SoHo Metropolitan Hotel

318 Wellington St. W, east of Spadina Ave., Toronto, Ontario, M5V 3T4, Canada, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
www.facebook.com/pg/SoHoMet

Why We Like It

Part of a small independent chain of Canadian hotels, the Soho Met is for insiders who value peaceful privacy. Thoughtful details set it apart--like the free car service. We love the location, too, near the most important arts venues and sightseeing destinations. While the rooms no long stand out for their stylish decor, they have mid-century appeal and dignity.

Fodor's Expert Review

The SoHo Met knows how to pamper, with Frette linens, walk-in closets, heated bathroom floors, and bedside-controlled drapes. Glamour begins in the cosmopolitan lobby, where a stunning blown-glass installation by artist Dale Chihuly draws eyes upward. Other outstanding amenities in the hotel include an advanced fitness center, a lap pool, and Les Clefs d'Or concierge services. Don't tell anyone, but Madonna has stayed in the decadent penthouse suite.

Tip Pets stay for free and there's complimentary car service in a Lincoln Continental.

Recommended Fodor’s Video

Room

If you aren't impressed by the Frette linens--and why wouldn't you be--then marvel at the bedside-controlled lights and motorized drapes. The floor-to-ceiling windows actually open and there are 80-square feet dressing rooms with custom millwork closets in each guestroom. Nightly turndown service includes a bottle of water. Don't expect high style, but it's classy and modern enough.

You Should Know Lower floors battle street noise, including noise directly below from the Wahlburgers concession. Ask for a room above the third floor to ensure peace and quiet. Wi-Fi isn't free-- it's covered in the $11.30 daily facilities fee tacked onto your bill.

Bathroom

Pass the Molten Brown body gel, please. The bathrooms at the Soho Met are designed to pamper. It starts with the soaker tubs, the marble, the glass shower stalls and the flattering vertical light strips.

Tip Jackpot--the floors are heated. If you don't think this merits mention, then you've never been to Canada between October and April.

Lobby

With high (recessed) ceilings and marble floors, guests sweep into the spacious lobby, where they immediately look up at the stunning blown-glass installation by artist Dale Chihuly. Next, guests often enjoy the lemon water stand and stare at an imposing black and white photo of Steve Jobs. The Soho Met has Les Clefs d'Or Concierge service, so ask anything you like.

Pool

Swimmers, you won't have to scold someone's kids in this serious lap pool. It's for training, not splashing. There are massive palm trees, floor tiles, a glass brick wall and a hot tub.

Gym

Look up--there's a glass roof over the treadmills in this bright, big, state-of-the-art fitness facility. With views of the terrace, the gym boasts long weight racks, plants, big windows, a monitored reception area and big chalk boards for inspirational tips.

Dining

Dim sum, anyone? The hotel's hip, 120-seat Luckee Restaurant and Bar, home of TV celebrity chef Susur Lee, is arguably the city's bet place for dim sum. Diners enjoy the plush red chairs while eating generous plates of classic dishes from Guangzhou, Hunan, Shanghai and Szechuan regions. Breakfast is served in the Senses Bakery, where they have their own chocolate counter and fresh pastries. The Wahlburger sports joint on site is nothing special.

Tip Book a night at the chef's table, in the kitchen. It's worth the education in cooking and hospitality.

Drinking

Sure, stay and drink at the lobby restaurant, Luckee. They make decent classic cocktails--nothing fancy. Expect the traditional bottles of popular libations.

What's Nearby

Getting Around

Valet service is $40 / day, with in and out access, while the self-park is $35 / day. The SoHo Met is just a few blocks from the UP Express train station to the airport, and it's an easy walk to the subway and street car. However, you're close enough to walk everywhere in downtown Toronto's theatre, entertainment & sports district, just steps from Rogers Centre (Skydome).

Restaurants

Cibo (7-minute walk) is officially a wine bar, but the Italian cuisine is fantastic. Order the mushroom risotto! For traditional Spanish fare served under dramatically high ceilings and large-scale artwork, enjoy a night at Patria (7-minute walk).

Bars

The Cloak Bar (5-minute walk) under Marben Restaurant has deep, u-shaped booths--perfect for small groups sharing their signature "punch bowls" and sipping bespoke cocktails. Technically a steak and seafood eatery, The Shore Club (10-minute walk) is equally loved for their scotch and tequila selections.

Quick Facts

HOTEL INFO

Phones: 416-599–8800;800-668–6600