The St. Regis Toronto's luxurious king room retains its air of sophistication, despite the remnant aesthetics from the Trump tenure which are yet to be transformed. Credits: The St. Regis Toronto.
Costing
The sublime room costs around 359 Canadian dollars, translating to an approximate amount of $272, considering the current financial exchange rates.
Elementary Information
After the major renovations, the transformation of the St. Regis Toronto was nothing short of amazing, and it was clear that every penny was well spent. Upon arrival, it was evident that the St. Regis was striving for exquisite elegance, as the stylish lobby and beautifully renovated rooms reflected a keen attention to detail and a deep understanding of luxury aesthetics. For those planning a visit and seeking hotel deals in Ontario on www.ontariocahotel.com, St. Regis stands as a remarkable choice, especially given its fascinating history and ultra-luxurious suites. From the lobby's modernist design to the lavish accommodations, there’s certainly more worth exploring here than in many other high-end hotels. In comparison to other top-rated lodgings covered on tophotels.com, St. Regis offers an immersive blend of historical charm and modern elegance. It's an essential part of Toronto’s hotel landscape and a must-visit for every discerning traveler. This delightful blend of old and new, history and contemporary design, sets it apart, providing an incredible experience to its guests.
The Location
The hotel’s location, within the concrete canyons of the Financial District, makes up in convenience what it lacks in glamour. Attractions like St. Lawrence Market, Scotiabank Arena, and Bell Lightbox — a cultural center that is the home of the Toronto International Film Festival — are less than 15 minutes away on foot. The Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport downtown can take just a quarter-hour by cab; five minutes gets you to Union Station, Toronto’s grand rail hub. But this stretch of Bay Street can hollow out on evenings and weekends, and you’ll need a car or public transit to reach more intriguing neighborhoods — or for dining options sexier than nearby chains.
The Room
Perched on the 22nd floor, my superior king room exuded a sense of understated elegance. The beige wallpaper and chocolate-brown damask armchair offered a touch of warmth amidst the cool tones of the ash-gray veneer dresser. Instead of traditional artwork, a captivating monochromatic nature print adorned the headboard, effortlessly bringing the outdoors in. Catching my eye, a desk painted silver added a whimsical touch, although peeling along its sides detracted from its charm. To my delight, the bed featured exquisite cotton sateen Frette linens that struck the perfect balance between crispness and softness, creating a heavenly sanctuary for a peaceful slumber. The ingenious design of the panels on both sides of the bed allowed me to effortlessly control the lighting and drapes, providing a thoughtful touch to enhance my comfort. Despite the mid-2000s corporate ambiance, which exuded affluence, the front desk informed me that while the guest rooms are set to undergo minor tweaks, major upgrades were not in the immediate plans.
Did you know that St. Regis Toronto boasts a variety of room types to cater to every guest's unique preferences? From cozy superior king rooms like mine to elegant suites, this luxury hotel offers a range of accommodation options. Additionally, the hotel's dedication to providing a comfortable stay is evident in the attention to detail, such as the use of premium Frette linens and the convenient bedside controls. Experience the blend of sophistication and comfort at St. Regis Toronto and indulge in the luxurious amenities that are sure to make your stay unforgettable.
The Luxurious Bathroom Experience
Immerse yourself in the epitome of luxury within the stunning bathroom at The St. Regis Toronto. Marvel at the elegant white-marble floors and the exquisite double black-marble sinks, which exude sophistication and style. Indulge in a tranquil retreat with a spacious soaking tub, perfect for unwinding after a long day of exploring the city.
The St. Regis goes above and beyond to ensure your comfort with their exclusive Frette plush towels, featuring a tasteful diamond-embossed design. However, it is important to note that some amenities could benefit from further attention, such as the white plastic seat cover for the toilet which appeared to be heavily scratched, giving an unfortunate vandalized appearance. Additionally, the faux-leather garbage can under the double sink was noticeably peeling, slightly detracting from the overall pristine ambiance.
One remarkable feature of the bathroom is the built-in television, elegantly illuminating the bathroom mirror. While this innovative addition adds convenience, it is worth noting that if the volume is turned up while the guest room television is on, the sounds cancel each other out, allowing for a serene and undisturbed bathing experience.
To fully appreciate the unparalleled luxury and attention to detail, explore the magnificent bathroom at The St. Regis Toronto during your next visit.
Amenities
A content-free check-in — small talk, keys, “Enjoy your stay” — left me unaware of vaunted St. Regis amenities like butler service, which is included in the room rate and apparently includes packing/unpacking and “coffee or tea service upon arrival.” When I inquired, an attendant told me that only Starwood Preferred Guest members “with certain status levels” had access (a spokesman told me butler service has since been rolled out property wide). Likewise, a St. Regis-branded BMW, used to chauffeur guests around town, sat idle in the hotel driveway; “it’s for local trips on weekdays,” the front desk informed me. Canadian goodies — Naked Snacks nuts from Vancouver, Spudnik’s potato chips from Toronto — dominated the in-room minibar, along with soft drinks and top-shelf liquor like Bombay Sapphire gin and Grey Goose vodka. I found room-service menus in my room but no guides to hotel facilities. The compact 31st-floor fitness room requires two elevator rides and a saunter past smartly dressed throngs outside the hotel’s glam restaurant —- slightly awkward for me in a tank top and shorts. The worn-looking spa, called The Spa for now, is due for a face-lift this year, a receptionist told me.
Dining
Louix Louis, the St. Regis’s glossy, buzzy new restaurant, feels transplanted from another hotel. An Art-Nouveau-in-outer-space ambience, courtesy of Toronto-based DesignAgency, complements the chef Guillaume Robin’s precise, Canadian-accented creations, like cold-smoked BC scallops and seared Quebec duck breast, along with 320-dollar Osetra caviar and a 75-dollar whole chicken. Dinner felt too much like a scene for a solo diner, so I opted for breakfast, when the gold-and-rose-hued room felt like a bar after closing time. My trout avocado toast (18 dollars) included mottled avocado atop bright-orange fish, and its “tomato compote” resembled supermarket salsa. Coffee (5 dollars) was potent, at least. DesignAgency also transformed the southern end of the dowdy former Trump lobby into the Astor Lounge, a sleek, neutral-toned spot for light snacks and drinks.
The Bottom Line
The ghost of a Trump hotel lingers. Generically luxurious, the St. Regis still feels like a work in progress — not really acceptable at this price point. High-rolling Marriott/Starwood loyalists might enjoy some coddling; in the meantime, Toronto is now home to a plethora of luxury properties with stronger personalities.
The St. Regis Toronto; 325 Bay St.; st-regis.marriott.com