It may not be the tallest building in Toronto but it is certainly one of the most visually
stunning.
The distinction of highest structure in the Big Smoke predictably goes to the CN Tower at 553 metres. And
once construction on the Trump International Hotel & Tower (282 m) wraps up later this year, The Donald's
offering will become the city's tallest residential building.
But that doesn’t mean the brand-new Ritz-Carlton in Toronto, the first of its kind in Canada and measuring in
at a respectable 210 m, is nothing short of extravagant.
With the grand opening on Feb. 16 being broadcast through a live feed on Facebook, there was a clear sense of
pride after five years of hard work culminated in the official opening of the opulent 53-storey hotel/condo
building.
Built to complement the rolling contours of the nearby Roy Thomson Hall, the company's first foray north of
the border (Montreal's Ritz operates under a different company) features 267 guestrooms, 159 condo
residences, an expansive spa sprawled over 23,000 square feet, two deluxe restaurants and a stylish bar with
a tapas-inspired menu.
The new Ritz is conveniently located in the heart of the Financial District at the corner of Wellington and
Simcoe. It is situated within walking distance of some of Toronto’s most distinctive landmarks, including the
CN Tower, the Rogers Centre, the Air Canada Centre, Roy Thomson Hall and the Princess of Wales Theatre.
Along with all the deluxe amenities you would expect from a high-end hotel, the Ritz doesn’t skimp on size.
All of their hotel rooms are at least 450 square feet with their two Deluxe Suites clocking in at a whopping
1,450 square feet each. If that wasn’t enough, the singular Ritz-Carlton Suite is an unbelievable 2,415
square feet!
To give you an idea of the decadence of the Ritz-Carlton Suite, located on the 20th floor with a view of Lake
Ontario, it boasts a 42” LCD HDTV in the living room with a smaller 19” version in the bathroom, a
full-service fitness area, a Bose surround sound system complete with CD and DVD players, and
floor-to-ceiling windows. The dedicated employees also make sure you’re looking your best with complimentary
shoe shines and garment pressing.
The spa at the new lodgings, about 10 times the size of the aforementioned suite, shouldn’t disappoint. With
16 treatment rooms, a nail salon with nine stations, a yoga studio, a full-fledged fitness centre with
state-of-the-art equipment, a steam room, sauna and pool, there appears to be something for
everyone.
Feb. 16 was indeed a historic day for the Canadian hotel industry. Ritz-Carlton hotels have a long and rich
history, with the first of its kind opening in New York City in 1917. Fast-forward to today and Ritz-Carlton
now has 78 properties in 23 countries, with Canada being the latest (and likely not the last) recipient. The
high level of customer service permeating the company is summed up by a phrase that has effectively become
their credo. Hotelier Horst Schulze coined the following motto more than 20 years ago, which sums up the
sophistication of the brand: "We are Ladies and Gentleman Serving Ladies and Gentlemen."
So to all the ladies and gentlemen of Toronto and the tourists it attracts: What are you waiting for? •
