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110 Year Old King Edward Hotel in Toronto, Ontario

Post last updated September 28, 2015

This year, King Edward Hotel in Toronto turned 110 years old.

Built in 1903 by Toronto’s wealthiest developer- George Gooderham – King Eddy (the nickname Torontonians use) was the city’s first luxury hotel.

Having only visited for afternoon tea and special events in the past, I was excited to explore and learn more about this iconic hotel as an overnight guest duringย a business conference.

Here are a few highlights:

Central Downtown Location

The King Edward Hotel is a just a few minutes walking distance from both King Street and Union TTC subways stations.

Located on King Street East, restaurants, stores, and attractions (Hockey Hall of Fame, St. Lawrence Market and Toronto Eaton Centre Shopping Mall to name a few) are near by as well.

King Edward Hotel Toronto Review Lobby

It’s central location is perfect for hotel guests or visitors who prefer public transit over driving.

Hotel parking is available and public parking lots are just a couple blocks away for guests with vehicles.

Elegant English Decor

The spacious lobby decorated with plush sofas, sky high ceilings, stunning chandeliers and light fixtures, enormous paintings, and columns and arches create a sense of opulence and grandeur.

Modern Hotel Rooms

The King Edward Hotel was recently taken over by Omni Hotels and Resorts and is currently in the middle of updating all of their hotel rooms.

Rather than posting pictures of my room (not updated yet) I thought I would share some photos of a room that has been fully renovated.

King Edward Hotel Toronto Review Renovated Room

Grey and red are the predominant colours used along with modern light and bathroom fixtures.

The king room we toured was incredibly spacious with a sitting area, TV, king bed, desk and good sized bathroom with a marble stand up shower.

It was open and airy and had a very boutique hotel vibe.

Amenities for Hotel Guests

Wifi is complimentary for Omni Hotel loyalty members along with complimentary shoe shine and morning beverage delivery.

Those travelling with little ones will be delighted to know that Omni Sensation Kids program is available at the King Edward. Backpack filled with activities and crayons? Milk and cookies delivery on the first night? Yes please!

Crystal Ballroom

Located on the 18th floor of the hotel, the spectacular Crystal Ballroom was the place to be and be seen.

With its breathtaking views of the city and architectural details on the moulding and walls, it’s not surprising many high-society members and celebrities flocked here for weddings, balls, and other important events.

King Edward Hotel Crystal Ballroom Details

The Crystal Ballroom has been closed to the public since the 1950s for fire safety reasons (they used to offer tours during Doors Open Toronto) and will be undergoing a massive multimillion dollar restoration.

Here are a few more photos of the ballroom. It has been untouched since being added to the hotel in 1921 and the restoration is expected to be completed by the end of 2014

King Edward Hotel Toronto Review Crystal Ballroom

The King Edward is full of history and has seen its fair share of scandal and gossip. The hotel has hosted many celebrities including John Lennon and Yoko Ono, Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, Margaret Thatcher, Mark Twain, Britney Spears and Martha Stewart. Ask the staff and they will tell you all they know!

Rumour has it that the King Eddy may be haunted too.

It is definitely worth a visit or overnight stay if you’re in the downtown area. And don’t forget about the tea!



About Cheryl - Kids On A Plane

Cheryl daydreams about exploring the world with her family often and will travel for good food, lattes and theme park rides that don't require her to go too high in the sky. She's afraid of heights!

Comments

  1. Gingermommy says

    October 9, 2013 at 2:12 pm

    My stay at the King Edward hotel was spectacular. I loved every bit of it. I personally prefer the old style of rooms but the modern updated were nice as well. The ballroom was gorgeous with all the historic elegant detail. You can definately feel the history or ghosts within ๐Ÿ™‚

  2. Shannon says

    October 10, 2013 at 5:36 pm

    I would love to take my daughters for the afternoon tea. Great pictures.

  3. Robin (Masshole Mommy) says

    October 23, 2013 at 11:43 am

    That is a lovely hotel – and they’re done a fantastic job with the upkeep of it, you know – considering it’s over 100 years old.

