1/9

Kimpton Saint George, Toronto

Kimpton Hotels has made its way to Canada. The boutique hotel brand is putting down roots on Bloor Street in Toronto’s iconic Annex neighbourhood. And Kimpton takes its new location to heart, drawing inspo from the city’s culture and history, even highlighting original pieces by local artists. The luxe rooms and specialty suites—which feel just like home—and the hotel’s proximity to the chicest Yorkville spots, like classic-style pub Museum Tavern, don’t hurt either. 

Hotel X, Toronto

Hotel X Toronto/Library Hotel Collection

The long-anticipated Hotel X Toronto has finally opened its doors—and it was worth the wait. Located along Lake Ontario, the must-stay spot offers breathtaking views of the water or the city’s skyline. The hotel’s features are just as stunning: marble, leather and linen are used throughout the decor; the three-rooftop bar is the perfect cocktail lounge and features an infinity-edge pool. It’s the perfect summer getaway in the city—but be sure to come back and check out Pétros 82, the gourmet Mediterranean restaurant scheduled to open later this year.

The Anndore House, Toronto

We can get behind any place whose tagline is “shady past, glorious future.” The Anndore House is another historic Toronto property that’s been scrubbed down and spruced up for a new life as a chic hotel. Originally opened in 1955 as both apartment and hotel accommodation (targeting Bay Street exec types), it had a pretty successful run before the decades intervened and dulled its sheen. Now, a coat of black paint on the exterior and completely redone interiors—think pale woods, exposed brick, cozy textiles—have rendered it fit for visitors who want a stylish spot in a central location without blowing the budget. It opened its doors in April.

Andaz ByWard Market, Ottawa

Reliably cool brand Andaz now has a property in Ottawa – its first in Canada. Right where you want to be when visiting the capital (that is, walking distance to most of the things on your to-see list), the hotel is all plush comfort and minimalist decor with touches of shiny copper and elevated Canadiana.

June Motel, Prince Edward County

The June Motel, a 16-room boutique property in Ontario’s Prince Edward County, looks like a bottle of rosé come to life. It’s an Instagrammer’s dream, but if you put your phone down, you’ll find plenty to help you relax, such as bocce ball, pop-ups with local vendors and Saturday morning yoga followed by mimosas. Get there before December—the motel closes for the winter and doesn’t reopen until April.

Le Mount Stephen, Montreal

Here’s one way to conserve a historic building: Give it a new life as the frontage of a contemporary hotel. Le Mount Stephen took over George Stephen House, an 1880s-era mansion that later became a members-only club, for its entrance and swanky bar-restaurant. A new extension was added behind to house 90 guest rooms and the lobby, creating a harmonious marriage of period charm and modern luxury.

Broadview Hotel, Toronto

When the Broadview Hotel opened this past summer, the focus was so much on its rooftop bar/restaurant and stunning views of the Toronto skyline that you’d be forgiven for forgetting that it also has guest rooms – gorgeous ones, at that. The decor is contemporary with just enough colour and pattern to add warmth. And the fact that the Broadview revitalized one of the city’s historic properties (which, for decades, was home to a boarding house and a strip club) is the icing on the red-brick cake.

The Walper Hotel, Kitchener

The Walper Hotel

Kitchener is on the come up. This downtown boutique property (Eleanor Roosevelt stayed here and Lennox Lewis boxed in the ballroom of the over-100-year-old hotel) was renovated in late 2016 and it’s well worth the hype. Think a breezy, modern lobby, bright rooms stocked with local coffee and soaps and plenty of places to socialize  – from the Lokal bar to the TWH Social bistro. 

And one new hotel restaurant: Victor Restaurant, Toronto

Boutique hotel Le Germain has reopened Victor Restaurant, which, the brand says, is a modern interpretation of the classic North American tavern. Floor tiles that will no doubt star in many an Insta post, mesmerizing light fixtures and classic leather banquettes in a perfect soft shade of teal make this space very appealing indeed.