BEST FAMILY HOTELS IN TORONTO
Featuring THE FAIRMONT ROYAL YORK
Join myself and my teens for the inside scoop on:
The North Pole is outside my door - really. Take a look - snow-covered trees, air-sparkles, breathcicles. And don't tell me I'm the only one seeing penguins at the feeder!! No question, January in Ontario is a total Winter Wonderland, but when the penguins arrive I know it's time for me to dial up the furnace, snuggle under the blanket and hibernate a while.
Well, THAT won't be happening - I have two teens! Instead we're indoors and cosy - and all a little stir-crazy! My peaceful hibernation is interupted - often - with 'I'm bored!', and 'I'm boooooored!', Soon hibernating turns to plotting, and soon plotting turns to a new and (very successful) family tradition - The Roadtrip! We can't escape North-Pole-in-Ontario, but we can definitely stay cosy, and have fun! Two days of doing lots of stuff in Toronto will make those testy teens wish they had some down-time. And since us moms like a little luxury with everything - including teen trips - one night in the lap of luxury tops the list for ME! Take a look - Fairmont Royal York totally has luxury covered and is right in the middle of all that fun stuff in Toronto. We also checked out a few more luxurious spots to stay cosy because, yes, Family Roadtrip is now a thing, and freezing February is just around the corner! FAIRMONT ROYAL YORK HOTEL
Fairmont Royal York Hotel is a member of the Five Star Alliance. It was recognized as one of 2016's Top Hotels by Conde Naste Traveler readers and shows a 4.5 rating on TripAdvisor. Yup - they've got luxury covered - and great service, and all those top hotel perks. Great start to our stay - and nothing like appealing to the teens! We arrive, then dessert arrives! Our friendly room-service guy brings mini versions of molten lava chocolate cake, lemon meringue tart and maple creme brulee - can't go wrong with dessert before dinner! The teens tuck in, and we all talk about our fun holiday plans over a little Fairmont Tranquility tea. Exploring has always been a fave adventure when we travel, so next up is a whirlwind round of our digs. Here's what we found and what those kids will remember about all that luxury:
Here's what we didn't know when we arrived but learned soon after. Anika and I have discovered 'Suits' and we've decided it's our new fave series. Days after hanging out in Royal York's gorgeous lobby we saw it on TV! That handsome Harvey Spector took a brisk lawyerly stride past the historic Great Clock - we were just there!! I know, my brush with fame is getting to my head ... Fairmont is our home-base and now it's time to see the big city. First up is food - again. Dessert is long forgotten - it's been an hour - and of course both kids are ravenous! It's an easy ride to dinner - taxis are permanently parked right outside - and we hop off in Toronto's Historic Distillery District shortly before starvation sets in. A little browsing, a little window-shopping and checking out the lights on Trinity Street. And now we eat! Cluny Bistro on Tank House Lane continues our 'Luxury' holiday theme. French Bistro decor is gorgeous and blends beautifully with that whole historic Distillery District vibe - imagine tiled floor, gilt mirrors, and old brick walls, We slurp oysters and Shirley Temples, then Frog's Legs and Seafood Stew, and still have space for one giant dessert. This is a combo of Milk Chocolate Pot de Creme, Praline Profiteroles, raspberrry sorbet and a cloud of white cotton candy. Needless to say, diet-night is not this night! Back to the Royal York, and back to a room that exudes the peace and serenity of a spa Designers must have had the perfect night's sleep in mind when they chose the soothing colours, cosy beds and warm lighting. Another round of Fairmont Tranquility and I'm fast asleep. Early rise for more fun in the big city. Breakfast buffet in the hotels' EPIC Restaurant fuels us for our day. Service is great - our attentive waiter - Jesus - left a pot of coffee on the table but was always back to pour. He offers hot chocolate for my teens, And he understands the value of having a few good shots for holiday memories. Jesus brings tech-savvy Martin over to take pics with my cell phone and offers his own services when I bring out my SLR camera. Our day is filled with more Toronto fun. There's edutainment at Ripley's Aquarium and loads of fun and interactive ways to absorb a whole lot about our beautiful oceans. More edutainment enjoyed by all at The Royal Ontario Museum. Adam takes advantage of the photo-ops at Chihuly's Glass Exhibit, we browse birds, and dinosaurs. And we soak up the art and culture at Canada's First Peoples exhibit. Plenty of cold-weather fun had by both mum and kids - and thanks to Fairmont Royal York for loads of luxury in the big city! See Fairmont Royal Yorks EPIC Restaurant Breakfast Buffet and other menus here. See Fairmont Royal Yorks Ripley's Aquarium Package and other staycation packages here. Photos of Pool and EPIC Restaurant above courtesy of Fairmont Royal York And if you're still listening to 'I'm booooored'? Here's more on what to do with teens in toronto and how to stay sane and cosy at the same time (It also a good read if you're currently hibernating under a pile of blankets!): LET IT SNOW! 7 WARM DESTINATIONS FOR COOL TORONTO DAYS
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TRAVEL DIY WHERE TO STAY Fairmont Royal York Hotel Email | Website | TripAdvisor 100 Front St W, Toronto, ON M5J 1E3 416-368-2511 Trump Toronto Hotel Email | Website | TripAdvisor 325 Bay St, Toronto, Ontario M5H 4G3, Canada 1-855-537-4877 Hotel Le Germain Email | Website | TripAdvisor 30, Mercer Street, Toronto (Ontario) M5V 1H3 1-866-345-9501 Windsor Arms Hotel Email | Website | TripAdvisor 18 Saint Thomas St, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3E7, Canada 587-317-6586 Intercontinental Toronto Center Email | Website | TripAdvisor 225 Front Street West, Toronto, Ontario M5V 2X3, Canada 1-877-859-5095 WHERE TO EAT Cluny Bistro Email | Website | TripAdvisor 35 Tank House Lane, Toronto, Ontario M5A 3C4, Canada 1 416-203-2632 EPIC Lounge at Fairmont Royal York Email | Website | TripAdvisor 100 Front Street West, Toronto, Ontario M5J 1E3, Canada 1 416-860-6949 America Restaurant Email | Website | TripAdvisor 325 Bay St | 31st Floor, Toronto, Ontario M5H 4G3 1 416-637-5550 WHAT TO DO Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) Email | Website | TripAdvisor 100 Queen's Park Toronto, Ontario M5S 2C6 416-586-8000 Ripleys Aquarium of Canada Email | Website | TripAdvisor 288 Bremner Blvd, Toronto, ON M5V 3L9 647-351-3474 Historic Distillery District Email | Website | TripAdvisor 55 Mill St, Toronto, Ontario M5A 3C4, Canada 1 416-364-1177 |
TRUMP TORONTO HOTEL
Trump Toronto Hotel was rated Number 1 Luxury Hotel in Canada in 2015. This makes it a must-see for any family that loves a little luxury with their road trip. Yup - that's us! Marketing Manager Jeanne Marie Castor showed us what luxury and service means to the Trump Toronto team and wowed us with the care taken over every detail of the guest experience.
