Ritz Carlton Toronto
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| The Ritz Carlton Toronto lobby |
The Ritz Carlton Toronto welcomed my mother and me this past weekend. We made heroic efforts to experience all the facilities in two nights, and here is our review. Click here for my photos.
DÉCOR: We both loved the décor (warm and contemporary) and the attention to detail (every single light fixture was attractive). Canadian touches were featured throughout the hotel, from the bronze maple leaves embedded in the lobby’s marble floor, to a stunning Inuit marble carving displayed by our elevators on the 16th floor.
THE SERVICE: Every staff member that we encountered was friendly (which I expected) but also seemed sincerely desirous to assist us in anything. Everyone offered concierge-like services in an effort to make sure we had a lovely time in Toronto (including the in-room dining staff!). Many staff members acknowledged us by name, which was impressive during such a short stay. Even the doormen were memorably charming.
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| The cheese cave at TOCA Restaurant |
TOCA by Tom Brodi: This restaurant serves Contemporary Canadian cuisine with a farm-to-table approach in an attractive setting (B/L/D M-F, Brunch and dinner on weekends). There is a glass-enclosed, climate-controlled cheese cave where you are invited to try Canadian cheeses after lunch and dinner. The wine cellar is extensive, and they offer 50 wines by the glass. There is a private dining room with seating for 12, and a gorgeous Chef’s Table in the middle of the kitchen. The dinner menu would impress even the most sophisticated New Yorker (how often do you see beer-battered lobster appetizer or loin of venison?).
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| TOCA Bar |
TOCA Bar: This sexy watering hole is already popular with the financial district workers. Menu includes sustainable Canadian caviar and a raw bar. I saw strips of bacon standing up in a beer glass offered as a bar nibble.
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| DEQ Terrace Lounge |
DEQ: The Terrace Lounge has cozy indoor seating (sofas and fireplace) and a large outdoor patio with fire pit and pizza oven. All-day dining options include tableside charcuterie, fondue-of-the-day (from the cave), flat breads, etc.
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| The view from our room |
ROOMS: Our Deluxe room was a spacious 450 feet with floor-to-ceiling windows and a great view of Lake Ontario and CN Tower. Tech features include a 42’ flat-screen HDTV with DVD player and a BOSE iPod/radio/CD sound system. All of the lighting was adjustable on dimmers for complete control of our environment. Ritz Carlton hotels are known for their wonderful marble bathrooms, and this one had all the ‘standards’ I expected: deep soaking tub, double vanity, shower stall with rain shower head and adjustable hand held. The heated floor was a nice touch, but the TV mirror was an amazing surprise.
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| Our bathroom, complete with a television in the mirror |
SPA: This is what lured us back to Toronto: the 23,000 square foot Spa! Best. Massage. Ever. This urban spa has stylish décor, but no photos were permitted, sadly. There were three Relaxation Lounges for guests to await treatments: Women’s, Men’s and the Sun Room (with floor-to-ceiling windows) all in butter and cream with dark tropical woods that remind you of Bali without being ‘Balinese’. There was a very nice tea selection available (the Vanilla Rooibos is delish) and little nibbles (pumpkin seeds, walnuts and dried apricots). There is a lunch menu available if you can’t tear yourself away, and it’s not just the typical spa fare: bison carpaccio was offered.
The 16 treatment rooms are candlelit with chocolate tilework and another gorgeous light fixture. I tried their Signature ‘Cloud 9 Massage’ and Margaret my masseuse had wonderful hands. Mom received the ‘Breath of Fresh Air Facial’ which included foot massage and paraffin hand treatment; she emerged relaxed and radiant. Spa features include Steam Room, Sauna and Vitality Pools (the Invigorating Pool was shallow with a curved floor and a dozen jets). There are also two showers with eight heads strategically located for a hydro-massage.
The Salon has private pedicure cabins. Fellow spa addicts should note that this isn’t a “holistic” spa experience: nothing feng shui about the décor, they played low-key contemporary music in the Relaxation Room, the staff didn’t use the phony spa voice, etc.
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| The lap pool |
The lap pool is surrounded by inviting lounge chairs, windows overlooking the city, and a Jacuzzi discreetly placed in the co,rner. According to the hotel website, there is a Yoga Studio by Yogagurl offering group and private classes and there’s a state-of-the-art Fitness Centre with Techno-Gym strength training, Kinesis and Precor Cardio Equipment (but I didn’t seek out those particular amenities).
Toronto Life has more photos, including the Spa.
PROMOS: There is an introductory Third Night Free promotion valid until September 5, 2011. FROSCH guests will receive complimentary continental breakfast daily and $100 Food & Beverage credit. My clients will also receive an upgrade and Late Check-out if it is available.
Toronto Life has more photos, including the Spa.
