One King West Hotel & Residence

One King West Hotel & Residence was once Toronto's historic Dominion Bank building, circa 1914. The owners have restored and incorporated the grand architecture, including extensive polished wood and marble and soaring ceilings. Even the spectacular downstairs vault is now a cool event space, entered through the vault's round door that's several feet thick. The lobby is a mix of the building's historic architecture and modern decor that has a sophisticated edge -- think contemporary chandeliers, wingback chairs upholstered in orange-and-brown damask print, and a gas fireplace flanked by leather sofas. Despite the lobby's grand scale, there are many furnished areas for private meetings or to utilize the limited free Wi-Fi. One King West caters both to business guests and vacationing couples, with well-dressed travelers criss-crossing the lobby with purpose. Guests hightailing it to meetings should be aware that there have been reports of slow elevators.

One King West Hotel & Residence is located in the heart of downtown Toronto, convenient to Toronto's business and entertainment districts. The hotel has direct access to the city's underground PATH system and its shop-lined tunnels connecting popular locations such as the Eaton Center shopping mall and the Hockey Hall of Fame. The hotel is surrounded by busy city streets filled with restaurants and businesses, and the CN Tower and Pinnacle Center are both under a 10-minute walk away. The city's theater district is within three blocks, and St. Lawrence Market is a 10-minute walk from the hotel. The Harbourfront can be reached in 20 minutes on foot.

The 370 guest rooms at the One King West Hotel & Residence are located either in the hotel's historic bank section or the newer "Sliver" tower. Though some rooms are on the small side, their design is high-end and elegant, with gray-patterned carpet and handsome furniture in sophisticated grays and other neutral tones. However, aside from a couple works of art on the walls, decorative objects are minimal. Categories range from Deluxe Rooms to Luxury Hospitality Suites, but the decor is similar in all. Rooms have high ceilings and big windows -- most with city views, although some overlook the interior five-story atrium. Feature Rooms also have narrow terraces with downtown vistas.

Each room has a kitchenette that features a two-burner stove top, microwave, mini-fridge, and dishwasher (but the pots, pans, and dishes may be sparse). Some suites also come equipped with washer/dryers. All the beds are king-size with pillow-top mattresses. Bathrooms are modern, although some are tight on space; they have either shower/tub combos or walk-in showers, plus a full range of toiletries. Because this is a business-oriented hotel, the rooms have spacious work surfaces with desk chairs, although there's a fee for in-room Wi-Fi. Additional amenities include flat-screen TVs, iPod docks, and laptop-size safes.

The hotel lacks a spa, but it does have a 17th-floor fitness center with a terrace and windows that overlook the city and Lake Ontario. It's spacious and bright, plus well-equipped with cardio machines (including a rower), free weights, barbells, and yoga mats. There are also a small resistance pool for lap swimming, a large whirlpool tub, and separate men's and women's saunas. The hotel offers excellent business amenities, including a 24-hour business center and a conference center with 16 meeting rooms. The former bank's vault has been converted into a cool event space incorporating the safe's stunning original door. Wedding services are also available. One King West offers limited valet parking for a surcharge, but there is a vehicle height limitation.

One King West Hotel & Residence's main restaurant, Bistro on King, serves a menu of sandwiches, pastas, and grilled items, as well as a breakfast buffet, in a dining room that overlooks the grand lobby. The bustling lobby bar -- Teller's Bar -- is atmospheric, incorporating the bank's original teller "wickets," and it offers a menu of bank-themed signature cocktails and small bites. Cafe Plenty is the hotel's coffee shop, serving pastries, salads, sandwiches, and, of course, a variety of coffee and tea drinks.