  4. Amber Edwards says

    October 23, 2013 at 12:19 pm

    Oh I absolutely adore old historical building like this! Especially grand places like this. I would love to visit it after the restoration! WOW! I’d love to attend a ball there too! lol.

  5. Grandma Bonnie says

    October 23, 2013 at 12:30 pm

    Sounds like a great place to have afternoon tea. I would love to see the ballroom. You got some great pictures.

  6. Bobbi Renee Hass-Burleson says

    October 23, 2013 at 2:33 pm

    WOWZA!! That place is absolutely gorgeous! Such beautiful pictures ๐Ÿ™‚

  7. Michele says

    October 23, 2013 at 4:55 pm

    What a spectacular looking hotel, inside and out. I love old world charm which it has in abundance! If I ever get to where it is located I will surely stay there–

  8. Terry (My Journey With Candida) says

    October 23, 2013 at 8:49 pm

    I have never stayed at The King Edward Hotel on my trips to Canada, but it looks beautiful and I love a place that is so filled with history.

  9. Tess says

    October 23, 2013 at 8:57 pm

    what a neat place. I would so want to stay there if ever traveling there.

  10. Slap Dash Mom says

    October 23, 2013 at 9:21 pm

    Wow, what an amazing view! I would love to be able to take those photos.. it’s beautiful.

  11. Amanda says

    October 23, 2013 at 9:23 pm

    This looks like an amazing hotel! I would love to take my family to Canada next year and I love the historic charm of this beautiful hotel!

  12. Le-an Lacaba says

    October 23, 2013 at 10:28 pm

    I absolutely love old things. I hope to go there someday!

  13. Kristen @ kristenione says

    October 23, 2013 at 10:47 pm

    I would love to visit a place like this! It looks like they’ve done a great job of making it have modern details while keeping the classic look as well.

  14. Dawn ~ Spatulas On Parade says

    October 23, 2013 at 10:49 pm

    oh wow very cool and beautiful as well. What a great trip and lovely room to enjoy.

  15. Liz @ A Nut in a Nutshell says

    October 23, 2013 at 11:54 pm

    When all is said and done, that is going to be absolutely magnificent. Already, it’s looking really nice and I do love the looks of a boutique hotel.

  16. Growing Up Madison says

    October 24, 2013 at 12:23 am

    Looks like a great hotel with a very nice history. Not sure if I would want to stay there if there’s a remote possibility that it’s haunted. ๐Ÿ™‚

  17. Tough Cookie Mommy says

    October 24, 2013 at 12:25 am

    I love the accommodations in this hotel and the architecture. I always say that you can tell a lot about a hotel by their upkeep. I can tell this one prides itself on being clean and looking great.

  18. amanda says

    October 24, 2013 at 9:23 am

    What a great looking place. It looks very high-end but still approachable.

  19. Pam says

    October 24, 2013 at 12:29 pm

    Love the pictures and the history. It seems like a beautiful place and I guess one would feel like a King or a Queen staying there. I love the possibility that it might be haunted.

  20. Courtney Pies says

    October 24, 2013 at 2:11 pm

    Oh my goodness, that hotel is absolutely beautiful! I would love to visit Canada sometime!

  21. Katherine Bartlett says

    October 24, 2013 at 2:40 pm

    Wow, this place looks amazing and completely beautiful!

  22. patricia says

    October 24, 2013 at 3:58 pm

    This place looks really nice. Very elegant too. I would love to stay there sometime. I doubt I will ever be able to but it sure is beautiful.

  23. Melanie a/k/a CrazyMom says

    October 24, 2013 at 6:27 pm

    WOW.. what a beautiful and historic hotel… LOVED your pictures totally made me feel like I was there with you… Wonderful review.. need to add this to my bucket list

  24. Anne | The Chef's Wife says

    October 29, 2013 at 12:40 pm

    WOW, WHAT an amazing hotel! That is absolutely gorgeous.

  25. Melinda L. says

    June 23, 2014 at 1:20 pm

    Simply stunning. It’s amazing how beautiful and historic this hotel is.

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