Pros

  • Intimate boutique hotel with period decor in a 1920s building
  • Excellent location by Toronto’s main shopping district and the subway
  • Spacious, elaborately decorated rooms with dumbwaiters for 24-hour room service
  • Rooms have iPod docks, Nespresso coffeemakers, and Molton Brown toiletries
  • Serene spa, indoor saltwater pool, and gym with Matrix equipment
  • Prestigious Living Room restaurant and locally renowned Tea Room
  • Fast and free Wi-Fi, with a router in every room
  • Buffet breakfast included in all room rates
  • Meetings and weddings for up to 500, plus private cinema
  • Valet parking available and pets welcome (both for a fee)
  • The Treasure Chest boutique sells clothes and jewelry
See More Pros

Cons

  • TVs and decor in rooms are rather dated
  • Some noise complaints from weddings and events
  • Continental breakfast option is small
  • Charge for parking
See More Cons

Bottom Line

The four-and-a-half-pearl Windsor Arms Hotel combines period elegance with modern luxuries, making it a favorite boutique among Hollywood A-listers. There are 28 spacious and elegant rooms in the restored 1920s building, and they come with top-notch amenities like iPod docks, dedicated Wi-Fi routers, and dumbwaiters for discreet around-the-clock room service. Still, the decor is looking a little dated. The hotel’s location couldn’t be better -- it's tucked down a quiet street in Toronto’s prime shopping district, Bloor-Yorkville. There’s an elegant spa and salon, an indoor saltwater pool, and an extensively equipped gym. A meager breakfast is included in rates, and the restaurant and tea room are well regarded locally. For a similarly historic property with significantly lower rates, try the four-pearl Omni King Edward Hotel.

See More Bottom Line

Amenities

  • Fitness Center
  • Internet
  • Jacuzzi
  • Pets Allowed
  • Pool
  • Spa

Oyster Hotel Review

Windsor Arms Hotel

Scene

Impressive period elegance and luxury that exudes grandeur

From the street, the Windsor Arms' structure is obviously classic and well maintained, and the grand stone-framed entrance feels like the door to a castle, but it's flanked by enormous planters instead of armored knights. The former University of Toronto building dates back to 1927, and the Windsor Arms Hotel first opened in the ‘30s, before falling into neglect and closing in 1991. Reopened just before the turn of the millennium, the delicately restored property retains much of its original charm. The dramatic lobby’s high ceilings, indoor balconies, and striking chandelier ooze grandeur, and the reception desk is suitably old-fashioned. Dramatic hallways have contrasting black painted walls, beige tiling, and retro black-and-white framed photos. The opulent Courtyard Cafe has more high ceilings and imposing pillars, along with attractive parquet flooring. The Living Room restaurant’s high-backed throne-like seating feels stately, and the Tea Room’s gorgeous restored tiled flooring and black walls are set against a grand fireplace. Not everyone will appreciate the hotel’s style, which can feel close to over the top in places, but this is a popular spot for celebrities seeking a luxurious hideaway, and those looking for elegance and comfort will probably feel right at home. Weddings and screening events are regular occurrences, and past guests have occasionally complained about the resulting noise. 

See More Scene

Location

At the heart of Bloor-Yorkville, and close to the university and subway

The Windsor Arms Hotel’s location is one of its best features. Surrounded by office towers, it's right at the center of Toronto’s prime shopping district of Bloor-Yorkville, which is known for upscale shops like Prada and Hermes. Yet it stays quiet by being tucked just down a side street. Bloor Street’s shops, restaurants, and theaters are at the top of the road, less than a minute’s walk from the hotel’s front door. If you’re driving, note that Bloor Street can get busy during the daytime -- on foot, it’s an eight-minute walk to Yorkville Avenue. The Royal Ontario Museum is less than two blocks away; both it and the University of Toronto’s St. George Campus are within a five-minute walk. A number of subway stations are easily walkable; the closest is Bay Station, a two-minute walk from the hotel. Toronto Pearson International Airport is around a 25-minute drive away, or about 45 minutes by public transport. Valet parking incurs an extra fee at the hotel. 

See More Location

Rooms

Spacious suites with ultra-luxurious touches and handsome bathrooms

The Windsor Arms has 28 spacious suites, each with individual touches. They feel almost ridiculously stately, yet also a bit dated and homey -- if home happened to be a luxury apartment in a chic zip code. Large, comfortable, mahogany-framed beds and bedside tables sit on cream carpet, and heavy curtains cover large windows that offer pleasant views of the city. Separate living rooms, some with attractive dark wood flooring, have elegant rugs and large heavy wooden desks. There’s plenty of space to spread out on comfy sofas that convert into double beds. Charming fireplaces, large floor lamps, full-length mirrors, and indoor plants add to the cozy ambience, and framed landscape paintings extend the vintage elegance. More compact Junior Suites have just one room, while the living room of the Corner Suites has two double sofa beds that allow the suite to fit up to six people in total. The 1,550-square-foot Windsor Suite has a living room, dining room, den, and walk-in closet. Spacious and handsome bathrooms with limestone floors have mahogany-framed mirrors and vanity units with built-in sinks (the top-range Windsor Suite has double sinks). There are deep soaking whirlpool bathtubs, separate walk-in power showers, and individual Molton Brown toiletries.

There are 42-inch flat-screen TVs in both bedrooms and living rooms, though some guests complain the TVs aren't the most current model. Other amenities include iPod docks hooked up to modern surround-sound systems, safes, Nespresso coffeemakers, and extensively stocked minibars. Rooms come with robes, slippers, and irons and ironing boards. Befitting the hotel’s luxury statement, every room also has individual heating and air-conditioning, and its own dumbwaiter -- allowing for discreet 24-hour room service without disturbing guests. A dedicated Wi-Fi router allows for fast and free Internet access. There’s even a tuned musical instrument in each room -- a guitar, harp or baby grand piano -- for guests to play.

See More Rooms

Features

A serene spa, well-equipped gym, and indoor saltwater pool

Features at the Windsor Arms Hotel are what you'd expect for a luxury hotel with regular celebrity visitors. The elegant spa and beauty salon has treatment rooms with dark wood flooring and soothing brown walls, complete with black-and-white framed prints. Treatments include a chocolate and coffee body wrap, airbrush tanning, and reflexology massages. A salt and ice room are available for extra pampering and there are hair and nail treatments as well. The well-equipped gym has plenty of Matrix cardio machines, weight-lifting and pulley machines, and free weights. The first floor of the spa houses a decent-sized indoor saltwater pool -- complete with fireplace and wicker seating -- with a distinctly vintage feel. There’s also an outdoor patio with nice neighborhood views, though it feels a bit uncared for and seems like an afterthought.

Guests can buy spa products at the spa or shop at the lavishly decorated Treasure Chest boutique that sells vintage European fashion. There’s 24-hour room service and butler service, plus free newspapers and a turndown service. The guest-to-staff ratio of five to one means the hotel usually scores well for efficient, personal service. It’s a popular venue for meetings and weddings, and can host up to 500 people -- its numerous opulent function rooms include a moody and intimate private screening room. A handsome business center has full-size desks with personal computers and a printer, and there’s fast and free Wi-Fi throughout; in rooms this comes from dedicated routers for extra speed. Valet parking is available at additional cost, and pets are welcome for a fee.

See More Features

All-Inclusive / Food

Free breakfast and locally renowned dining

The Living Room restaurant is open from morning until the wee hours, and the included buffet breakfast (ordered a la carte) is served here -- just note that guests complain the continental option is rather small. It also serves a range of comfort foods for lunch and dinner, alongside a wide selection of local craft beers and international wines at the long, intimate bar. There’s a nightly Kosher dinner menu, and brunch on the weekends, which is also served on Sundays in the Courtyard Cafe. There are numerous daily sittings at the luxurious Tea Room. Room service is available 24 hours, which can be sent to guest rooms privately through their dumbwaiters. 

See More All-Inclusive / Food

Oyster Hotel Review

Windsor Arms Hotel

Scene

Impressive period elegance and luxury that exudes grandeur

From the street, the Windsor Arms' structure is obviously classic and well maintained, and the grand stone-framed entrance feels like the door to a castle, but it's flanked by enormous planters instead of armored knights. The former University of Toronto building dates back to 1927, and the Windsor Arms Hotel first opened in the ‘30s, before falling into neglect and closing in 1991. Reopened just before the turn of the millennium, the delicately restored property retains much of its original charm. The dramatic lobby’s high ceilings, indoor balconies, and striking chandelier ooze grandeur, and the reception desk is suitably old-fashioned. Dramatic hallways have contrasting black painted walls, beige tiling, and retro black-and-white framed photos. The opulent Courtyard Cafe has more high ceilings and imposing pillars, along with attractive parquet flooring. The Living Room restaurant’s high-backed throne-like seating feels stately, and the Tea Room’s gorgeous restored tiled flooring and black walls are set against a grand fireplace. Not everyone will appreciate the hotel’s style, which can feel close to over the top in places, but this is a popular spot for celebrities seeking a luxurious hideaway, and those looking for elegance and comfort will probably feel right at home. Weddings and screening events are regular occurrences, and past guests have occasionally complained about the resulting noise. 

See More Scene

Location

At the heart of Bloor-Yorkville, and close to the university and subway

The Windsor Arms Hotel’s location is one of its best features. Surrounded by office towers, it's right at the center of Toronto’s prime shopping district of Bloor-Yorkville, which is known for upscale shops like Prada and Hermes. Yet it stays quiet by being tucked just down a side street. Bloor Street’s shops, restaurants, and theaters are at the top of the road, less than a minute’s walk from the hotel’s front door. If you’re driving, note that Bloor Street can get busy during the daytime -- on foot, it’s an eight-minute walk to Yorkville Avenue. The Royal Ontario Museum is less than two blocks away; both it and the University of Toronto’s St. George Campus are within a five-minute walk. A number of subway stations are easily walkable; the closest is Bay Station, a two-minute walk from the hotel. Toronto Pearson International Airport is around a 25-minute drive away, or about 45 minutes by public transport. Valet parking incurs an extra fee at the hotel. 

