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| The Owner’s Suite can connect to an Executive Room to make a two-bedroom suite. |
Luxury Travel Advisor recently had the privilege of staying at Shangri-La Toronto, and the moment we landed at Pearson International Airport, we knew we were in good hands. That’s because we were welcomed in the hotel’s Porsche Panamera S E-Hybrid with a warm towel and light refreshments; quite pleasant for the half-hour ride to the hotel.
Things got even better at the hotel, where we were greeted by what seemed like the entire hotel staff, each offering a different tip or piece of advice to make our trip go smoother, but it was not done in an intrusive way by any means.
Although the hotel was fully occupied during our stay, we never had to wait too long to check in or check out, never had to pile into a stuffed elevator and were never put on hold when calling the front desk.
To put it simply, the service and the attention to detail, which have made the Shanrgi-La brand a success for years, are why posh travelers seek to stay here.
The top digs are the Shangri-La Suite, Room No. 1700; the Owner’s Suite, Room No. 1701; the Garden Suite, Room No. 614 and the Architect’s Suite, Room No. 1518. We also highly recommend our One-Bedroom Deluxe Suite overlooking Toronto’s famous University Avenue.
It’s also possible to enjoy city views of Toronto while soaking in the room’s Italian marble bathtub. Another cool feature here is the iPads that control everything from the lighting to the curtains.
For all VIP room requests, reach out to Daniela Clarino ([email protected]), sales manager. Robin Elliott ([email protected]) is the chief concierge at the hotel.
The Miraj Hammam Spa by Caudalie Paris has nine treatment rooms with two private hammam steam chambers. Book two weeks out for weekend appointments, and seven days in advance for a weekday session. The “Hammam & Gommage” is done in a private high and low intensity steam chamber.
All of the treadmills in the fitness center offer city views. Also, check out the pool in the gym, as it has some swanky cabanas that can be acquired for free. Each comes with a robe and a flat-screen LG TV. Attendants frequently check in to see if cabana guests need refreshments or a warm towel.
For all special spa inquiries, reach out to Andrea Dunham ([email protected]), spa manager.
After the spa, sit by the Lobby Lounge fireplace and order Caesar Salad with Chicken and Albacore Tuna Sashimi along with a white wine. An Asian-inspired menu is also on tap, as are 68 kinds of tea.
The hotel’s signature restaurant, Bosk, is popular with hotel guests and locals alike. Momofuku, adjacent to the hotel, is also open to locals and guests. Hint: Award-winning Chef Damon Campbell’s Lobster Gnocchi is highly recommended when dining at Bosk. Tip: Restaurant reservations are recommended about two weeks before arrivals.
Walk It: The hotel is near Queen Street West, home to many interesting independent boutiques. The Eaton Centre is a shopping mall 10 minutes away. The Yorkville area is accessible by taxi, roughly 10 – 15 minutes from the hotel.
Billy Bishop Airport, also known as the Island Airport, is a 10-minute drive from the hotel. Porter Airlines and select Air Canada flights operate from Billy Bishop. Helicopters may land at Billy Bishop or at Polson Pier, a 10-minute drive from the hotel. Private jets are serviced at Pearson by either Sky Service or Sky Charter. They are a 30-minute drive to the Shangri-La.