Brianna HarrisonI recently caught up with a friend from New York who brought his lovely family up to the 6ix for a little vacation. They had a blast exploring Toronto’s lively neighborhoods, checking out the CN Tower, and indulging in some serious shopping on Queen Street.
But when it came to their hotel stay, well, things didn’t go as smoothly. The room was a tad dirty, the decor felt like it was stuck in the ’90s, and the service was less than stellar.
Choosing the right hotel is crucial if you want your trip to be hassle-free and totally enjoyable. That’s why we’ve rounded up the top boutique hotels in Toronto that will not only meet but exceed your expectations.
For those looking for chic decor, amazing service, or simply a cozy retreat, here are the city’s best boutique hotels!
How much does staying at a boutique hotel cost in Toronto?
Staying at a boutique hotel in Toronto typically costs between $200 to $500 per night, depending on the hotel’s location, amenities, and time of year.
Prices can be on the higher end during peak travel seasons or special events. However, the unique design, personalized service, and exclusive experience often make it worth the splurge.
How We Chose the Best Boutique Hotels in Toronto
1. The Annex Hotel
The Annex Hotel is located in a lovely 100-year-old, three-storey property, and it’s known for its cozy, minimalist design.
The use of plywood for the millwork in the guest rooms adds to the hotel’s charm. And the homey vibe is enhanced by prints from local artists and houseplants, making it feel like you’re staying in a stylish Toronto apartment.
If you’re traveling with family, they have larger suites, and you can even request cots if you need them. As a bonus, the hotel offers a complimentary breakfast.
Plus, the location is spot-on for city sightseeing—you’re just a short stroll away from iconic spots like Casa Loma and a quick ride to the CN Tower and Eaton Centre. After touring the city, their onsite restaurant and bar are perfect for unwinding in the evening.
The only downside is that there are no elevators. This might be a consideration for guests with mobility challenges.
Pros
- Has a minimalist, homey vibe
- Has studios and larger suites
- Near Casa Loma, the CN Tower, and Eaton Centre
- Complimentary breakfast
- Onsite restaurant and bar
Cons
- No elevators
The Annex Hotel is my go-to whenever I’m in Toronto for work
“The Annex Hotel is my go-to whenever I’m in Toronto for work. It’s perfectly located, offers great value, and the food is fantastic—happy hour is a must, Raff’s pizza is unbeatable, and the breakfast menu is simple but spot on. The check-in process is seamless, especially with their online option, and the rooms strike the perfect balance between stylish and cozy, reminiscent of the original Ace Hotels before everyone else jumped on the bandwagon.”
oli b, Google Review
Had an amazing stay at The Annex Hotel
“We had an amazing stay at The Annex Hotel. Check in was super easy and the room was very clean and cute. The bed was so comfy! The location is so perfect and we felt very safe the whole time. There are so many great restaurants, bookstores, and cafes in the area. I can’t recommend this place enough and will definitely be making this my go to place everytime I visit!”
Melissa N, Google Review
2. Le Germain Hotel
Le Germain Hotel at Maple Leaf Square offers a stylish and convenient stay in the heart of Toronto. The rooms are modern, featuring flat-screen TVs, tea and coffee-making facilities, and a minibar.
Plus, guests can start their day with a deluxe continental breakfast, and the free Wi-Fi keeps you connected throughout your stay.
The hotel’s location is ideal for exploring the city, with Union Station, Ripley’s Aquarium, the CN Tower, and Rogers Centre just a short walk away. You’ll also find Scotia Bank Stadium right behind the hotel!
For those who enjoy staying active, the hotel has a 24-hour fitness center.
And when it comes to dining, Bar le Germain, the hotel’s on-site restaurant offers a variety of shareable and hearty dishes and an extensive cocktail and wine list.
However, we heard about guests being shuffled to other rooms since the ACs were not working in their rooms.
Pros
- Deluxe continental breakfast
- Modern and well-appointed rooms
- Near Scotia Bank Stadium and the CN Tower
- 24-hour fitness center
- Has an on-site restaurant
Cons
- Reports of faulty ACs
Room was spacious, well decorated, and very clean!
“Stay at le germain Maple Leaf square for the first time but won’t be the last! Celebrating my husband’s 40th birthday the staff went above and beyond writing him a bday card and leaving a lovely assortment of sweet treats for him! Booking process was easy, hotel is gorgeous, our room was spacious, well decorated and very clean! 8 minute walk to the Roger center and several restaurants. Staff was so friendly and easy to talk with. Definitely recommend staying here.”
Nancy Pugliese, Google Review
Great hotel in a great location
“This is a great hotel in a great location. Pearson airport is a 30 minute express train ride, union station is right here, affording transportation to all parts of Toronto. There is no need for a car!”
Jose L Galloza Jr, Google Review
3. The Ivy At Verity
Set in a restored 19th-century chocolate factory, The Ivy at Verity is a charming boutique hotel that combines European style with a slice of Toronto’s history.
Guests can enjoy allergy-free rooms, a lovely terrace, free Wi-Fi throughout the property, and a hot tub for unwinding after a day of exploring the city.