See More Location

Rooms

Spacious suites with ultra-luxurious touches and handsome bathrooms

The Windsor Arms has 28 spacious suites, each with individual touches. They feel almost ridiculously stately, yet also a bit dated and homey -- if home happened to be a luxury apartment in a chic zip code. Large, comfortable, mahogany-framed beds and bedside tables sit on cream carpet, and heavy curtains cover large windows that offer pleasant views of the city. Separate living rooms, some with attractive dark wood flooring, have elegant rugs and large heavy wooden desks. There’s plenty of space to spread out on comfy sofas that convert into double beds. Charming fireplaces, large floor lamps, full-length mirrors, and indoor plants add to the cozy ambience, and framed landscape paintings extend the vintage elegance. More compact Junior Suites have just one room, while the living room of the Corner Suites has two double sofa beds that allow the suite to fit up to six people in total. The 1,550-square-foot Windsor Suite has a living room, dining room, den, and walk-in closet. Spacious and handsome bathrooms with limestone floors have mahogany-framed mirrors and vanity units with built-in sinks (the top-range Windsor Suite has double sinks). There are deep soaking whirlpool bathtubs, separate walk-in power showers, and individual Molton Brown toiletries.

There are 42-inch flat-screen TVs in both bedrooms and living rooms, though some guests complain the TVs aren't the most current model. Other amenities include iPod docks hooked up to modern surround-sound systems, safes, Nespresso coffeemakers, and extensively stocked minibars. Rooms come with robes, slippers, and irons and ironing boards. Befitting the hotel’s luxury statement, every room also has individual heating and air-conditioning, and its own dumbwaiter -- allowing for discreet 24-hour room service without disturbing guests. A dedicated Wi-Fi router allows for fast and free Internet access. There’s even a tuned musical instrument in each room -- a guitar, harp or baby grand piano -- for guests to play.

See More Rooms

Features

A serene spa, well-equipped gym, and indoor saltwater pool

Features at the Windsor Arms Hotel are what you'd expect for a luxury hotel with regular celebrity visitors. The elegant spa and beauty salon has treatment rooms with dark wood flooring and soothing brown walls, complete with black-and-white framed prints. Treatments include a chocolate and coffee body wrap, airbrush tanning, and reflexology massages. A salt and ice room are available for extra pampering and there are hair and nail treatments as well. The well-equipped gym has plenty of Matrix cardio machines, weight-lifting and pulley machines, and free weights. The first floor of the spa houses a decent-sized indoor saltwater pool -- complete with fireplace and wicker seating -- with a distinctly vintage feel. There’s also an outdoor patio with nice neighborhood views, though it feels a bit uncared for and seems like an afterthought.

Guests can buy spa products at the spa or shop at the lavishly decorated Treasure Chest boutique that sells vintage European fashion. There’s 24-hour room service and butler service, plus free newspapers and a turndown service. The guest-to-staff ratio of five to one means the hotel usually scores well for efficient, personal service. It’s a popular venue for meetings and weddings, and can host up to 500 people -- its numerous opulent function rooms include a moody and intimate private screening room. A handsome business center has full-size desks with personal computers and a printer, and there’s fast and free Wi-Fi throughout; in rooms this comes from dedicated routers for extra speed. Valet parking is available at additional cost, and pets are welcome for a fee.

See More Features

All-Inclusive / Food

Free breakfast and locally renowned dining

The Living Room restaurant is open from morning until the wee hours, and the included buffet breakfast (ordered a la carte) is served here -- just note that guests complain the continental option is rather small. It also serves a range of comfort foods for lunch and dinner, alongside a wide selection of local craft beers and international wines at the long, intimate bar. There’s a nightly Kosher dinner menu, and brunch on the weekends, which is also served on Sundays in the Courtyard Cafe. There are numerous daily sittings at the luxurious Tea Room. Room service is available 24 hours, which can be sent to guest rooms privately through their dumbwaiters. 

See More All-Inclusive / Food

Best Rates

Amenities

  • Air Conditioner

  • Babysitting Services

  • Balcony / Terrace / Patio

  • Basic Television

  • Beauty / Hair Salon

  • Business Center

  • Cable

  • Concierge

  • Dry Cleaning

  • Fitness Center

  • Free Breakfast

  • Full Kitchen

  • Internet

  • Jacuzzi

  • Kids Allowed

  • Laundry

  • Meeting / Conference Rooms

  • Mini Bar (with liquor)

  • Pets Allowed

  • Pool

  • Rental Car Service Desk Onsite

  • Room Service

  • Separate Bedroom / Living Room Space

  • Spa

  • Supervised Kids Activities

  • Swim-Up Bar

Disclaimer: This content was accurate at the time the hotel was reviewed. Please check our partner sites when booking to verify that details are still correct.