The Cosmopolitan Hotel Toronto: A Fantastic Escape in the Heart of Toronto

Toronto is a great city and there is no doubt that it has some fine hotels. The key to a stay in the Big Smoke is location and you definitely want to stay central for easy access to the subway to head to great areas like Bloor West, Danforth or Yorkville. In the heart of the city at Yonge and Colborne Street, the Cosmopolitan Hotel is a five-minute walk to Union Station, the financial district, theatre district, St. Lawrence Market and two blocks from the Eaton Centre. It’s perfect.

Hotel staff is key to any stay. After a long day, an expeditious hassle-free check-in by someone who is professional, friendly and helpful is so appreciated. The front desk staff gets a 10 out of 10 on that score. My room was spacious, clean and comfortable with nice soft and crisp bed linens, soft towels and comfortable bathrobes. Neat and unexpected features were the very hip wrap-around windows that made the room feel even more spacious and I was lucky enough to have a view of lake Ontario which was amazing. With the kitchen and other amenities, my room at the Cosmopolitan Hotel felt more like a condo than a typical hotel. The modern and spacious bathroom had a walk-in shower (no tub). There's also a spa and a gym in the hotel where you can fit in a nice workout.

While the rooms are all suites with a kitchenette and ultra-modern appliances, if you are staying three or more days, request the Cosmopolitan’s Lotus Suite which is larger and includes a stove, refrigerator, microwave, coffee-maker, dishwasher and washer/dryer. The Lotus suite also features a step-out balcony that looks down on to King Street.

If you don’t feel like fending for yourself, the Cosmopolitan Hotel Toronto has a stylish restaurant and lounge called Eight Wine Bar which has a wonderful selection of wines and cocktails. These libations go well with the impressive and very tasty menu. My colleagues and I ordered several dishes to share tapas style and made a night of it. The restaurant also serves a scrumptious breakfast. However, there are also lots of little breakfast nooks and coffee shops in the area… or coffee may be served in your room if you don’t feel like venturing far. On my second morning, I took the five-minute stroll from the hotel to Toronto’s famous St. Lawrence Market. There are countless interesting restaurants and pubs all within walking distance of the hotel.

It’s also very popular with the Toronto International Film Festival entertainment crowd who gather in Toronto each September which is great for catching a glimpse of the stars.

The hotel charged $12 a day for Wi-Fi. As a business traveler, I found that a turn-off. Most hotels offer it for free and on principle, I just don’t think higher-end hotels should do this – it rubs me the wrong way. Other than that, I loved the place and enjoyed my stay. I would definitely recommend it to others. All in all, it’s a great hotel.

Cosmopolitan Hotel Toronto, 8 Colborne Street (at Yonge), Toronto.

By David Gerard