Welcome to the Shangri-La Hotel, Toronto, where luxury and cool meet effortlessly. I had the privilege of staying there while in Toronto, so I know firsthand.
Located on University Avenue, Shangri-La Toronto is prime picking for everything special the city has to offer. In the center of Toronto’s financial and entertainment district, you’re a few moments away from their 5th Avenue of the city; Bloor-Yorkville. Where the celebs go to wine, dine and be seen and the fashion world shops till they can’t shop anymore.
Speaking of celebrities, Baz Luhrman, infamous directorial genius behind The Great Gatsbyactually stayed in the hotel a day prior to me checking in. Plus, Juno Award winning Divine Brown graces their lounge three nights a week to perform. Not only for the guests but for the public to enjoy the nightlife of Toronto in a bustling, hip atmosphere filled with party-goers of all ages.
Infused with classic Asian style, Shangri-La Toronto offers 153 guestrooms and 49 suites with extensive privacy and space, you’ll never feel like your stepping on anyone’s toes when guests come to visit. All accommodations feature satellite television, Nespresso Coffee and Tea maker, bathroom floor heating, L’Occitane & Bvlgari bathroom amenities, deep soaking tubs, free Wi-Fi, and my favorite, lounging kimonos for those moments you don’t want to wear pants.
But just a few floors up, you can travel the Orient Express to a Middle Eastern dreamland ofHammam & Gommage in the Miraj Hammam Spa by CAUDALÍE Paris. A steam and exfoliation treatment native to the Middle East, Hammam & Gommage relaxes you through high and low intensity steam chambers as you lay on Jerusalem gold marble, naked. After 10 to 15 minutes, your body is exfoliated using eucalyptus infused black Moroccan soap leaving your skin glowing and supple (I was so amazed by the results, I had to purchase the Amal products used in the treatment). Once finished you’re whisked away to a dimly lit Sultan-like cabana where you are served baklava and tea, for as long as it takes you to decompress. Oh la la… that is the life.
With all of the high-end amenities flowing through their foundation, the Shangri-La Toronto still shows their respect for the arts and environment, that many other hotels feel entitled to ignore. On your nightstand and in the bathroom are small reminders of how you can do your part by reusing your towels and bed linens, ultimately preserving water. Or stay in awe of the dynamic works flowing throughout your space by famed social documentary photographer,Tomasz Gudzowaty. However you choose to take in Shangri-La Toronto, just know, many other hotels in the city will attempt to compare, but none will deliver what they do so innately.