Fairmont Royal York- Toronto, ON

Without question, Fairmont’s portfolio of historic hotels is peerless. Under their management, and meticulous maintainence, the grand hotels constructed by the Canadian Pacific Railroad still shine a century after their construction. While best known for their Châteauesque stunners in scenic locations, such as Banff and Lake Louise, the railroad also constructed city hotels that were equally impressive, including Toronto’s Royal York.

Built between 1927-1929, on the site of an earlier hotel, the Royal York was designed by Montreal based architectural firm Ross and Macdonald (who also designed Chateau Laurier in 1909, Toronto’s Union Station, and the much loved Maple Leaf Gardens). The 28 story Châteauesque/Art Deco skyscraper was the largest hotel in the British empire when constructed, with over 1000 guest rooms, private baths, elevators, a 12,000 volume library and hospital wing. It also featured a Royal Suite, used by Queen Elizabeth II 20 times between 1951-2000.

The exterior of the hotel featured Indiana limestone with a steeply pitched roof and an Art Deco setback. Inside, the lobby impressed with a hand carved wooden ceiling and elaborate chandeliers. Other grand spaces included an elegant ballroom and later a nightclub known as the Imperial Room, which featured acts such as Ella Fitzgerald, Duke Ellington and Bob Hope.

Although renovated several times over the last century, the hotel retains many original features, accentuated magnificently by fabulous flower dispays. While the hotel’s nightclub is long gone, the Library Bar is an absolutely stunning social space, with some of the best bartenders in the city. Truly a Grand Dame, the Royal York has aged extraordinarily well, and remains one of the finest hotels in Toronto.