CHECKING IN
Our favourite hotel stays.
1
KIMPTON SAINT GEORGE
For their first Toronto property, which straddles upscale Yorkville and the student-filled Annex, Kimpton brought on the firm Mason Studio to execute the design inspired by the area’s heritage houses – all warm wood arches and pottery by local artisans. NUMBER OF ROOMS 188. WHAT WE LOVED Sipping our morning cuppa in the cozy lobby Living Room, where coffee and tea are served beneath artist Tisha Myles’ misty nature mural (blue jays included). ROOM PERKS Each of the 21 suites is equipped with a Teac turntable and collection of Canadian vinyl, including Feist and The Weeknd, curated in partnership with local institution Sonic Boom Records.
2
HOSTAL SPA EMPÚRIES
Set in a white villa built in 1907, this Costa Brava hotel charms with ancient mosaic tiles, airy rooms with sea views and a laid-back location on the sleepy beach of Playa de Portixol, where Speedoclad locals flock to soak up the sun. NUMBER OF
ROOMS 55. WHAT WE LOVED Watching the waves while sitting by the Mediterranean-facing windows at Bistró del Mar, nibbling on ham croquettes, stuffed olives and classic pan con tomate (grilled bread rubbed with tomato and topped with salty local anchovies). WALK TO the GrecoRoman ruins of Empúries dating back to the fifth century BC, located just 300 metres from the hostal.
3
REDCHURCH TOWNHOUSE
Tucked down an alley in humming Shoreditch, this Soho House outpost is a 10-minute Sunday stroll from the Columbia Flower Market. Not that these rooms need sprucing up – the retro interiors boast sleek velvet couches and copper accents. NUMBER OF ROOMS 37. WHAT WE LOVED Showering. There are more Cowshed bath products here than you could use in a single stay (though we certainly tried). BEST FOR discerning diners. Renowned restaurant Lyle’s is nearby, while Cecconi’s downstairs offers killer pizzas and an Italian-style Sunday dinner – not to mention an art program featuring 40 East London artists, all under 40.
4
HYATT PLACE EDMONTON-WEST
This low-key hotel in La Perle is close to familyfriendly spots like the Sea Life Caverns aquarium and North America’s largest shopping destination, the colossal West Edmonton Mall. NUMBER OF ROOMS 161. WHAT WE LOVED Starting the day with a no-holds-barred breakfast of cage-free eggs, steelcut oatmeal, fruits and bacon at the complimentary buffet before hitting the slopes at the Rabbit Hill Snow Resort, a 30-minute drive away. ROOM TO BOOK King rooms come with work and hang-out areas hidden from your sleeping space by a screen. Sit at the desk to conduct business, or stretch your legs out on the sectional sofa that turns into a bed to accommodate extra guests.