HOTEL REVIEW
Eye Maple extend from lobby level to the
floor above. Showcasing the talent of chef Tom Brodi, a rising star attracting acclaim locally, TOCA radiates warmth through a choice of cherry walls and handscraped walnut flooring. Banquettes in understated hues of gold cater for all-day service while the main dining room is decorated with overhead aluminium globe lamps, graphic photography by Steven Elphick and a $250,000 cheese cave. An open pastry corridor leads to a chef’s table situated in the heart of the kitchen. Back down on lobby level, DEQ Lounge is an alternative setting in which to relax, with its stained anigre wall panelling, spider marble fireplace and bar, and coloured glass icicle feature giving a decorative effect. It is perhaps in DEQ that the Art Deco undertone is most apparent in antique mirrors, bronze tables, glowing table lamps and wall sconces. A sizeable outdoor patio comes complete with open-air fire pit. Appropriately, guestrooms are a study in clean lines with luxurious anigre, cherry and rosewoods complemented by leather and linen in cream, mustard and orange accents. Portuguese Estremoz marble bathrooms are notable for their size, heated flooring, vanity mirrors embedded with television screens, Kohler soaking tubs and rain showers and gleaming chrome fittings. The highlight of this luxury hotel, though, is to be found in the upper floors of the
glass podium where extensive meeting and banqueting spaces, and a spa sanctuary featuring 16 treatment rooms, encourage Torontonians and travellers alike to spend time here. Taylor likens the podium to a “glass evocation of a marquee.” There is no shortage of design detail in the two ballrooms and their surrounds; high points include a bold carpet designed by HBA and manufactured by Ulster Carpets, which graphically represents the flora and fauna of Toronto’s coastline, in addition to shimmering Baldinger glass chandeliers shaped like petals. Indeed lighting plays a key role in the two events floors, with other fixtures including red Murano glass wall sconces from Alger. The Urban Sanctuary, meanwhile, offers a sybaritic experience thanks in part to the use of opulent rosewoods, bamboos, glass mosaics, Botticino marble and gold leaf wall coverings. An eye- catching floor mosaic at spa reception, with colours chosen to replicate changing seasons, represents the great outdoors once again, as do the maple leaf carpet and undulating seashell lighting fixture in the co-ed relaxation lounge.
The Ritz-Carlton’s first property in Canada
celebrates its sense of place, whilst the care and attention that has been poured into the property’s exteriors and interiors have created an urban retreat of the highest order.
062 SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2011
WWW.SLEEPERMAGAZINE.COM
Suites offer floor-to-ceiling windows with heated perimeters, rich African Anigre wood and Portuguese Estremoz marble that complements the contemporary décor. The club level on floors 18 through 20 includes access to the elegantly-appointed 20th floor Club Lounge, with magnificent water views
EXPRESS CHECKOUT
The Ritz-Carlton, Toronto 181 Wellington Street West Toronto Ontario M5V 3G7, Canada Tel: +1 416 585 2500
www.ritzcarlton.com
„ 267 guestrooms, including 59 suites ‰ TOCA by Tom Brodi restaurant  TOCA Bar, DEQ Terrace and Lounge [ 23,000ft2
fitness centre and pool + 20,000ft2
(inc. two ballrooms)
Developers: Graywood Developments, Cadillac Fairview, Marriott International Operator: The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company Architect: Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates, Page + Steele Interior Design: HBA/Hirsch Bedner Assoc. Contractor: EllisDon Corporation Structural Engineer: Halcrow Yolles Lighting Consultant: Lightbrigade Architectural Lighting Design
Urban Sanctuary including spa, conference and banquet facilities
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