A vibrant fusion of diverse cultures, stunning lakefront views, and a bustling urban energy makes this Canadian metropolis an irresistible destination for travelers. We’ve handpicked the best hotels in Toronto based on expert recommendations and thousands of genuine guest reviews. All of our recommended hotels have a review rating of at least 4 out of 5 stars.
Best cheap hotel in Toronto: The Strathcona Hotel
Best boutique hotel in Toronto: The Drake
Best luxury hotel in Toronto: Four Seasons Hotel Yorkville
Best hostel in Toronto: Planet Traveler Hostel
Best eco-friendly hotel in Toronto: Kimpton Saint George
Sort list by price, rating or by value for money.
Gladstone House is a true Toronto landmark, proudly holding the title of the city’s longest continuously operating hotel. Originally built in 1889 by architect George Martell Miller, this Richardsonian Romanesque beauty features stunning red brick, arched windows, and historic gargoyles. Once a bustling hub for railway travelers, it has evolved into a vibrant cultural focal point in the heart of West Queen West.
New York Times + 4 more“The 37-room Gladstone is as much art destination as sleeping quarters: the first two floors are filled with exhibitions, and each room was designed by an artist. The Sunday bluegrass brunch is packed with children.”
Featured in New York Times’ 36 Hours in Toronto, Canada.
The Drake Hotel is a true Toronto institution, located right on Queen Street West. Originally built in 1890 as D.A. Small’s Hotel, the building served various purposes over the decades, including as a rooming house, before being purchased in 2001. Following extensive renovations, it reopened in 2004 as a boutique cultural hub, effectively helping to transform the surrounding neighborhood into the trendy, art-focused district it is today.
Lonely Planet + 4 more“Art is everywhere in this flophouse turned boutique hotel. Other hotels have rooms; the Drake has ‘crash pads, dens, salons’ and a rockin’ little suite, beckoning bohemians, artists and musicians with a little spare cash.”
The Four Seasons Hotel Toronto, located in the upscale Yorkville district, is a significant landmark in the city’s history. Since the Four Seasons brand was founded in Toronto in 1961, this flagship property represents the pinnacle of the company's evolution. The current gleaming glass tower, which opened in 2012, was designed by the renowned firm architectsAlliance and serves as a chic, contemporary anchor for the neighbourhood.
Fodors + 4 more“This gleaming 55-story tower in the leafy Yorkville neighborhood sprung from the drafting table of celebrated designers Yabu Pushelberg, known for their elegant yet modern sensibility.”
Featured as Fodor’s Choice in Toronto.
Le Germain Hotel Toronto Mercer is a sophisticated boutique retreat nestled in the heart of Toronto's vibrant Entertainment District. Since opening in 2003, it has stood as a flagship for the Quebec-based family-owned Germain Hotels group. It quickly gained international acclaim, notably being named one of the world's "hottest" new hotels by Condé Nast Traveller shortly after its debut.
New York Times + 3 more“Le Germain Hotel Toronto on Mercer Street, is one of two Toronto locations of this Canadian boutique hotelier. Located in the downtown entertainment district, across from the Second City comedy theater, it offers a centralized home base for exploring.”
Featured in New York Times’ 36 Hours in Toronto, Canada.
The Shangri-La Toronto is a striking 65-story skyscraper that has defined the city skyline since opening in 2012. Designed by architect James K.M. Cheng, the building’s construction involved a fascinating archaeological journey; the site once housed the historic "Bishop’s Block," and developers spent months excavating the land, uncovering numerous artifacts from Toronto’s early history before building one of the deepest foundations in Canada.
New York Times + 3 more“Cost will keep most away, but for those looking for a splurge (or exercising a corporate account), the Shangri-La Toronto offers the standard high level of service and comfort the chain has become known for.”
The Hazelton Hotel is a premier luxury destination located in the heart of Toronto’s fashionable Yorkville neighborhood. Opened in 2007, it earned its reputation as one of the city's first true luxury boutique hotels. The building was designed by the architectural firm Page + Steele, while the stunning, dramatic interiors were crafted by the world-renowned design duo Yabu Pushelberg.