It's starts when you step into the lobby. Big city smell is replaced with signature scent 'Champagne and Caviar'. Two imposing entrances lead seperately to Trump Tower Residences and Trump Toronto Hotel suites. One shines bright as Champagne and the other dark as - you guessed it- Caviar! I sense a theme here!
A massive Swarovski Art Installation not-so-subtly sets the scene for another hotel theme - cherry blossoms. We see this again in guestroom artwork, in carpet patterns, and even in the hotels signature cocktail - the Cherry Blossom Spritz.
Heated floors and bathroom phones, hallways with texture and pattern to similate more homey sorroundings, turn-down service, fresh flowers - with this hyper-focus on the details, Trump Toronto Hotel has found a way to set itself apart. And the long list of awards confirm - they're darn good at it too!
Here's why your kids will love holidaying at Trump Toronto Hotel:
For more information: Trump Toronto Hotel
Last two photos above courtesy of Trump Toronto Hotel
Trump Toronto Hotel was rated Number 1 Luxury Hotel in Canada in 2015. This makes it a must-see for any family that loves a little luxury with their road trip. Yup - that's us! Marketing Manager Jeanne Marie Castor showed us what luxury and service means to the Trump Toronto team and wowed us with the care taken over every detail of the guest experience.
It's starts when you step into the lobby. Big city smell is replaced with signature scent 'Champagne and Caviar'. Two imposing entrances lead seperately to Trump Tower Residences and Trump Toronto Hotel suites. One shines bright as Champagne and the other dark as - you guessed it- Caviar! I sense a theme here!
A massive Swarovski Art Installation not-so-subtly sets the scene for another hotel theme - cherry blossoms. We see this again in guestroom artwork, in carpet patterns, and even in the hotels signature cocktail - the Cherry Blossom Spritz.
Heated floors and bathroom phones, hallways with texture and pattern to similate more homey sorroundings, turn-down service, fresh flowers - with this hyper-focus on the details, Trump Toronto Hotel has found a way to set itself apart. And the long list of awards confirm - they're darn good at it too!
Here's why your kids will love holidaying at Trump Toronto Hotel:
- kid's menu that includes all the fave's plus Trump's Million Dollar Sundae and kiddie cocktails
- In-suite kid's movie channel
- puppies are welcome too!
- Kidz Glamping Package: teepee hut with all the fixings - sleeping bags, flashlights, s'mores
- Gingerbread House Package - a pre-assembled gingerbread house with loads of candy
- lux purple-hued America Restaurant - 31st floor of Trump Tower with a birds-eye view of the city
- cool factor pick - IN MIRROR TV!
For more information: Trump Toronto Hotel
Last two photos above courtesy of Trump Toronto Hotel
HOTEL Le GERMAIN
Here's why your kids will love their vacay at Le Germain:
For more information: Hotel Le Germain
All photos courtesy of Hotel Le Germain
Here's why your kids will love their vacay at Le Germain:
- Ripley's Aquarium Family Package plus continental breakfast
- your pup can come too!
- free wi-fi means kids can still game, connect, and post!
- rooftop terrace for those panoramic city photo-ops
- rooftop putting green - balls and clubs provided
- children's books
For more information: Hotel Le Germain
All photos courtesy of Hotel Le Germain
THE WINDSOR ARMS HOTEL
Here's why your kids will love downtime at The Windsor Arms:
For more information: Windsor Arms Hotel
All photos courtesy of Windsor Arms Hotel
Here's why your kids will love downtime at The Windsor Arms:
- salt-water pool
- free wifi and iPod docking station
- an instrument in each Suite - baby grand, harp or guiter
- it's easy to bring your pooch - food, pet-sitting and dog-walking services are available
- traditional tea service for a special occasion with the little lady
For more information: Windsor Arms Hotel
All photos courtesy of Windsor Arms Hotel
INTERCONTINENTAL TORONTO CENTRE
Here's why your kids will love their getaway at InterContinental Toronto Centre
All photos courtesy of InterContinental Toronto Centre
Here's why your kids will love their getaway at InterContinental Toronto Centre
- just minutes from Ripley's Aquarium and Toronto's iconic CN Tower
- and minutes from the Hockey Hall of Fame for your mini-hockey fans
- breakfast buffet with all the fixin's at Azure Restaurant
- shallow pool for the little ones
- weekend play area for kids with puzzles, and video games
All photos courtesy of InterContinental Toronto Centre
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