(Image: Gizelle Lau)
The glamorous new Ritz-Carlton Toronto is open for business, nearly five years after its groundbreaking in November 2006. The hotel is the first to bear the Ritz-Carlton brand in Canada (Montreal’s Ritz just licensed the name ). Housed in a new 53-story structure on Wellington Street West, across from Metro Hall Park and Roy Thompson Hall, the Ritz features 267 guest rooms and suites with a strong contemporary Canadiana theme. Other amenities include Toca, a new restaurant helmed by chef Tom Brodi (formerly of Canoe ), Toca Bar, Deq Terrace and Lounge, a 16 treatment-room spa and Toronto’s largest luxury ballroom.
We were there for the opening, camera in hand. Check out our tour of the hotel »
55874 (Image: Gizelle Lau) Outside the Ritz-Carlton Toronto Ritz-Carlton Toronto https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/700_9658.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/700_9658.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/700_9658.jpg 550 366 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/introducing-the-ritz-carlton-torontos-newest-five-star-hotel/slide/700_9658/ 700_9658 0 0
Outside the Ritz-Carlton Toronto
55849 (Image: Gizelle Lau) A club-level deluxe room features views facing Lake Ontario Ritz-Carlton Toronto https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/700_9489.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/700_9489.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/700_9489.jpg 550 366 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/introducing-the-ritz-carlton-torontos-newest-five-star-hotel/slide/700_9489/ 700_9489 0 0
A club-level deluxe room features views facing Lake Ontario
55850 (Image: Gizelle Lau) Ritz-Carlton offers special turndown services for children and families, including personalized bathrobes, a teddy bear and milk and cookies Ritz-Carlton Toronto https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/700_9491.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/700_9491.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/700_9491.jpg 550 366 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/introducing-the-ritz-carlton-torontos-newest-five-star-hotel/slide/700_9491/ 700_9491 0 0
Ritz-Carlton offers special turndown services for children and families, including personalized bathrobes, a teddy bear and milk and cookies
55851 (Image: Gizelle Lau) For adults, turndown services include a taste of Ninutik pure Ontario maple syrup Ritz-Carlton Toronto https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/700_9495.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/700_9495.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/700_9495.jpg 333 500 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/introducing-the-ritz-carlton-torontos-newest-five-star-hotel/slide/700_9495/ 700_9495 0 0
For adults, turndown services include a taste of Ninutik pure Ontario maple syrup
55852 (Image: Gizelle Lau) Living room in the Ritz-Carlton suite. The 2415 square-foot suite also has a spacious living room, dining room, study, fitness area with elliptical machine and luxury bathroom. Starting at approximately $6,000 per night Ritz-Carlton Toronto https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/700_9506.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/700_9506.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/700_9506.jpg 550 366 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/introducing-the-ritz-carlton-torontos-newest-five-star-hotel/slide/700_9506/ 700_9506 0 0
Living room in the Ritz-Carlton suite. The 2415 square-foot suite also has a spacious living room, dining room, study, fitness area with elliptical machine and luxury bathroom. Starting at approximately $6,000 per night
55853 (Image: Gizelle Lau) Bedroom in the Ritz-Carlton suite Ritz-Carlton Toronto https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/700_9508.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/700_9508.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/700_9508.jpg 550 366 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/introducing-the-ritz-carlton-torontos-newest-five-star-hotel/slide/700_9508/ 700_9508 0 0
Bedroom in the Ritz-Carlton suite
55854 (Image: Gizelle Lau) Washroom in the Ritz-Carlton suite features luxury stand-alone soaker tub, Portuguese Estremoz marble walls and heated floors Ritz-Carlton Toronto https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/700_9523.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/700_9523.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/700_9523.jpg 550 391 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/introducing-the-ritz-carlton-torontos-newest-five-star-hotel/slide/700_9523/ 700_9523 0 0
Washroom in the Ritz-Carlton suite features luxury stand-alone soaker tub, Portuguese Estremoz marble walls and heated floors
55855 (Image: Gizelle Lau) Poolside sun chairs with a view of the CN Tower Ritz-Carlton Toronto https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/700_9524.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/700_9524.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/700_9524.jpg 550 366 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/introducing-the-ritz-carlton-torontos-newest-five-star-hotel/slide/700_9524/ 700_9524 0 0
Poolside sun chairs with a view of the CN Tower