Lonely Planet + 3 more“Competitors in the luxury hotel class have in recent years made it harder for the Hazelton to uphold its self-professed reputation as Toronto’s most exclusive hotel: but try it will, and you’ll only benefit from its efforts. Sophisticated, dramatic and sexy.”
Ace Hotel Toronto is a striking addition to the city's Garment District. Unlike many of the brand's other locations that occupy repurposed historic buildings, this property was a ground-up project designed by the acclaimed Shim-Sutcliffe Architects. Opened in 2022, it pays homage to the neighborhood’s industrial roots with a deep red brick facade and a robust concrete structure.
New York Times + 1 more“A solid option downtown, the Ace Hotel opened in 2022 in a newly constructed building designed by the Toronto firm Shim-Sutcliffe Architects. Beyond the lobby framed by soaring concrete arches, the hotel features 123 cozy guest rooms as well as a restaurant and a rooftop lounge.”
1 Hotel Toronto, which opened in 2021 in the King West neighborhood, is Canada’s first eco-luxury hotel. Designed by the renowned Rockwell Group, the property is a masterclass in biophilic design, featuring over 3,000 plants throughout the space. Its commitment to sustainability is so thorough that it earned LEED Gold certification, making it a standout in the city for environmentally conscious travelers.
CN Traveler + 1 more“The hotels in Canada’s biggest city tend to skew either unremittingly corporate or standard bohemian-chic. This lush new exception—a literal urban oasis that takes sustainability seriously—is distinguished by its biophilic design, impressive conservation programs, and real community mindedness.”
The Ritz-Carlton, Toronto, is a striking 53-story landmark that has redefined luxury in the city since opening in 2011. Designed by the renowned architectural firms Kohn Pedersen Fox and Page + Steele, its neomodern glass facade features a unique outward slope. This clever design choice was specifically intended to visually complement the sweeping, iconic curves of Roy Thomson Hall located directly across the street.
CNN + 1 more“With its glossy wood, big brass maple leaves, neutral earth tones and original artwork, the Ritz-Carlton is a luxurious tribute to Canadiana. The hotel’s 263 guest rooms, all at least 41 square meters, provide views of the CN Tower and Lake Ontario.”
The SoHo Hotel Toronto is a premier Canadian-owned boutique property located right in the heart of the city’s vibrant Entertainment District. Since opening, it has carved out a reputation for understated elegance and refined simplicity. Rather than following fast-paced trends, the hotel focuses on a sophisticated, art-forward aesthetic that prioritizes high-quality materials, such as Canadian maple woodwork and Italian linens, to create a calm, residential feel.
CNN + 1 more“This contemporary hotel in a slick condominium complex is a short walk from the shops and restaurants on King West and Queen West, plus the bars and clubs in the Entertainment District.”
The Fairmont Royal York is a true Toronto icon, standing tall as a masterpiece of Châteauesque-style architecture. Opened in 1929 by the Canadian Pacific Railway, it was once the largest hotel in the British Commonwealth. Designed by the architectural firms Ross and Macdonald in association with Sproatt and Rolph, the building served as a "city within a city," originally featuring its own hospital, a concert hall, and even an extensive radio broadcasting studio.
CNN + 1 more“The Royal York is the Grand Dame of Toronto’s hotel scene, an imposing stone and copper-roofed structure that’s firmly anchored in a sea of steel and glass. It’s been a star since it officially opened in 1929, a favorite for royalty, celebrities, movie directors and regular folk.”
Hotel Ocho in Toronto is a fantastic example of adaptive reuse, housed in a century-old textile factory that dates back to 1902. In 2012, this industrial space on Spadina Avenue was meticulously transformed into a boutique hotel while keeping its original brick-and-beam charm intact. The design, helmed by the firm Dialogue 38, pairs that raw, historic structure with sleek, modern furnishings to create a unique aesthetic.
