Light radiating from an installation on the St. Regis Toronto’s northwest corner guides guests arriving after sundown. The colourful ribbon streams and stutters up the 65 stories of Canada’s tallest combination residential tower and luxury hotel.
Once inside the spire’s compact footprint, you’ll find a warm welcome at the lobby. The main floor holds the front desk and the Astor Lounge, an Art Deco-inspired space that transforms from a morning coffee bar to an evening jazz club. Be sure to catch the champagne sabering ritual every evening, a St. Regis tradition.
A colorful history, too
A hundred and fifty years ago, Mrs. Astor reigned over “The Four Hundred,” the aristocratic families of New York City. (For all the juicy details, tune in to The Gilded Age airing on HBO.) Since 2018, her presence has been acknowledged with a namesake suite at The St. Regis Toronto, along with a suite named for her son John Jacob Astor IV, the founder of The St. Regis Hotels. One feels that Mrs. Astor would very much approve.
Beam me up
Pause for a moment before leaving the lobby with your room key in hand and look up. The ceiling displays a topographical model of Lake Ontario over reception and the flower-filled elevator hall is topped with a tumble of cherry blossoms. Attention to detail begins here. The brass elevators zoom guests to their rooms and suites on floors 11 to 30. The hotel’s 124 luxury suites is the largest collection in Canada.
See the light
Soundproof windows at The St. Regis Toronto make for sweet dreams
From the moment the door closes behind you, you’ll know you’ve reached a next level hotel experience. Not a trace of noisy downtown Toronto makes its way through the floor-to-ceiling windows. The result: Heavenly silence for light sleepers.
Room décor is classic meets contemporary with a mix of muted hues of violet, taupe, and navy. Touch is not forgotten with a range of velvet soft furnishings, crisp Frette sheets topped with fluffy duvets, and soothing terry robes awaiting your fingertips.
You could work…but why would you?
The attention to detail continues in the bathrooms, with both deep soaking tubs and rainfall showers, LED mirrors and toiletries from Laboratoire Remede. (At the time of this review rumour has it that the Remede line will be replaced by another brand shortly – stay tuned).
Bedside switches control light fixtures throughout the suite, and numerous USB outlets keep guests connected.
And best of all, should you need anything, around-the-clock butler service stands ready to answer your call.
The St. Regis Toronto: All that glitters
Feel like royalty at LOUIX LOUIS Grand Bar and Restaurant
A stay at the St. Regis would not be complete without a visit to LOUIX LOUIS, the fabulous, two-storey, mirrored bar and restaurant on the 31st Floor. It’s the perfect place for a big night out. Snag a table on the mezzanine where you’ll have the best view of this gilded extravaganza of a bar featuring over 500 dark spirits.
The menu is American in Paris with the best of both represented. Leave room for a slice of the spectacular thirteen-layer chocolate King’s cake, covered in 64% Guayaquil chocolate sauce, a bittersweet bean from Ecuador. Then look up once more to admire the 60-foot ceiling mural by Toronto artist Madison van Rijn called ‘Bouquet of Whisky,’ a toast to the city’s distillery past.
Santé!
What’s appealing to the over-50 luxury traveler?
- Radiant in-floor heating at The St. Regis Toronto keeps your toes warm in the bathroom while multiple LED mirrors and lighting options help you put your best foot forward.
- Butler service in all guest rooms and suites is a 24-hour perk that you don’t want to miss. Make your personal preferences known at check-in for linen changes, deliveries, et al.
- The location couldn’t be better. Union Station, the rapid rail terminal from the airport, is less than a 10- minute walk or five minutes by car. The CN Tower is 1.2 kilometres away. You may not need a car. Toronto is a wonderfully walkable city with good public transportation.
- Free Wifi included with every room level, no membership is required.
- Bonvoy members are entitled to upgrades according to level plus exclusive members’ rates. Enroll for offers including discounts on everything Marriott for bed and bath, like luxury linens, signature scents, and even the Marriott mattress, online at Shop Marriott.
- Morning newspapers can be delivered to your room, upon request, during the week. (This service was suspended during the pandemic and has just been restored.)
Take note
- The elevators in The St. Regis Toronto stop on the 31st floor for LOUIX LOUIS Grand Bar and Restaurant, Iridium Spa and the pool. Step out in street clothes, not your robe, to avoid embarrassing encounters.
Covid 19 Update
Some services including turndown service and fresh flowers in each room have been suspended due to regulations. Check the Government of Ontario website for the latest public health measures.
All photo credits, except lead photo: Debra Smith
Read more by this author on her website: Where To Lady
Disclosure
The author was a guest of the St. Regis Toronto, however, the opinions expressed here, as always, are her own.
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