Shangri-la Hotel Toronto

100   Recommended
August 16, 2013 by EXPERT

 Map | 3 Reviews | 100% Recommended
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Shangri-la Hotel Toronto
 Map | 3 Reviews | 100% Recommended

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Share
Liked:
Location
Service
Food
Amenities
Room
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This will be a short report, but I thought a few people here would be interested in a review of the new Shangri-La property in Toronto. I stayed here for 3 nights recently, in what was a bit of a lucky coincidence of them offering a great last minute rate, and most other properties in downtown being sold out (my corporate expense policy does not normally tolerate anything even remotely close to a luxury hotel!).

Room

So, the good: almost everything. This is a hotel that has really got all the little things right. There was literally nothing I could complain about in my standard King room. When it was dark, it was dark--no electronic lights shining in your face (pet peeve of mine). The drapes likewise worked perfectly in being dark so no gaps to let light in (another pet peeve). The lights over the bed were very pleasant soft light and were totally enclosed so you didnt get a bright bulb shining in your face if you are lying down to read at night. AC was very quiet. There were L'Occitaine products in the bathroom, which was spacious and spotlessly clean. Nice soaker tub, separate shower stall. Bed was very comfortable to sleep in, but definitely a soft pillow top which might not be to everybody's taste. Overall the decor was very tasteful, largely muted colors, with a nod to the Asian origins of the hotel chain but with out being too in your face. One other unique thing: every room has an iPad which you can use to order room service, check out, book appointments at the spa, etc. Very handy and the app is very well executed.

Service

On the service side, I got the feeling that it was very good, with very few kinks for a new property. They respected the "Privacy" light, even when I ordered room service. The concierge was very helpful when I used them (but that was not very much). Food was generally very good, although based on my experience I am not sure "Bosk" deserves the raves it has been getting. Maid service and turn down service was impeccable, and there was always complimentary bottled water at my bedside. Service in the gym was likewise very prompt and courteous. Overall, I was very impressed with this.

Note

The only caveat I will offer is that I don't normally stay at city luxury hotels--my experiences with true luxury properties are almost entirely at Amans, and luxury safari properties--so I dont have much of a basis for comparison. But based on my more limited experiences, I would say that the hotel is off to a very good start.

Overall

One final observation: the property is located at a very busy intersection (University and Adelaide, if you know the city at all). If you book a room there, it would be best to ask for a room on the west side of the building. That doesnt face University, and would have much less traffic noise. Having said that, I never had a problem sleeping even though I was on the east side of the tower.

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