New York Times“The 12-room Hotel Ocho, a former textile factory dating from 1902 in the heart of Chinatown, was built with the local cutting-edge design team Design38. The downstairs bar, lounge, restaurant and coffee shop draws locals.”
Featured in New York Times’ 36 Hours in Toronto, Canada.
Cambridge Suites Toronto is a well-known, all-suite hotel located right in the heart of downtown Toronto. Originally designed by the architecture firm WZMH and completed in 1990, the building has served as a staple for visitors for decades. It is currently the subject of an ambitious, high-profile redevelopment plan that aims to transform the existing structure into a towering 71-storey mixed-use landmark while retaining the original concrete core.
New York Times“The 229-room, all suite Cambridge Suites Toronto is centrally located downtown, close to subways and attractions like the St. Lawrence Market. Portico, the hotel’s restaurant, is pricey but quite good.”
Featured in New York Times’ 36 Hours in Toronto, Canada.
The Grand Hotel & Suites, formerly located at 225 Jarvis Street in Toronto, was a landmark of the city's Garden District. Built in 1972, the imposing structure originally served as the Toronto headquarters for the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). Its history was reflected in its unique architectural style, often described as Brutalist, which gave the building a distinct, sturdy presence in the downtown area.
CNN“One of the best hotels in Toronto, dollar for dollar, the Grand’s 177 suites are all done up to strike a tasteful, understated tone. They come with fully equipped kitchenettes and all the regular features — TVs, CD and DVD players.”
Recommended by:
New York Times, Lonely Planet, Fodors, Frommers, Telegraph
Recommended by:
Lonely Planet, New York Times, CNN, Fodors, Telegraph
Recommended by:
Fodors, Forbes, CNN, Frommers, Telegraph
Recommended by:
New York Times, Fodors, Frommers, Telegraph
Recommended by:
New York Times, Fodors, Forbes, Telegraph
Recommended by:
Lonely Planet, Fodors, Forbes, Telegraph
Recommended by:
New York Times, CN Traveler
Recommended by:
CN Traveler, Forbes
Recommended by:
CNN, Telegraph
Recommended by:
CNN, Telegraph
Recommended by:
CNN, Telegraph
Recommended by:
New York Times
Recommended by:
New York Times
Recommended by:
CNN
Located along the banks of Lake Ontario, the most distinguishing feature of this city is the CN Tower which dwarves the entire the city.
Kensington Market
It is a bohemian neighbourhood that attracts a hippie crowd to its art spaces and store-front. It is home to trendy bakeries, bars and cafes and a wide range of restaurants offering global cuisines. You can get a feel of the world by traversing the lanes of the Market.
Harbourfront
You will come across galleries, performance arenas and craft centres jostling for space along the water-front. You have shopping centres with retailers as well as casual shopping. There are many parks and trails which provide the hotels with a beautiful view.
Riverdale
It is a multicultural community with a strong Greek influence on the food scene. There is a strong presence of Asian flavour. One can escape the hustle bustle of the city and get lost amidst the Victorian architecture.
The Annex
Located in downtown Toronto is the home to the famous University of Toronto. Thus, it has a young gentry thronging the several fraternity houses. There is a vibrant social scene with independent stores and a mixed range of cuisine. Popular restaurants and hotels have branches in this neighbourhood.
Downtown
It is the heart of Toronto and is thronged with people both on business and vacation. You will find small budget hotels as well as imposing 5-star hotels. Dotted with skyscrapers, this place has much to offer in terms of diversity.
Also check out our guide about the best areas to stay in Toronto.
If you're looking for an affordable hotel in Toronto, then book The Strathcona Hotel. It's an excellent budget hotel offering great value for money. It's in a good location, it's been recommended by travel experts and the hotel has excellent customer reviews. Also check out our list of the best cheap hotels in Toronto.
You like some luxury but don't like the famous chain hotels. If you're looking for the best boutique hotel in Toronto, you should check out The Drake. It's a very cool hotel that has been highly recommended by travelers and experts.
