New features at Toronto luxury hotel
Trump International adds gallery and pub tours, luxury cars and more
ROCHELLE LASH
Trump International Hotel & Tower Toronto figures that its sophisticated patrons have done it all, so they have crafted a new roster of thrilling and sociable experiences.
Trump’s guests expect something above and beyond. And, why not? The hotel is part of the hospitality empire of Donald Trump, flamboyant businessman and front- running U. S. presidential candidate, and it is one of only two establishments in Toronto on Forbes’ Five- Star list, along with the Four Seasons.
Here are some of the extravagant and exclusive new excursions as curated by Trump’s concierges and orchestrated by its new general manager, Jean- Luc Barone, who is from France via many world capitals. Prices are per person, based on tours for two people, and are in addition to lodging rates. For art lovers: Art connoisseurs can take a four- hour insiders’ tour by limousine of museums, galleries and historic sites to discover cutting- edge art and meet top dealers. You can customize according to your cultural passions. The one- year- old Aga Khan Museum of Islamic art is the newest, hottest game in town and the Sandra Ainsley Gallery exhibits exquisite glass and mixed media by Dale Chihuly and others. The tour also makes stops for refreshments, including at Bar Raval, Buca or Indie Ale House; $ 485 per person, based on two people. Drivers wanted: The Exhilarating Car Experience is a rare opportunity for luxury car aficionados to pilot super- charged machines, all in the same day: Audi R8 V10, Nissan GTR “Godzilla,” Ferrari F430 F1, Lamborghini Gallardo and Porsche 977 Carrera 4S. You’ll drive through the scenic vineyards of Niagara Peninsula with lunch overlooking the Falls, followed by Champagne and Cuban cigars; $ 5,722 per person. Hollywood on wheels: The Movie Hero Stunt Driving Experience promises an adrenalin rush in a BMW stunt car on a downtown lot, mastering such techniques as J- Turns, reverse 180s and a slalom course; $ 3,093 per person. Niagara from the sky: The Niagara by Helicopter & Vineyard Experience is pure drama. Guests will soar over the falls on a twin- jet helicopter and then indulge in a gourmet lunch at one of the area’s glorious wineries; $ 4,855 per person. What’s trending: The Trend Hunt-
ing in Design & Art package takes guests around Toronto’s Queen St. West Art & Design District, named among the coolest in the world by Vogue magazine; $ 485 per person. Dinner is ready: Top Chef Canada winner Karl Heinrich will share his wisdom at his Richmond Station restaurant. Fledging cooks will recreate his signature dishes and enjoy a tasting menu with wine; $ 229 per person. A cold one, or two: The Craft Breweries Tour is a sociable pub- crawl to micro- breweries with tastings, food pairings and narration by an expert beer sommelier; $ 192 per person. Music, maestro: Trump guests can opt for a Night at the Toronto Symphony at Roy Thompson Hall, with a gift CD signed by the conductor; $ 187 per person.