Feb
2016
24 hours in Toronto: Having a #FairmontMoment in Downtown TO
I’ve been to Toronto many, many times.
As a kid, I would always visit the 6ix to see family, but since they lived in the suburbs of the city, I would be lucky if I got to spend a few hours in the GTA.
In the past few years, I’ve been fortunate to travel to Toronto mostly for my blog, which has given me the opportunity to stay right downtown, where all the action is. I’m actually flying home to Winnipeg today, but I’ve been in the area for a week, first in TO for the Grammy’s viewing event for P&G Beauty, then off to Niagara Falls for work, then back to Toronto for a night before visiting my boyfriend’s family for the weekend outside the city.
Since we had Friday to basically live it up before moving on, we wanted to make the best of it. We checked into the Fairmont Royal York Hotel, located at 100 Front Street West (directly in front of Union Station, making it convenient to get to and from Pearson International Airport due to the UP Express train). Although Toronto is home to many hotels, including some of the most expensive in the country, the Royal York is an institution. First opened in 1929, the 28-floor historic hotel houses an impressive 898 rooms. Since I’m a huge fan of the Fairmont line of hotels, I knew the service and amenities would be top notch.
We ended up staying in one of their luxury rooms, which were recently remodeled (definitely more my style, but they also have some classic-style rooms as well). The most important feature for me at any Fairmont establishment are the beds and robes. I’m a sucker for high-end hotels, and since Fairmont is a brand, you can expect the same amenities at each hotel. Plush, comfy robes and beds that will make it hard for you to get up in the morning. It’s unbridled luxury at its finest.
After checking in, my boyfriend and I (aka I dragged him) on a 10-minute walk to The Bay on Queen Street West to check out the brand-new Saks Fifth Avenue. If you have never been to Toronto before, I highly recommend checking out The Bay here since it’s huge (big enough to fit a full-size Saks in it) and the selection at this particular store is amazing (they boast that they are Canada’s largest shoe store – which if you have seen the second floor, you’ll have to agree). They also have many other brands, especially of the designer lines, that are only available in a few stores across the country (the Queen Street West store obviously being one of them).
After checking out Saks (I didn’t buy anything as I already did enough damage last month at Nordstrom in Vancouver, as well as earlier in the week shopping around Queen West), I headed back to the hotel to get ready. I took my time in the giant walk-in shower, then wrapped myself in a plush robe and comfy Fairmont slippers before taking my time doing my hair and makeup.
From there we jumped in a cab (this location, as well as many other Fairmonts, offer a BMW towncar for President’s Club members – which is free anyways – that will take you anywhere within reason in Downtown Toronto. The membership also gets you free WiFi – a total plus – as well as bikes to tour around the city in – some locations, I used this service in Vancouver last month actually when I stayed at the Fairmont Waterfront) and headed to Fring’s, Drakes restaurant in collaboration with restauranteur Susur Lee. After, we went out for more drinks before retiring in that oh-so-comfy Fairmont king-size bed.
The next morning we took our time packing up before checking out and enjoying the beautiful nine-degree C weather.
The Fairmont Royal York Hotel also offers six dining and lounge options, a spa and fitness centre, as well as all the other luxurious amenities that Fairmonts are known for. You can find out more information and book a room online.
Have you stayed at the Fairmont Royal York Hotel in Toronto?
Please note, the Fairmont RYH graciously hosted me for the night in exchange for a review.
Like what you read? Check out these related posts.
- Rockin’ Romance at the Beauty United #MusicGlam Grammy Party
- A trip to Toronto with P&G Beauty United!
- Snaps from Toronto part 1
- Snaps from Toronto part 2