Also check out our list of the best boutique hotels in Toronto, it's a manually curated list of the most unique and romantic hotels in the city.
If money isn't a problem and you're looking for a luxury hotel in Toronto, then go for Four Seasons Hotel Yorkville. The hotel offers excellent service, it's in a top location, it has been rated very highly by previous guests and renowned travel critics have recommended it.
Also check out our list of the best luxury hotels in Toronto, it's a manually curated list of the most exclusive 5-star hotels in the city.
Looking for a good and affordable private room or cozy dorm? Check out Planet Traveler Hostel. The hostel has been highly rated by backpackers. Also check out our list of the best hostels in Toronto.
Try Le Germain Hotel or The Grand Hotel & Suites if you're looking for a delicious breakfast at a hotel in Toronto. Both have excellent customer review ratings for breakfast.
If you're looking for a room with a view, then try Hotel Thompson. The hotel offers amazing views of Toronto according to recent customer reviews.
For a 3-star hotel you have to pay around $140 per night and for a 4-star hotel you would be looking at $200 per night. If you're after a luxury 5-star Toronto hotel then you can expect to pay around $450 per night.
Try The Hazelton Hotel if you're looking for a romantic getaway in Toronto, it has some excellent recent customer reviews by couples.
If you're looking to stay in Toronto with your family, then try Le Germain Hotel. The hotel has excellent review ratings by families.
Niagara Falls Day and Evening Tour With Boat Cruise and Optional Fallsview Dinner. Appreciate the full grandeur of the Niagara Falls area by day and night on this full-day tour from Toronto. Price: $136.
Toronto: Harbor and Islands Sightseeing Cruise. Enjoy a short cruise in the Toronto Harbour to enjoy views of the Toronto skyline and visit the Toronto Islands. This tour features live narration designed to entertain and inform as you explore the region. Price: $20.
Downtown Toronto Bike Tour. Get to know the best of Toronto on this guided, 3.5-hour bike tour. Learn about the history, culture and architecture of the largest city in Canada. Price: $68.
More things to do in Toronto
Toronto, the vibrant capital of Ontario, has evolved from a humble colonial outpost into one of the most culturally diverse and economically significant cities in the world. Originally established as York in 1793 by Lieutenant Governor John Graves Simcoe, the settlement was strategically positioned on the northern shore of Lake Ontario. Its history was marked by conflict, most notably during the War of 1812 when American forces briefly occupied and burned the town, an event that fueled a resilient local identity. By the time it was incorporated as the City of Toronto in 1834, it had begun its steady ascent toward becoming the pulsing heart of the Canadian economy.
Today, Toronto stands as a global beacon of multiculturalism and urban dynamism. It is a city that prides itself on being a mosaic rather than a melting pot, where over half of its residents were born outside of Canada, contributing to a tapestry of neighborhoods, culinary experiences, and perspectives that are unmatched in North America. Beyond its gleaming skyline dominated by the iconic CN Tower, the city serves as the country’s primary hub for finance, technology, and the arts, continuously attracting global talent drawn to its progressive atmosphere and economic opportunities.
Beneath the surface of this bustling metropolis lie several intriguing, lesser-known facts. For instance, Toronto is home to an extensive underground pedestrian network known as the PATH, which stretches for over 30 kilometers, making it the largest underground shopping complex in the world. Furthermore, while many associate the city with the sprawling urban landscape, it contains more than 1,500 parks and ravines that act as a hidden green lung for the city. Perhaps most surprising to visitors is the presence of the Toronto Islands, which constitute the largest urban car-free community in North America, offering a quiet, pedestrian-only sanctuary just a short ferry ride away from the frenetic energy of the downtown core.
We recommend you read our guide about where to stay in Toronto. It provides an excellent overview of the most popular areas, highlighting the main attractions and hotel recommendations for each area.
If you like our list of the best hotels and hostels in Toronto, then you should also check out our selection of recommended hotels in Montreal or the best hotels in Vancouver.