Cold weather, lattes & Canadians.
Those three words above are the best way to sum up the weekend in Toronto, Canada. If you've never been and it is on your bucket list make sure to bookmark this page as I've spent the entire day to create a guide that includes all the main details such as where to stay, eat and relax at.
T R A V E L.
If you're planning a trip to Toronto there is quite a few things you need to know prior to coming! Uber from the airport to the city is quite expensive ($100 to be direct), however there is a train that goes straight from the airport to the Union Station which is in the main area of Toronto ($10 per ticket, which you can purchase at the airport's kiosk). It takes about 20-25 minutes to get to the center, once you walk out uber is no longer expensive and it's just under $10 pretty much anywhere around town.
S T A Y.
The main factors when looking for a right place to stay for us are: service, amenities and location. Service. If you've had a chance to stay at the Ritz anywhere around the globe you already know what to expect when it comes to service and can skip this part of the post! Those of you that haven't, let me tell you it's a chain of hotels that's one of the best when it comes to customer service. Once you've stayed at one of their properties you'll never want to stay at any other hotels that's less than 4 stars at least.
Amenities. Luckily we stayed in the suite and woke up to the views of CN tower and Lake Ontario. The room automatically gave us access to the Club Lounge which I've actually never had a chance to check out the other times we've stayed at so I was pretty excited to have access and finally check it out. It offers buffet style meals, drinks (open bar) and snacks throughout the day during your stay.
One of their best amenities is spa which I'll get into more under the "relax" part of the post just below.
Ritz Carlton Hotel also offers two different bars - Ritz Bar (open until 5pm, good for brunch and a bloody marry) and DEQ Terrace and Lounge (open until 1AM, which is great for a drink before heading out or prior to dinner).
Car service. If you're trying to get to somewhere close and don't feel like waiting for uber or walking, hotel also offers a car service which drops you off anywhere around the hotel, however that's on first come/first serve bases.
Location. Ritz Carlton Hotel located right next to the CN tower, walking distance to Soho House, Starbucks and a few other touristy spots. Because it is located in such a prime location we barely left the area to explore as everything we wanted to see and go to was either in the hotel or right next to it.
Events. If your schedule is pretty open for traveling you can also base it around the fun events Ritz Carlton offers throughout the year. I am not sure what they have planned for the entire year of '18 but to give you a better idea of what they offer would be "Great Gatsby afternoon tea" , OKTOBERFEST and Cheese Cave events. You can simply call the hotel and ask about what they have planned next to help you plan your next getaway better!
Amenities. Luckily we stayed in the suite and woke up to the views of CN tower and Lake Ontario. The room automatically gave us access to the Club Lounge which I've actually never had a chance to check out the other times we've stayed at so I was pretty excited to have access and finally check it out. It offers buffet style meals, drinks (open bar) and snacks throughout the day during your stay.
One of their best amenities is spa which I'll get into more under the "relax" part of the post just below.
Ritz Carlton Hotel also offers two different bars - Ritz Bar (open until 5pm, good for brunch and a bloody marry) and DEQ Terrace and Lounge (open until 1AM, which is great for a drink before heading out or prior to dinner).
Car service. If you're trying to get to somewhere close and don't feel like waiting for uber or walking, hotel also offers a car service which drops you off anywhere around the hotel, however that's on first come/first serve bases.
Location. Ritz Carlton Hotel located right next to the CN tower, walking distance to Soho House, Starbucks and a few other touristy spots. Because it is located in such a prime location we barely left the area to explore as everything we wanted to see and go to was either in the hotel or right next to it.
Events. If your schedule is pretty open for traveling you can also base it around the fun events Ritz Carlton offers throughout the year. I am not sure what they have planned for the entire year of '18 but to give you a better idea of what they offer would be "Great Gatsby afternoon tea" , OKTOBERFEST and Cheese Cave events. You can simply call the hotel and ask about what they have planned next to help you plan your next getaway better!
R E L A X.
With Toronto being in full swing of winter we didn't want to do much but eat, relax and see friends. Finding a nice spa was pretty easy as Ritz Carlton is known for their amazing spa and pool that overlooks CN tower.
E A T.
Brunch.
Not gonna lie, I bookmarked many spots to check out prior to coming - La Palma Restaurant being as one of the top ones to see. I've seen many photos of their "family style sharing plates" or whatever that's called and their interior, to me that was an instant must-visit. Needless to say it was as good as in the photos I've seen, but on a bit pricier side. Ex: a tiny cheese plate (pictured below) ended up being $30 or so. We were there on a Thursday around 12pm and breakfast menu was no longer option.
Not gonna lie, I bookmarked many spots to check out prior to coming - La Palma Restaurant being as one of the top ones to see. I've seen many photos of their "family style sharing plates" or whatever that's called and their interior, to me that was an instant must-visit. Needless to say it was as good as in the photos I've seen, but on a bit pricier side. Ex: a tiny cheese plate (pictured below) ended up being $30 or so. We were there on a Thursday around 12pm and breakfast menu was no longer option.
Dinner.
Toca Restaurant, modern Italian cuisine, great for a date night. We went there on a Saturday night and the place was definitely a hot spot -- highly recommend making a reservation prior to coming. We tried out the chef's menu which was beyond delish! I shared multiple stories on the appetizers, mains and desert it included. My top 3 faves being cod with almond milk, lobster and desert (of course) "drunken tiramisu" aka tiramisu with wine. Restaurant is located inside of Ritz Carlton which is extremely convenient, while you wait for your reservation or if you feel like sticking around for a glass of wine after the dinner there is a bar just a few steps away overlooking the famous CN tower.
Blowfish sushi Restaurant was a must after a long day of travels, the menu had modern sushi options filled with a few other options of salads & steak in case you're with someone that's craving meat.
Soho house was our go-to spot on daily bases to work at and get brunch at. They have three floors, first one offers more of a bar scene, second and third being chill to post up with your computer and snack throughout the day.
Toca Restaurant, modern Italian cuisine, great for a date night. We went there on a Saturday night and the place was definitely a hot spot -- highly recommend making a reservation prior to coming. We tried out the chef's menu which was beyond delish! I shared multiple stories on the appetizers, mains and desert it included. My top 3 faves being cod with almond milk, lobster and desert (of course) "drunken tiramisu" aka tiramisu with wine. Restaurant is located inside of Ritz Carlton which is extremely convenient, while you wait for your reservation or if you feel like sticking around for a glass of wine after the dinner there is a bar just a few steps away overlooking the famous CN tower.
Blowfish sushi Restaurant was a must after a long day of travels, the menu had modern sushi options filled with a few other options of salads & steak in case you're with someone that's craving meat.
Soho house was our go-to spot on daily bases to work at and get brunch at. They have three floors, first one offers more of a bar scene, second and third being chill to post up with your computer and snack throughout the day.
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A few other spots I was suggested & didn't get a chance to check out: Colette Grand caffe, Blueblood steakhouse, Café Boulud, Drakes Restaurant and Café Cancan.
Thank you Ritz Carlton for partnering with me on this post.
SHOP MY STYLE
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