The Coolest Boutique Hotels in Downtown Toronto

For the hip traveller looking to escape from the typical hotel chain, book the Thompson Toronto. You’ll find this spot nestled amongst the historic factory buildings of King West Village.

Picture your contemporary room, drenched in light, courtesy of the floor-to-ceiling windows; with beautifully-appointed bathrooms and heated marble floors, a spacious walk-in shower and comfy beds covered in rich luxurious linens.

In the summer, enjoy Thompson’s Rooftop Lounge (a TO gathering spot), the adjacent rooftop pool and a 360-degree view of the city. Relax with one of the many creative cocktails (like the aloe-boosted G&T named Aloe-Ha) or something from the full bottle menu, which can be paired with a platter of summertime sushi from Roll This Way.

Meet friends in the impressive Lobby Bar or hit the Thompson Diner, open for the late-night crowd (or really early for those just getting in), offering a modern interpretation of American favourites like truffle mac & cheese, burgers, milkshakes, and omelettes.

Don’t let its small size and barely-there entrance fool you. This hotel on Queen Street West is filled with style and lots of amenities. It boasts one of Toronto’s coolest rooftop patios as well as a bar and restaurant. Perhaps one of the most appealing things about this 18-room boutique hotel is its trendy location at Beverley Street and Queen Street West, putting you between hip retailers like Timbuk2 travel bags, vintage finds at Black Bull and Spanish retailer Zara. Live music venues The Rivoli and Horseshoe Tavern are just across the street.

Personalized service has guests raving about their stay at this gem. The rooms are bright, modern and comfortable with high-tech amenities like tablets in each room, free WiFi and flat-screen TVs installed into the ceiling. The bathrooms are modern and stylish — everything about the room lends itself to a comfortable stay.

The new restaurant “Carlotta Bar” offers a trendy take on Mexican street food and located near the hotel lobby.

The minute you walk into the lobby of the Kimpton Saint George, the feeling of something unique is undeniable. You’ll meet other visitors while hanging out in the Living Room, where you can enjoy local artwork and one-of-a-kind interior architecture. The hotel commissioned local artist Tisha Myles to paint a misty Toronto inspired scene on the lobby walls complete with a blue jay.

The 188 guest rooms are stylish, comfortable and well-appointed in a quintessential modern style with local Canadian artworks sourced by Arts and Objects. They feature comfortable beds topped with plush, luxury linens by Frette. The bathrooms have an understated elegance with a marble vanity, large walk-in shower and are stocked with the finest Atelier Blohm toiletries.

Beyond the hotel’s doors, guests are steps away from the Royal Ontario Museum, the University of Toronto, the Annex’s small shops and Bloor West’s independently owned eateries serving everything from sushi to gourmet ice cream to chicken and waffles. This boutique hotel also borders the upscale Yorkville neighbourhood where designer shops like Chanel, Tiffany, Louis Vuitton and Holt Renfrew abound.

In terms of dining onsite a gastropub, Fortunate Fox, is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner as well as a complimentary tea and coffee service in the morning and an evening wine hour social in the Living Room. A fleet of bicycles is available to borrow for the visitor who prefers to see this “City of Neighbourhoods” on two wheels.

“Forgot it? We’ve Got it!” is part of the Kimpton’s signature offerings. Anything you may have forgotten, from hair brushes, deodorants to shaving kits, are easily replaced.

Design and décor stand out at the Bisha Hotel. Located in the heart of the city’s Entertainment District, it provides walkable access to the CN Tower, Union Station and the Rogers Centre to catch a Blue Jays game.

The hotel is the vision of lifestyle impresario and hospitality trendsetter, Charles Khabouth of INK Entertainment, and designed by Alessandro Munge of Studio Munge. The vibe of this hotel is laid-back luxury with an edge. The multitalented musician Lenny Kravitz designed an entire floor of the hotel, elevating its trendy status. The spacious rooms are filled with amenities that make you feel at home but with an upgrade. One standout feature is the rooftop infinity pool with its sweeping view of the city and waterfront.

Guests at this hotel won’t go hungry. Bisha offers four unique dining experiences; the hopping lobby bar, a Paris-inspired café, a destination restaurant by celebrity chef Akira Back (first in Canada), and a 44th-floor rooftop restaurant, Kōst, serving a Baja-inspired menu in a light and airy space.