55856 (Image: Gizelle Lau) Private pedicure cabins at the Ritz-Carlton Spa Ritz-Carlton Toronto https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/700_9535.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/700_9535.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/700_9535.jpg 550 377 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/introducing-the-ritz-carlton-torontos-newest-five-star-hotel/slide/700_9535/ 700_9535 0 0
Private pedicure cabins at the Ritz-Carlton Spa
55857 (Image: Gizelle Lau) Hydrotherapy beds at the Ritz-Carlton Spa Ritz-Carlton Toronto https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/700_9547.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/700_9547.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/700_9547.jpg 550 544 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/introducing-the-ritz-carlton-torontos-newest-five-star-hotel/slide/700_9547/ 700_9547 0 0
Hydrotherapy beds at the Ritz-Carlton Spa
55858 (Image: Gizelle Lau) The Urban Sanctuary lounge at the Ritz-Carlton Spa Ritz-Carlton Toronto https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/700_9554.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/700_9554.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/700_9554.jpg 550 362 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/introducing-the-ritz-carlton-torontos-newest-five-star-hotel/slide/700_9554/ 700_9554 0 0
The Urban Sanctuary lounge at the Ritz-Carlton Spa
55859 (Image: Gizelle Lau) The Ritz-Carlton Spa features a skylight and a massive blown-glass architectural chandelier by Canadian artist Jeff Goodman Ritz-Carlton Toronto https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/700_9566.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/700_9566.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/700_9566.jpg 550 366 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/introducing-the-ritz-carlton-torontos-newest-five-star-hotel/slide/700_9566/ 700_9566 0 0
The Ritz-Carlton Spa features a skylight and a massive blown-glass architectural chandelier by Canadian artist Jeff Goodman
55860 (Image: Gizelle Lau) The Ritz-Carlton Spa includes this corner spa suite for couples treatments and massages. The ceilings are 22 feet high Ritz-Carlton Toronto https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/700_9568.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/700_9568.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/700_9568.jpg 333 500 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/introducing-the-ritz-carlton-torontos-newest-five-star-hotel/slide/700_9568/ 700_9568 0 0
The Ritz-Carlton Spa includes this corner spa suite for couples treatments and massages. The ceilings are 22 feet high
55861 (Image: Gizelle Lau) Private yoga studio for hotel guests as well as Toronto locals Ritz-Carlton Toronto https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/700_9575.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/700_9575.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/700_9575.jpg 550 366 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/introducing-the-ritz-carlton-torontos-newest-five-star-hotel/slide/700_9575/ 700_9575 0 0
Private yoga studio for hotel guests as well as Toronto locals
55862 (Image: Gizelle Lau) Deq Terrace and Lounge offers casual dining throughout the day including tapas, flatbreads and charcuterie sourced from the Niagara region. During the summer, the patio opens out onto Simcoe Park and features a brick oven and bar Ritz-Carlton Toronto https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/700_9581.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/700_9581.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/700_9581.jpg 550 366 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/introducing-the-ritz-carlton-torontos-newest-five-star-hotel/slide/700_9581/ 700_9581 0 0
Deq Terrace and Lounge offers casual dining throughout the day including tapas, flatbreads and charcuterie sourced from the Niagara region. During the summer, the patio opens out onto Simcoe Park and features a brick oven and bar
55863 (Image: Gizelle Lau) Bar at Deq Ritz-Carlton Toronto https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/700_9586.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/700_9586.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/700_9586.jpg 550 366 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/introducing-the-ritz-carlton-torontos-newest-five-star-hotel/slide/700_9586/ 700_9586 0 0
Bar at Deq
55864 (Image: Gizelle Lau) Library and fireplace lounge at Deq Ritz-Carlton Toronto https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/700_9588.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/700_9588.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/700_9588.jpg 550 366 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/introducing-the-ritz-carlton-torontos-newest-five-star-hotel/slide/700_9588/ 700_9588 0 0
Library and fireplace lounge at Deq
55865 (Image: Gizelle Lau) The hotel lobby features a massive sculpture called the Mobius by Jeremy Guy, weighing over 500 pounds Ritz-Carlton Toronto https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/700_9591.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/700_9591.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/700_9591.jpg 550 366 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/introducing-the-ritz-carlton-torontos-newest-five-star-hotel/slide/700_9591/ 700_9591 0 0
