TORONTO – Urban sophistication in the heart of downtown Toronto. And fully Canadian, to boot.
The SoHo Hotel Toronto is an elegant but approachable place to stay in the city’s entertainment district; a hotel that feels very European but has rooms the size a North American visitor truly appreciates.
Not only that, Ian Thorley, director of sales and marketing, told me it’s one of the few Canadian owned and managed hotels in Toronto. In these days of “elbows up” social posts, that’s definitely a plus.
The SoHo Hotel Toronto. SoHo Hotel Toronto Photo.
Rooms (there are 89 rooms and suites) feature blonde, Canadian maple and are decorated in shades of soft and dark grey. There are stylish photos and pieces of art on the walls, but no funky signs saying “This is the exit” or “Invite a friend to your shower,” or anything else you might find in today’s uber-trendy hotels.
We were handed the keys to room 313 for a recent visit, a king corner executive suite that was bigger than the condo we recently rented during our home renovation.
The room feature a comfy sofa and chair in a living room work area that also had a nice-sized desk and a big-screen TV. There was also a Nespresso coffee maker and Canadian Eska water provided.
The bathroom was quite roomy, with lots of marble and a shower big enough for the Blue Jays’ starting infield. I loved the Molton Brown bath products, as well.
All bathrooms have heated floors.
A corner suite at the SoHo Hotel Toronto. SoHo Hotel Toronto Photo
One of the great features was our walk-in closet, which mean we didn’t have to stare at a messy suitcase when w were watching TV (the Jays, of course) in the living room or lying in bed.
The bedroom featured a super-comfy king bed and electronic drapes. The windows are double paned so you hear very little street noise, which is great given the busy location at Wellington and Blue Jays Way.
They don’t offer any rooms with two beds, so it’s more of a hotel for couples than two strangers. You could, of course, put a child in a crib or on the sofa of your suite if you get one.
The smallest room (deluxe category) is a sizeable 400 square feet, which is fabulous. The luxury rooms are 465 square feet, while luxury premier rooms are a whopping 525 square feet.
The SoHo Hotel Toronto has a lovely indoor swimming pool. SoHo Hotel Toronto Photo
The hotel is connected to the residences of Soho, some of which also can be rented if you really want some extra space, as well as a full kitchen. They have a handful of Studios at 483 square feet, one-bedroom suites that measure out at 793 square feet, and two-bedrooms at 916 square feet.
They were finishing up a renovation (well over six figures) in the lobby when we visited, with new marble and a new AI art installation that promises to be very cool and innovative.
There’s a very large gym, and they can arrange a personal trainer if you wish. Also a sauna and nice-looking salt water pool and large hot tub.
The seventh floor patio at the SoHo Hotel Toronto offers fine city views. Jim Byers Photo
The hotel also has a lovely courtyard with trees and shady areas.
The seventh floor meeting space opens up to enormous patio that overlooks leafy Clarence Square, The Well and the western edge of downtown Toronto.
We tried out the pastries and excellent coffee in the hotels’ Moretti Caffe, which is just off the lobby. We didn’t get a chance to try it, but other side of the lobby opens onto Moretti restaurant, where you can get everything from pasta to pizza to seafood and steaks.
THE EXTRAS
Need more than a hotel room? With the SoHo Concierge service, you can elevate any stay with thoughtfully curated luxuries; from bespoke celebratory décor and artful floral arrangements to romantic candlelit ambiance and locally sourced tasting selections.
A Hiro Studio for men is located on site if you need a haircut or a shave.
A wedding at the SoHo Hotel Toronto. SoHo Hotel Toronto Photo
THE LOCATION
The restaurants and bars of King Street West are just a block away, and the TIFF Lightbox is right around the corner for film lovers. Movie types often use the SoHo hotel or residences as their base. The Rogers Centre is just two short blocks away, and you’re quite close to the CN Tower, Ripley’s Aquarium, Union Station and more.
THE PRICE
The hotel website shows luxury rooms in mid-August from $392, plus taxes and fees.
