Hotel review: One King West, Toronto

Filed under: World travel

If you're hoping to get a real sense of Toronto's atmosphere and history, a stay at the One King West will tick all the right boxes. Here's why...

What's to love?

Amazing architecture, great location, luxurious surroundings - all housed in one of Toronto's oldest iconic landmarks.

Tell me the story

One King West is rich in history. The address dates back to the mid-1800s when it was first home to Michie & Co Grocers and Wine Merchants. It changed hands in 1871 when it was taken over by the Dominion Bank for 126 years. Much of the bank's original features still remain, giving the hotel a unique character. The magnificent old banking hall now hosts events and conferences, and the old vault complete with a 40 tonne, 4 ½ ft thick door is now an a la carte dining room.

This 12-story renaissance style building we see today was originally built in 1914. In 2006 a 51-storey extension known as 'the Silver' was added, making it the tallest residential building in Canada.

First impressions

Well, it's tall! The location is pretty perfect - it's in Toronto's downtown shopping and business area. We were welcomed into the bustling yet efficient lobby with plenty of friendly staff.

The rich sense of history in the building is incredible. The hotel retains plenty of original features: check out the sweeping marble staircases, opulent paintings and even the original lifts.

Best rooms in the house?

We stayed in a superior suite with sweeping views over Lake Ontario. Room facilities included a kitchenette with fridge, ensuite washer/dryer and designer décor throughout. We were not entirely sure as to the function of the kitchenette as it featured a microwave, dishwasher and electric cooktops, yet there were no pans or dishes!

The suite was a little rough around the edges and could have done with a little modernisation eg the TV system was quite cumbersome and not user friendly at all and the bathroom facilities felt a little dated. That said, the plush King Size bed was a welcome retreat after a hard days shopping.

Top tip?

The room's clothes washing facilities come in very handy.

This place is perfect if you're...

...looking for an extended stay in Toronto. Exploring Toronto from the hotel is extremely simple, as it is Ideally located by the subway station and a the cities trolley service is a simple 5 min walk away.

Where to eat/drink

The hotel is a five-minute walk away from Toronto's St Laurence market - host to a variety of 'street food' dining options. A short walk down Church St, you will find Loblaws - an amazing concept supermarket offering fresh food such as cakes, breads, sushi, pizzas and more - perfect for stocking up your mini-kitchen.

For a change of scenery, catch a trolley down Queen St West - you will find a variety of different restaurants and bars perfect for brunches, lunches and dinners. A particular favourite of ours was Chantecler (1320 Queen St West), offering Canadian sharing dishes with an Asian twist. Their slow smoked pork shoulder lettuce wraps were amazing!

Things to do, places to see...
Toronto's shopping is amazing. Get wonderfully lost in the boutiques of Queen St West or grab some vintage bargains from Kensington Market. If you like architecture/ art head to Frank Gehry's Art Gallery of Ontaario (AGO) - admission is a bargain at $10.50.

If you do one thing here, make sure it's...

Check out the views of Lake Ontario. From the fitness suite on level 17, you have access to the roof terrace. Perfect if you want to catch a perfect snap of a sunset over the lake.