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Fairmont Royal York Hotel, in the heart of dowtown Toronto

Fairmont Royal York Hotel, in the heart of dowtown Toronto
photo by Andrew Collins
Toronto's undisputed grande dame hotel is the Royal York (100 Front St. W, 416-368-2511 or 866-540-4489), which when it opened in 1929 was the tallest hotel in the British Commonwealth. This 1,048-room property rises 28 floors and is still an iconic structure, although plenty of buildings near it now soar far higher. The hotel is directly across the street from Toronto's rail station, in the heart of the Financial District and a short walk from the Theater District, Queen Street West, and - in the other direction - Old Town Toronto. The Church Street Gay Village is about a 15- to 20-minute walk or an easy cab ride.

Part of the gay-friendly Fairmont luxury hotel brand, the Royal York has undergone a number of major renovations in recent years. As of this writing, many of the rooms had been upgraded - if you want to ensure that you receive one of the newer rooms, try requesting one with a flat-screen TV. Rooms come in an astonishing range of sizes and configurations, and those on the lower floors can feel a bit dark so request an upper floor for the best view.

Hotel amenities are extensive, including a slew of restaurants, the highlight being EPIC - this is considered one of the top dining venues in the city, serving first-rate contemporary food, much of it sourced locally (and with honey and herbs raised on the hotel's rooftop, which has its own apiary). There's also a full health club and spa, a well-outfitted business center, and the sort of regal lobby you'd expect of such a distinguished hotel.

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