The hotel lobby features a massive sculpture called the Mobius by Jeremy Guy, weighing over 500 pounds
55866 (Image: Gizelle Lau) The lobby features a handful of bronzed maple leaves embossed into the floor Ritz-Carlton Toronto https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/700_9599.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/700_9599.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/700_9599.jpg 550 393 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/introducing-the-ritz-carlton-torontos-newest-five-star-hotel/slide/700_9599/ 700_9599 0 0
The lobby features a handful of bronzed maple leaves embossed into the floor
55867 (Image: Gizelle Lau) Front desk Ritz-Carlton Toronto https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/700_9602.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/700_9602.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/700_9602.jpg 550 366 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/introducing-the-ritz-carlton-torontos-newest-five-star-hotel/slide/700_9602/ 700_9602 0 0
Front desk
55868 (Image: Gizelle Lau) Toca restaurant features a cheese cave and cheese program developed by Toronto’s Cheese Boutique Ritz-Carlton Toronto https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/700_9607.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/700_9607.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/700_9607.jpg 550 366 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/introducing-the-ritz-carlton-torontos-newest-five-star-hotel/slide/700_9607/ 700_9607 0 0
Toca restaurant features a cheese cave and cheese program developed by Toronto’s Cheese Boutique
55869 (Image: Gizelle Lau) Private dining space at Toca Ritz-Carlton Toronto https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/700_9610.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/700_9610.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/700_9610.jpg 550 366 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/introducing-the-ritz-carlton-torontos-newest-five-star-hotel/slide/700_9610/ 700_9610 0 0
Private dining space at Toca
55870 (Image: Gizelle Lau) Dining room at Toca Ritz-Carlton Toronto https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/700_9617.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/700_9617.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/700_9617.jpg 550 366 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/introducing-the-ritz-carlton-torontos-newest-five-star-hotel/slide/700_9617/ 700_9617 0 0
Dining room at Toca
55871 (Image: Gizelle Lau) Toca’s chef’s table is hidden away in the kitchen Ritz-Carlton Toronto https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/700_9626.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/700_9626.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/700_9626.jpg 550 366 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/introducing-the-ritz-carlton-torontos-newest-five-star-hotel/slide/700_9626/ 700_9626 0 0
Toca’s chef’s table is hidden away in the kitchen
55872 (Image: Gizelle Lau) Chandeliers at Toca by Jeff Goodman Ritz-Carlton Toronto https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/700_9632.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/700_9632.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/700_9632.jpg 550 362 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/introducing-the-ritz-carlton-torontos-newest-five-star-hotel/slide/700_9632/ 700_9632 0 0
Chandeliers at Toca by Jeff Goodman
55873 (Image: Gizelle Lau) Outside the Ritz-Carlton Toronto Ritz-Carlton Toronto https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/700_9656.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/700_9656.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/700_9656.jpg 550 366 [] https://torontolife.com/real-estate/introducing-the-ritz-carlton-torontos-newest-five-star-hotel/slide/700_9656/ 700_9656 0 0
Outside the Ritz-Carlton Toronto
UPDATE: Check out our look at the Ritz-Carlton’s new restaurant, Toca »
The Ritz-Carlton, Toronto , 181 Wellington St. W. (at John St.), 416-585-2500, ritzcarlton.com/en/Properties/Toronto .
Our Introducing series explores newly opened restaurants, bars, hotels and shops throughout the GTA. This is not a review. Toronto Life’s starred reviews can be found in their entirety in our Restaurant Guide .
If the hotel in Montreal has been licensed to use the name, then it also “bears the brand”. Not sure the author understands what it means to license a brand.
Having stayed at the hotel this past weekend with wife and daughter – I can’t tell you how underwhelming the hotel is. 5 start hotels have that feeling of opulence and finish. Still trying to figure why the bathroom doesn’t have a fan, why door to the toilet (to separate from the bathroom) isn’t private in any manner (3/4 glass door without lock). The pool is small with too many sharp corners that jut out into the smimming lanes and a whirlpool that fits 3 comfortably. The staff while nice, is very young and doesn’t provide the kind of experience, knowledge or feeling of a property that has the character and charateristics of other Ritz namsakes. I’d say the lobby lacks intimacy and privacy for its guests – with a small common space and little in the way of niches to enjoy the company or oneself of a friend without feeling like your’e always on display.