.
VIP Rooms: you can get a VIP upgrade, which gives you access to the VIP lounge for relaxing with a book in front of a fireplace, or enjoying their daily wine & cheese, and starting your day with their breakfast buffet.
Falcon Skybar: On the 27th floor, panoramic views, outdoor contour balcony, indoor fireplace and a great group of waitstaff. A large choice of creative signature cocktails and fresh-made bar-eats are available.
The staff at the X are all young, enthused and welcoming. We had particularly special interactions with Felipe, the Guest Services Manager, who made sure our stay was memorable, and attended to our every need & request. SHOUT OUT to George, our bartender at the Falcon Skybar, who made sure we had full drinks, entertained us with his mad mixology-styles and made sure we had Habs hockey on the screen. Felipe & the rest of the X team provided a level of service that was professional, but very personal, honest and endearing. The staff are all genuinely nice people, and they always seem to have time to interact with a guest.
Definitely looking forward to our next escape!