Ah, the good old Ritz-Carlton. The Ritz Carlton Toronto is a bit different from other downtown Toronto hotels for several reasons: one, you can actually buy units in the building called Ritz Carlton Residences, and two it’s located further away from most other downtown hotels like the St. Regis Toronto. The “other” travel blog actually wrote a piece on the Ritz, but alas it was during the pandemic where most of the facilities were closed, so we thought it would be fun to get an update. Our experiences were surprisingly similar (which is why you should read these guides!)
Overview
The Ritz Carlton is one of Marriott International’s Flagship brands, and tends to be more old school luxury and quite service oriented (see the Ritz Carlton Cancun). Some people don’t like the brand because it tends to be a bit more stingy on elite treatment, such as not giving free breakfast. However, I must say the design and decor of the hotels is something I always look forward to, especially given stalwarts like the Ritz Carlton Montreal. But with this luxury comes an expensive price point, with standard rooms costing $900+ a night when I visited in the dead of an admittedly mild winter.
Location
The Ritz Carlton Toronto is located Wellington St West, and is thus a bit of a walk from the main Financial District; however, it has been PATH connected (so you don’t have to walk outside in the winter), which is probably why it commands a higher price point. In addition, there’s plenty of restaurant and entertainment options nearby at King St West, and the hotel is within striking distance of the CN Tower and Toronto’s Harbourfront.
The outside of the hotel is a bit unassuming, and indeed if you weren’t looking for it would be possible for someone to miss the building.
Ritz Carlton Toronto
One thing I do admire about the Ritz is that while stuff is branded, it’s not too ostentatious (see below).
In keeping with complaints about how boring Toronto’s architecture is, the Ritz Carlton Toronto is a modern glass tower with the Ritz Carlton Residences in the background. The front of the hotel had rather unassuming cars given the cost of the rooms of the hotel, but I guess real ballers have limo drivers.
Entrance
CheckIn
Thankfully, the hotel redeemed it’s generic façade with it’s beautiful and classically anointed lobby, anchored by an amazing chandelier.
Lobby
It took me a bit to realize why there was a large red flower decoration…because it would soon be Valentines Day lol (#marriedtomylaptop).
Flower Arrangement
The lobby overall felt quite “warm” and homely, likely due to the soft colors and carpet, but was also quite empty.
There are multiple dining establishments downstairs, such as the Epoch Kitchen and Bar, as well as the classic Ritz Carlton Bar. Sadly, one look at the menu told me it was out of range for this student.
The other downstairs facilities included a rather small business center, as well as a jewelry store, that was closed even though it was supposed to be open…so I guess there is a recession going on.
Check in was done swiftly by a nicely dressed associate - while being all smiles and service oriented, it took me a bit to wheel a (rightful) upgrade out of her. Given that I checked a suite here costed $1100+ a night, I can see why lol.
Check In
Nevertheless, I did get an upgrade to a One-Bedroom Suite with a City View - I tried shooting my shot for the Simcoe Suite, but got shot down lol. I got my keys (the Ritz always has nice keys), and proceeded to the elevator.
Elevator
The hallways were standard upper tier hotel modern, although I found the photos on the wall to be a bit interesting.
Hallaway
Room Entrance
The Room
I must say, it’s always fun when your room is at the end of the hallway, and the excitement begins to build up. My friend had given me a heads up about the size of the room (aka it’s not 920 sq ft Hotel Saskatchewan), and so I had lowered my expectations to match.
Door
Another fun thing about luxury hotels is the quality of the room - the door looked quite heavy, but seamlessly opened up to a One-Bedroom Suite with a City View…which was furnished with a giant mirror.
Mirror
This was then followed by a half bathroom - to be honest, I would have preferred having a larger "living room”, but having a separate bathroom makes sense if you’re using the living room to entertain people.
Smaller bathroom
The suite’s main living room was quite tastefully decorated, with a balance between the neutral sitting places and the other furniture. My friend's and I had a great time hanging around, and exploring the hand lotion the Ritz Carlton Toronto provided.
Living Room I
Living Room II
Hand Lotion
There was also a nice pantry / espresso machine that was provided (although nothing less given how much the hotel was charging!).
Bar Cart
To supplement that, there was a bar cart, which proved to be quite helpful in our festivities.
And to round out the room, there was a TV. I’m among the minority (or the Gen Zer) that thinks that hotels' / airlines should phase out their own TVs, as the vast majority of people have their own things.
TV
I also found it kind of hilarious that while my friend got flowers for his anniversary, I got a bath bomb was a welcome gift.
Welcome Amenity
In addition to that lame gift, I did also get some goodies from the front desk; however, I felt that for a hotel of this caliber, the items did feel a bit cheap.
Other Amenities
Moving on down, we enter into a hallway - some have complained that this means the room isn’t technically a full suite, as there is no separator between the bedroom and living room.
Hallway
There was also was, depending on your perspective, a cleverly / awkwardly placed desk. Clever if you’re just one person staying in the room, awkward if you needed to pass someone to go to the bathroom every time.
Desk
And now, the bathroom. I find Ritz Carlton bathrooms to be quite baller (see, Ritz Carlton Cancun), and a reminder that you are indeed in a premier hotel. There is a double vanity sink, clad in marble and assisted with the finest of amenities, aka Diptyque brand lotions.
Bathroom
Beyond that, there was the bathtub, shower and one fancy Japanese toilet that I didn’t know how to really use.
And finally, to the main part of the room: the bed. This was centered by an extremely comfortable bed (IMHO probably top 10% of hotel beds), and reminded me of the wonderful time I had at the Al Maha. It was also massive, being a King Bed.
The nightstands next to the beds were also quite nice, ablet kind of basic looking. The hotel did provide chocolates while I was out, which was quite nice (#simulated hospitality).
Night Stand
The bedroom also had a full length lounger, which overlooked…the small park nearby. I would say, if you want some views, go to the Delta Toronto.
But to be clear, the views aren’t bad at all! Just not worth $1,000 a night for a suite type view.
Buildings Being Finished
Other Amenities
One of the bigger reasons to stay in a proper hotel is the amenities: I’m of the opinion that you either make the hotel the destination (like at Al Maha), or just get a good quality one to explore the city. At the Ritz Carlton Toronto I decided to split the difference. I did spend a bit of time at the gym, which, for a city hotel, was quite great.
However, I spent even more time at the pool, which was connected to the spa. The pool was delightfully warm and humid, which made me very happy as the outside was cold and dry. There was plenty of seating, cool water, as well as two large cabanas. It was during that my friends and I vegetated, and tried to think of different ways we could sell garlic.
The spa here, Spa My Blend by Clarins, was totally out of my price range, and so I did not try it. However, I did get to take a quick peak inside, and it seemed quite relaxing: that being said, I would probably have picked the Four Seasons Spa, as I think their pool is better.
Speaking of things I can’t afford, I also took a quick peek at the Ritz Carlton Toronto Club. This club is only available for those who book club level rooms, and offers more comprehensive “presentations” including full meals, hors’ d’oeuvres and proper drinks.
The Point
My impressions of this hotel is that it is good, just overpriced at $900 a night. While the overall hotel was gorgeous, staff were friendly, there just wasn’t enough here to make up for the price point. Toronto’s one of the North America’s largest cities, and you should be spending time outside! A good hotel, like the Sheraton Toronto, costs 1/3 as much, while delivering a product that is 80% of the way there (or more, if you count the lounge). That being said, the highlight of the stay was definitely pool / gym, which on a Sunday night was completely empty. Overall a good hotel, but would not repeat given it’s price point.