Toronto, CanadaYorkville
Windsor Arms Hotel
Discreet neo-Gothic residence
Yorkville Toronto, Canada
Renovated
1999
Price
$$$$
Rated for
Luxe Heritage ClassicOutside the door
Discreet neo-Gothic residence
The 28 suites sit behind a 1927 facade, running like a private collegiate residence for visiting film royalty.
“The hotel is birthplace to the idea of the now-famous Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). It continues to attract celebrities who want a boutique feel.”
What it’s good at
Notable
Dedicated butlers deliver morning coffee through private two-way pantries in each suite.
Notable
A preserved 1927 neo-Gothic stone portico and stained glass windows anchor the facade.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
Also in AFAR.
behind the 1927 neo-Gothic facade of the Windsor Arms is a delightfully modern hotel, completely redesigned in a sort of luxe-minimalist style, yet with an emphasis on old-world service
Right in the middle
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
St. Thomas Street is a quiet side road in Yorkville, steps from the Royal Ontario Museum and Bloor Street.
The rooms
Suites come with a musical instrument like a baby grand piano, and limestone bathrooms hold deep soaking tubs.
The water
Bring a swimsuit.
The pool
Heated bromine saltwater fills the indoor pool, which sits beside a decorative fireplace mantel and lounge chairs.
Restaurant
The Tea Room
Scenic wallpapers and velvet armchairs fill the French-inspired salons, where high tea is served under crystal chandeliers.
At the table
Leather banquettes sit under an ornate gilded dome at The Gatsby, where live jazz plays around a grand piano.
How it began
Founders launched the Toronto International Film Festival here in 1976, meeting in the lounges before the event outgrew Yorkville.
Toronto
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The app
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.