In addition, the on-site restaurant serves delicious meals, and the hotel also features a fitness center, an indoor pool, and a sauna, which is perfect for recharging.
The location is just the cherry on top, with the Toronto Eaton Centre, Ryerson University, and Yonge-Dundas Square nearby, and Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport just 4 km away.
The hotel’s 24-hour front desk is staffed by a multilingual team that speaks German, English, French, and Ukrainian—a nice touch for international travelers. But we did hear about some staff members who seemed indifferent to concerns or requests.
Pros
- European-style boutique hotel
- Allergy-free rooms with a terrace
- On-site restaurant and bar
- 24-hour front multilingual desk
- Near Yonge-Dundas Square
Cons
- Staff who seemed indifferent
Absolutely gorgeous rooms and wonderful service
“Absolutely gorgeous rooms and wonderful service. Super sketchy area and the parking situation is less than ideal. But once you’re inside, you’ll be very happy you came.”
We loved every moment of our stay
“We booked the Urban Retreat getaway and we loved every moment of our stay. The room was beautiful and the bed was so comfortable. The bathroom and amenities, particularly the bath salts, were luxurious and relaxing. We had a five course tasting menu at George’s restaurant and marvelled at the chef’s creativity. The staff was gracious and kind. The continental breakfast was the perfect amount of food after a huge meal the night before. We are already planning our next stay! Highly recommend The Ivy @ Verity and the George’s restaurant!”
maggie turner, Google Review
4. Kimpton Saint George Hotel
Kimpton Saint George Hotel is a stylish boutique spot in the heart of Yorkville. Its location is unbeatable, with the University of Toronto, Royal Ontario Museum, and St. George Subway Station just minutes away.
The hotel attracts a diverse clientele, including international travelers, University of Toronto parents, and families with young children.
In terms of design, it offers a mix of dark woods and mid-century-inspired furnishings. There are also plenty of aesthetic touches, including a giant owl mural, painted panels of woodland landscapes, and individual artworks in the guest rooms.
If you’re staying in one of the higher-end suites, you’ll enjoy perks like dining areas, bathtubs, and even record players with a stash of LPs by Canadian artists.
While the bathrooms are on the smaller side, they’re well-designed with spacious walk-in showers and luxurious Atelier Bloem products.
Sadly, we did hear reports of hygiene issues in the rooms.
Pros
- Located in the heart of Yorkville
- Dark woods and mid-century-inspired furnishings
- High-end rooms have dining areas, tubs, and record players
- Walk-in showers and Atelier Bloem products
Cons
- Small bathrooms
- Some hygiene issues
This hotel is in a fantastic location!
“This hotel is in a fantastic location! The subway is right around the corner and it is easy to get anywhere. However, they need to work on their cleanliness. The tea/hot water dispenser at the front desk had a long black hair in it and our room had a dirty/moldy fridge. The attached restaurant, The Fortunate Fox, was just okay.”
Mike Kay, Google Review
Staff went above and beyond to make my stay special
“I recently stayed here and had a fantastic experience. The staff went above and beyond to make my stay special, even surprising me with a lovely gift for my birthday. The room was comfortable, clean, and well-appointed, and the service was outstanding. Highly recommended!”
rohit singhania, Google Review
5. 1 Hotel Toronto
1 Hotel Toronto is a sustainable boutique hotel that’s inspired by the natural beauty of Lake Ontario. It features a welcoming lobby with salvaged materials and a stunning living wall.
The hotel’s commitment to sustainability is also evident in the use of reclaimed materials throughout the property, including wine bottles used for in-room tumblers and carafes.
The guest suites are designed to promote relaxation and well-being, with floor-to-ceiling windows, a soothing color palette, and high-quality textiles.
While the hotel provides a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere, note that the constant honking of cars on Wellington Street can be a noise disturbance for some guests.
On the upside, it’s located just a short distance from the CN Tower and offers a ton of amenities. These include a farm-to-table restaurant, rooftop bar, terrace with skyline views, swimming pool, fitness center, and 24-hour front desk.
Pros
- Sustainable boutique hotel
- Use of reclaimed materials throughout the property
- Near the CN Tower
- Farm-to-table restaurant and rooftop bar
- Rooftop swimming pool
- Fitness center and 24-hour front desk
Cons
- Noisy honking of cars
An incredible hotel that does not miss a beat!
“An incredible hotel that does not miss a beat! The customer service is truly on another level. From the moment we arrived to the end of our stay, they go out of their way to make you feel like a VIP. The vibe at this hotel is like something we haven’t experienced, focused on both luxury and wellness! Can’t wait for our return. Shoutout to Clement and the entire team at Harriet’s rooftop for incredible food and customer service! This place is a must try.”
Timothy Falconi, Google Review
Everything was done flawlessly
“Our stay at 1 Hotel exceeded our expectations. From the initial greeting, the staff was extremely friendly & patient as we did have questions. They went above & beyond to get us a table at the Harriet Rooftop Restaurant. The room was clean & set up perfectly. The also had a surprise set up for my girlfriend when we returned from dinner. Everything was done flawlessly. Valet service was an easy handoff & pick up
Top tier service. We will definitely be returning soon!”
MJ Hardaway, Google Review
