Last Updated on October 31, 2024 by Katrina

Photo credit: Fairmont Royal York

Toronto may be known as Silicon Valley of the North, but the most populous Canadian city also has a glittering skyline and cultural street cred, thanks to its multicultural dining scene and events such as the Toronto Film Festival. Staying downtown gives you easy access to big sights such as the CN Tower and Rogers Centre, as well as the shops, restaurants, and shows of the Entertainment District and Distillery District. Here are the best hotels in downtown Toronto.

Fairmont Royal York (100 Front St W; 416-368-2511) Downtown

When this 1,368-room grande dame across from Union Station debuted in 1929, it was the biggest hotel in the British Empire. Today, Forbes attests, “as one of Toronto’s largest and busiest hotels, the Royal York still manages to maintain a level of classy serenity.” Rooms in this Fairmont have a crisp modern elegance and free Wi-Fi, and staying here puts you a short walk from CN Tower, Rogers Centre and St. Lawrence Market. “I love this hotel,” says one Google reviewer. “You can tell it’s a very old building, but they did such a good job of renovating. There’s a lot of details in the hotel that brings you back to the 1930’s. Food in the Clockwork Lounge is delicious.”   >> Book this hotel for less

The Omni King Edward Hotel (37 King St East; 1 416-863-9700) Downtown

This 300-room Omni gem dates back to 1903, but doesn’t feel staid. “Thanks to a $40 million renovation, Toronto’s first luxury hotel also feels like one of its newest,” says Condé Nast Traveler. “Past the elegant brick exterior, a re-done lobby has bold-colored, comfy seating, light-wood paneling, a fireplace, and quirky touches like towering sculptures of chess pieces.” While an older hotel sometimes means a small room, one Tripadvisor user says, “we stayed in a premier king room. It was so spacious, with high ceilings, a large bathroom and tasteful furnishings. While the hotel doesn’t have parking on site, there was parking across the street.”   >> Book this hotel for less

Le Germain Hotel Toronto Mercer (30 Mercer St.; 416-345-9500) Downtown

Located in downtown’s Entertainment District, this 123-room hotel in an erstwhile hat factory is walking-distance to spots such as Rogers Centre and the St. Andrew subway station. Forbes gives it props for its elegant “dark wood furnishings, its bistro Victor, and a charming cocktail bar. Perhaps the best feature of the hotel: no specified checkout time.” One Tripadvisor user comments: “The hotel is stylish, quiet, and private, yet is ideally located just two blocks from the Convention Centre. Every staff member is ready to help with whatever you need, and rooms are spacious, comfortable, and modern.”   >> Book this hotel for less

Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel (123 Queen St W.; 416-361-1000) Downtown

This downtown hotel has an unabashed natural side, thanks to its scenic pool, gardens, and waterfall. “The spacious, tastefully furnished rooms and suites combine luxury with practicality,” says Timeout. “The hotel’s pool is under protective glass, meaning you can enjoy a dip even when the Canadian winter is in full swing.” It’s worth a little extra to book a room on the 43rd floor’s club level. “The club lounge’s food is five-star quality,” says one Tripadvisor user. “You can’t beat this location for enjoying Toronto, with easy walking access to bars, the Eaton Centre and Queen West.”  >> Book this hotel for less

St. Regis Toronto (325 Bay St; 416-306-5800) Downtown

Set in a glassy, 65-story building, this 261-room luxury hotel is an easy walk to the Entertainment District and the Distillery District, as well as the CN Tower, Hockey Hall of Fame, and Nathan Phillips Square. “The St. Regis, formerly the Adelaide Hotel, has the largest guest rooms in the city and one of the best locations,” says Forbes. “Rooms are opulent with white-leather furnishings and purple accents, and an infinity saltwater pool and whirlpool on the 32nd floor provide stunning views.” Google reviewers rave about the high level of service, including the on-site butlers. “What a beautiful hotel,” says one. “From start to finish, the staff were friendly and no request was too little. The view of Toronto was stunning.”  >> Book this hotel for less

Related: