Four Seasons Hotel Toronto

From the moment you enter the glass high-rise through the manicured rosebush path, you’re surrounded by immaculate right angles on every chair, table, and piece of wall decor. The presence of so many angles gives a high-end Scandinavian feel, though some of the furniture looks a little worn. The fact that every small glass table in the (smallish) lobby holds a fresh bouquet of flowers clues you into the venue’s attention to detail. With glass-encased displays of artwork, fashion, and brightly colored pop culture portraits lining the walls of the popular Café Boulud and d|bar, the place exudes a contemporary brand of style. The sparse prestige expands to pretty much everywhere, including the indoor pool, yoga studio, and gym, which is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment. The Four Seasons is a Canadian company, so you can bet that this property is one of the shining stars in their luxury fleet.

In the heart of Yorkville, Toronto’s most prestigious neighborhood, the high-end shops and cafes along Bloor Street are a mere five-minute walk away, as are the bustling Yonge Street and several offices and major business centers. Pearson Airport is about 35 minutes west by car and subway stations are just around the corner, providing access to anywhere in downtown Toronto in 30 minutes or less. Attractions within a 20-minute walk include the University of Toronto’s St. George campus, St. Basil’s Church, and Rosedale Valley Road. Not taking into account the traffic, the heart of Toronto’s Financial District is a short drive south. Expect to pay for valet parking.

Four Seasons Hotel Toronto has 217 rooms offered in Premier, Deluxe, and Superior categories and 42 suites in Corner, Royal, and Yorkville varieties, among other options. As with most Four Seasons properties, the color palette is soft beige and neutrals. There’s no clunky furniture in any of these spaces; everything is super-slick and blended, from the cabinets built as extensions to the walls to the space-age coffeemakers and iPads. Minibars are stocked with expensive booze and standard candy bars. Although none of the rooms have balconies, the suites resemble celebrity apartments, with wall-sized windows, slick dining tables that seat eight guests, living rooms with artistic glass coffee tables, and couches stacked with satin pillows. Full kitchens come with espresso machines and stainless steel appliances. All rooms have super soft duvets on comfy beds. Spacious bathrooms are equipped with an artistically designed tub and standing shower. Private water closets and lit mirrors with built-in TVs are luxe touches.

The Four Seasons day spa offers every imaginable kind of facial and massage. The fitness center has its own yoga studio and adult swimming pool with lanes for laps along with a long list of state-of-the-art exercise equipment and weights. The gift shop is chock-full of designer wares and boutique jewelry. Café Boulud is one of the most sought-after dining establishments in Toronto and d|bar is well known for its nightlife and unique cocktails. 24-hour room service is available. A DJ occasionally spins in the lobby to liven things up. There’s also an enormous event and convention space, valet parking, and 24-hour business and concierge services that cover everything from airline or restaurant reservations, FedEx shipping, and high-speed internet access. Wi-Fi is free for two devices.