Photography: Shangri-La Toronto
Shangri - La Toronto
Reviewed by Joeri Van Overloop
Set the scene
As you step inside the Shangri-La hotel in Toronto a lively hum of conversation reverberates through the towering lobby, underscored by the soft melodies emanating from the grand piano. The glittering chandelier, plush sofas and strategically placed artwork successfully create a harmony between modernity and timeless elegance.
In contrast to the tingling excitement that pervades the lobby, the hotel's hallways echo a quiet tranquility that's distinctly Shangri-La. As you saunter around, every corner exudes a welcoming warmth with soft, diffused lighting and understated opulence.
What can we expect in our room at the Shangri-La in Toronto
The décor of the room is tastefully sophisticated, featuring signature Asian motifs harmoniously blended with clean, contemporary lines. Oversized windows flood the room with ample natural light, exposing breathtaking cityscape views that truly capture the essence of downtown Toronto. Plush bedding and fine linens beckon you to sink into a restful slumber after a long day of sightseeing or meetings, guaranteeing an unmatched comfort level.
Premium quality amenities, including a marble-clad bathroom fitted with contemporary fixtures and heated floors, ensure pampering around the clock. State-of-the-art technology features, such as tablet-controlled lights and curtains, Bluetooth-enabled multimedia hub, a large flat-screen TV, add a touch of modernity and convenience.
For the business traveler, a spacious work area within the room helps maintain productivity without compromising comfort. High-speed internet service provides seamless connectivity, ensuring you never miss an important digital moment.
How about the food and drinks?
The hotel has an on-site restaurant, Bosk, that has become a culinary hotspot in the city, offering a blend of local and international dishes crafted from fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. The highlight of the menu is an exquisite selection of seafood dishes, complemented by an impressive international wine list.
In addition, the hotel offers the mirage of the Lobby Lounge, a place where the city's elite gather for casual meetings and after-work drinks. The Lobby Lounge is a spellbinding area with a two-story grand piano, beautiful Asian-inspired decor, and a gleaming bar serving an innovative array of cocktails, fine wines, and beers.
What is the service like
Poised and always ready to lend a hand, the team displays an astonishing blend of professionalism and geniality. From concierge services that astound with their local knowledge and helpful suggestions, to housekeeping maintaining immaculate standards of cleanliness, every detail is finely tuned to ensure a memorable stay.
As for service, the Shangri-La Toronto Hotel takes pride in offering unrivalled attention and dedication to its guests. With standards set high, the 24-hour in-room dining service leaves no room for disappointment, delivering culinary delights that satisfy even the most demanding palates.
What’s the neighbourhood scene like?
A stone's throw away from the hotel, you'll find a variety of locales assuring you of riveting stories and memories. From the Art Gallery of Ontario that showcases masterpieces from around the world to the sporting events held at the nearby Rogers Centre, there's plenty to keep the adrenaline pumping.
Venture out and discover Queen Street West, voted one of the coolest districts globally, filled with quaint boutiques, artistic corners, and tasty culinary spots waiting to be explored. For theater aficionados, the iconic Royal Alexandra Theatre and Princess of Wales Theatre host a plethora of shows, while serene city parks like Grange Park provide a tranquil respite.
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What’s the backstory
Completed in 2012, this 66-story glass tower stands majestically in the heart of Toronto, embodying the vision of its developers, James Cheng and the esteemed firm of Hariri Pontarini Architects.
Unique to the Shangri-La hotel in Toronto, the hotel’s allure is heightened by incorporating a 19th-century landmark, the "Bishops Block"- one of the few remaining examples of Georgian architecture in Toronto, into its modern design. Interestingly, the Bishops Block had its transient existence, serving as a residential house, an inn, and a popular Toronto bar before finally being adopted into the bosom of the Shangri-La.
Price Range
The cost of a stay here varies depending on the type and size of the room you choose, the time of year, and how far in advance you book. On average, the price of a standard room per night can range from around CAD 400 to CAD 600.
Suites, however, are at the higher end of the price range, starting at around CAD 800 per night, aiming for a clientele that appreciates the finer things in life. These vast accommodations offer a separate living area, a full-size kitchen, marble-clad bathrooms, and a wide range of exclusive services.
Amenities & Facilities
The Shangri-La comes with a spacious fitness center equipped with the latest machinery – your one-stop solution for a quick workout or an intense sweat session. Don't miss out on an opportunity to take a refreshing dip in the finely maintained, heated indoor swimming pool that gives you a taste of tropics, even on the coldest days. The hotel’s signature Chi, The Spa, meanwhile, is designed as a sanctuary of wellness and tranquility. The treatments offered are inspired by traditional Asian healing philosophies.
Among the plethora of amenities on premises is their impressive library, filled with notable literary masterpieces, made for bookworms and the casually interested alike. But, if it’s a business trip that brings you to this hotel, rest assured that the well-appointed business center complete with all necessary facilities will make your work seamless.
How to get to the Shangri-La hotel in Toronto
If you're looking to immerse yourself in the authentic Canadian city-life vibe right off the plane, the local public transit system, known as the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC), might be the perfect choice for you. It's an efficient and affordable way to travel. You'd take the express train from the airport to Union Station, and from there, you can either take the subway or a short taxi ride.
If, on the other hand, your preference leans towards comfort and convenience after a long flight, taxicabs are readily available at the arrivals level of each terminal at the airport. A taxi ride to the Shangri-La Toronto Hotel usually takes about 30 minutes, depending on traffic.
What Customers Have To Say
Excellent service as always, the staff moved all my stuffs into my trunk when I was checking out so we can still enjoy the swimming pool and walk around town before leaving.
Merci à Gianelle, concierge à Ashley et Julia au breakfast…et à toutes et tous !
Contact:
Address: 188 University Ave, Toronto, ON M5H 0A3, Canada
Phone: +1 647-788-8888
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Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed within this article are the author’s alone, not those of any travel/leisure company, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.