Ritz-Carlton, Toronto

181 Wellington St. W, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 3G2, Canada, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Why We Like It

The Ritz is lightening in a bottle. We love how this modern property provides all of its trademark luxury in a contemporary setting. Witness the one-of-a-kind blown-glass light fixtures by renown Canadian artist, Jeff Goodman. There's a classy mix of wood accents, upholstery, sleek sofas and fun accent pillows. The walls are full of the hotel's specially commissioned art collection, featuring more than 400 pieces by Canadian artists. Everywhere you look, there are conversation pieces and great views of the cityscape.


Fodor's Expert Review

Living up to the razzle dazzle of its name, the Ritz also has a great location—across from Roy Thompson Hall and smack-dab in the center of the Financial District. The building is a modern cube-like glass podium topped off with a 53-story tower. Guest rooms are huge, with spectacular views overlooking the CN Tower and Lake Ontario through floor-to-ceiling windows. The Clarins spa, cocktail bars, saltwater pool and high tea services are crowd pleasers.

Tip The Ritz makes a "fun uncle"-type fuss over children, with activity programs and city guides for parents. You might expect the Ritz to be disapproving and haughty about kids--but no. Little guests enjoy their stay.

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Room

Bathed in natural light, the rooms are painted a delightful shade of butter yellow. Even the smallest rooms are 450 square-feet, so everyone has space to spread out. There is 400-thread count Frette bed linen, two solid armchairs, stealthy reading lights, laptop safes, an honor bar, a 42" television and African Anigre wooden millwork. Request the free shoe shine.

You Should Know Because of the hardwood floor perimeter under the area rugs, noise from the guest room above can sometimes be an issue. Soundproofing is tough without wall-to-wall carpet. At least the perimeter hardwood flooring is heated.

Bathroom

Is that Portuguese Estremoz marble? Yes, and heated marble floors. The spacious bathrooms at the Ritz boast double sinks, soaker tubs with handheld shower and bath caddy, glass shower stalls and vertical light strips. Their robes are always a cut above, too.

Lobby

Swanning inside through the roundabout door, guests know they've arrived somewhere special when they enter the Ritz's lobby. The dramatically high ceilings are adorned with equally dramatic modern chandeliers--jazzy light sculptures by Canadian artists. The seats are numerous and classy, with great sight lines to all the hotel's eating areas. Enjoy some people watching, as famous guests mount the staircases up to the mezzanine.

Pool

Tranquil and clean, the salt-water pool was made for swimming laps and appeasing children. It's modern and chic, with plenty of towels on hand and expansive views of the city.

Tip Get to the pool early on weekends to snag one of the slightly concave, double Bali beds!

Spa

How fitting--the Ritz Toronto is home to the only North American location of Spa My Blend by Clarins. Jet lagged? Looking to firm up some skin? They blend personalized skincare products, just for you. Or simply enjoy the champagne nail bar, luxury pedicure stations, the aromatherapy steam rooms, saunas and green tea–infused vitality pools.

Gym

Located on the fifth floor, the Ritz's 24-hour fitness center is bright and airy, with state-of-the-art equipment and great city views.

Dining

With a chef from Rome, the traditional Italian cuisine at TOCA is prized for its authenticity. Get the signature ravioli caprese. They have a thoughtful pre-theatre menu and cozy half-circle booths.

Tip TOCA has the city's only cheese cave! Also, the Ritz has a tea sommelier for its fancy high tea and afternoon tea services. They've updated their trays from the traditional "petit four" three-story tower to a modern stacking design.

Drinking

You'll never go thirsty at the Ritz. There is the lobby bar, known for its liquid nitrogen martinis, and the DEQ Terrace Lounge, with open-air fire pits and views of the CN Tower. They serve creative mixed drinks, including a $700 cognac cocktail called during TIFF.

What's Nearby

Getting Around

Valet parking is steep at $50 per day, so don't rent a car at the airport. Instead, take a taxi, then walk around town. The Ritz is located across from Roy Thompson Hall and only steps from the TIFF Bell Lightbox. It's also directly connected to the PATH, Toronto's downtown walkway, as well as St. Andrew subway station

Restaurants

You can't go wrong at Canoe (5-minute walk), an established fine-dining destination on the 51st floor of a nearby office tower. Or head to Jacob's Steakhouse (15-minute walk) for a lively night and comfy armchairs.

Bars

Billed as a "casually refined saloon", Weslodge (12-minute walk) knows their whiskey, as does the bustling speakeasy D.W. Alexander (15-minute walk).

Quick Facts

HOTEL INFO

Phones: 416-585–2500