TORONTO ― After much anticipation, W Hotels has opened its doors in Toronto’s Yonge and Bloor neighbourhood. The hotel rises 11 stories in the vibrant neighbourhood of Yorkville, and is a celebration of Toronto’s storied art scene, diversity of culture and legacy of non-conformity.
“From its street art scene and ongoing musical legacy, Toronto is a natural fit for W Hotels,” says Benoit Racle, vice-president, Brand Management, W Hotels Worldwide. “Our unassuming, playful interpretation of luxury is poised to make W Toronto a regular stop for those living and working in Toronto, as well as the perfect place for an out-of-town guest to revel in the city like a local.”
Designed by global creative agency Sid Lee, W Toronto is a juxtaposition of the city’s biophilia, man-made city grid and brutalist architecture. The contrast begins with the exterior, where the brutalist facade has been transformed through warm, LED lighting that illuminates the night sky, including a glowing, opaque orange elevator that takes guests to the rooftop bar and restaurant. The Welcome Desk and LivingRoom (the W brand’s signature lobby/lounge) is located on the sixth floor and features jewel tones of ruby, amethyst and topaz ― with curved lines and velvet furniture reminiscent of Toronto’s late ‘60s and early ‘70s counterculture movement. Other highlights of the 5,000-sq.-ft. space include a communal faux firepit, a circular destination bar featuring cascading amber lighting and access to The Yard, an outdoor terrace surrounded by a three-storey atrium of guestroom windows, creating a voyeuristic tension between public and private.
The new hotel features 254 guestrooms ― including 30 suites ― two of which are Extreme Wow (Presidential) Suites. Drawing inspiration from Toronto’s illustrious theatre district, guestroom beds are flanked by stage-inspired pendant lights and situated in front of a sapphire velvet curtain that can be automatically drawn open or shut. Design touches include curved banquettes, dressing room-style vanity mirrors, “record”-like tables in honour of Toronto’s musical legacy and nods to nature like the abstract floral wallpaper and mushroom-shaped accent lights.
“W Toronto is a microcosm of the people, culture and history of this incredible city,” says Craig Reaume, general manager, W Toronto. “From the intentional design of each guestroom and the authentically diverse menus to the music and vibe of each public space, W Toronto offers a long overdue alternative to the luxury hotel scene. We cannot wait to welcome guests time and again.”
Music and creative artistry take centre-stage at W Toronto, with the hotel boasting Canada’s first W Sound Suite, the brand’s signature recording studio experience. Situated off the Living Room, behind a nondescript, one-way, tinted window, W Toronto’s W Sound Suite is outfitted with professional equipment where accomplished and novice musicians, podcasters and other creatives can draw inspiration from the city and hotel scene.
The culinary team is helmed by executive chef Keith Pears, who is well-known to culinary enthusiasts. His resume includes accolades such as B.C. Chef of the Year, Gold Metal Plates, Bocuse d’Or National Selection, and he’s also appeared on Chopped Canada. He brings star quality to W Toronto’s three distinct food-and-beverage venues, taking guests on a progressive journey from morning to late night. The food experience begins with PUBLIC SCHOOL, a ground floor coffee house, kitchen and bar driven by barista culture by day and new school tonics, elixirs and low or no alcohol beverages by night. The playful, unpretentious, plant-forward menu is served across two sweeping levels, accentuated by inviting, late ‘60s/early ‘70s seating in a palette of soothing earth tones as well as “Toronto Gush”, an original mural by Costa Rican-born artist Alan Ganev, inspired by Toronto’s Graffiti Alley.
The Living Room pays homage to Toronto’s standing as the most multicultural city in the world. Featuring “Toronto Tapas” ― light, shareable bites representing the city’s diverse neighbourhoods ― the menu includes: Barbacoa Tacos (Kensington Market); Jerk Chicken Skewers (Little Jamaica); and Fogo Island Cod Cheeks (Little India). “Sparkling” is the theme of the Living Room beverage program, with Champagne, rare bottles and a Perlini corking system allowing for unique flight experiences, bubbly by the glass as well as sparkling cocktails such as the Celery Sour and the Green Goddess Bloody Mary.
After sunset, SKYLIGHT, the hotel’s rooftop bar and restaurant, offers curated cocktails and Mediterranean-inspired cuisine. The indoor-outdoor boho oasis overlooks Toronto’s iconic Bloor Street, celebrating the provocative and artistic spirit of the ‘60s Yorkville hippie revolution. In addition to the bazaar-inspired main room ― with its nightly DJ booth and performance stage ― SKYLIGHT features The Loft(for semi-private events); The Den (an intimate seating, people-watching nook); and The Terrace (with birdcage-style seating). The menu includes familial-style mezze, salatas and freshly made maneesh served with tagines as well as an over-the-top Seafood Tower with oysters, clams, shrimp cocktail, escabeche, tuna and scallop crudos, king crab legs, lobster, and caviar. SKYLIGHT’s cocktail program is Vermouth and Amaro-centric, with a selection of upscale curated cocktails, seasonal spritzes and adult slushes.
The W features five event spaces encompassing 4,679 sq. ft. and features botanical-inspired wallpaper decorated with elliptical lighting, reminiscent of floral seedlings. The space can be divided into three intimate spaces. Studios 1 and 2, off the Living Room, as well as Strategy 1 and 2, offer more casual working session settings. Prior to that big presentation or wedding day, W Toronto’s 3,300-sq.-ft. FIT gym is the perfect place for guests to focus and re-charge.