Known as the ‘SoHo Met’ this is one of the finest luxury boutiques in all of Toronto. Located in the vibrant Entertainment District, this hotel features a contemporary design with a peaceful atmosphere and offers complimentary sedan service to their guests – a winner in our books.

The 87 rooms are dripping with luxury from the European natural down duvets, and Italian bed linens to a bathroom with German crafted fixtures, heated marble floors, deep soaker tub and custom millwork closets.

Start your day with fresh brewed artisanal coffee at the ‘Senses Café’ in the lobby (or room service) and finish with dinner at award-winning Chef Susur Lee’s Luckee Restaurant which offers the finest dim sum and craft cocktails in the city. You can find more casual fare — burgers, sandwiches, and salads — at Wahlburgers, a hamburger franchise run by the Wahlberg brothers (Paul, Donnie and Mark). Maybe you’ve heard of them?

This is one of Toronto’s most historic boutique hotels (dating back to 1891), with centuries-old charm and modern amenities. Simply put, it’s a former East End strip joint turned luxury boutique property – and they’ve done a superb job transforming the building.

Guests staying at this hotel can spend hours visiting the owner-managed shops, restaurants, and bars in the eclectic east end neighbourhoods of Riverside and Leslieville or simply jump on a streetcar to head downtown.

Each of the 57 spacious rooms has its own individual character, is decorated with curated artwork and unique architectural details, as well as a king-sized bed, vinyl record player and mini bar.

For all waking hours of the day, there are three dining options on the property. The Café & Bar, a bright spot in the lobby serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Then the hotel’s main dining room, The Civic, blends an old world charm with contemporary twists, seen in its original brick façade, factory glass windows, the wine cellar and the historically-research menu. The Rooftop, an indoor-outdoor bar and restaurant, impresses with a pyramidal skylight and a patio offering a panoramic view of the Toronto skyline and the Don River. Whether you’re the type to incorporate a piece or two from the consignment store or have a copy of Monocle on your nightstand, you’d fit in nicely here.

To satiate cravings for the arts, culture and excitement, look no further than the Pantages, in the heart of Toronto. This post-modern limestone building was designed by renowned architect Moshie Safdie back in 2003. Once here you’re just steps away from Massey Hall, the Winter Garden Theatre and the Ed Mirvish Theatre (previously known as the Canon) as well as shopping at the Eaton Centre and on Yonge Street.

It will be love at first sight from the moment you check into the Pantages. The intimate experience follows through to the cozy guest suites filled with amenities like fluffy bathrobes and slippers as well as a relaxing bathroom with rainfall shower.

Enjoy a continental breakfast with eggs, fresh fruit and smoked salmon, or order from the menu; dining is available in the Stages Restaurant and Lounge; or if you prefer, unwind in the Martini Bar and people watch.

Hotel Ocho is as vibrant as the neighbourhood it’s located in. This carefully renovated boutique hotel is just steps away from Chinatown and the Queen Street Fashion District, Toronto’s shopping Mecca.

Exposed beams and brick walls greet visitors to the Hotel Ocho. There are only 12 guest rooms so you won’t be overwhelmed by other travellers.

The rooms are simple, clean and contemporary with open concept bathrooms, comfortable beds where you can rest after a busy day and all boast the same beautiful view of Toronto. Start your morning at the breakfast buffet and later enjoy dinner and drinks in the ultra-cool bar. There are a plethora of restaurants, shops, and eateries just outside the door. Chinatown’s Pho Hung Vietnamese restaurant is a local favourite and in Kensington Market, the Japanese Souffle Pancakes at Hanabusa Cafe are a popular dessert.

Hotel Le Germain, in the heart of the bustling Entertainment District, has always been known for its elegance and luxury. As one of the most discerning properties, it boasts artwork from local artists and prides itself on its light environmental impact.

The spacious and well-designed guest rooms have high-end, state of the art touches, like a Nespresso machine and a Bose stereo. Travellers can kick up their feet and relax in the lobby library which has abundant natural light streaming through floor-to-ceiling windows.

When hunger strikes (or thirst comes calling), be sure to stop at the revamped Victor Restaurant, a modern interpretation of the classic American-style brasserie, while the Bar serves Negronis on tap and Victor Café delivers your caffeine fix. The décor delights with rich colours, authentic wood, and peacock leather.

During your stay, guests benefit from a complimentary car service. Travel in the lap of luxury by getting behind the wheel of a Lexus or leave the driving to the expert staff.

In the warmer months, visit the rooftop terrace for exceptional views of this buzzing city.