LOCATION: 8/10
Conveniently located on a quiet street, just one block away from the crossroads of the city’s subway system at Yonge and Bloor. The Anndore House is a five-minute walk from Bloor Street’s luxury shopping, the upscale Yorkville area and the LGBTQ+ neighbourhood. The Royal Ontario Museum is a 10-minute walk east. Downtown shopping is 10 minutes away by subway, and the Financial District is a 15-minute taxi ride.
STYLE & CHARACTER: 9/10
Chic public areas are dark and sexy with a whiff of retro. A kitchen island-style front desk embodies the casual character. Earthy greens, eggplant and garnet are matched with dark wood and subdued lighting. Gold accents on flooring, skylights and furniture add a glam touch. Gold-framed art hung ‘salon-style’ carries on into the panelled and velvet lobby bar and the gorgeous restaurant beyond, which are linked by dazzlingly lit open shelving filled with white crockery.
SERVICE & FACILITIES: 7/10
Service is warm and relaxed, efficient and unobtrusive. Guests can use the hotel app to check in, open their door, control the lights and temperature, order room service and watch television. The app also acts as a concierge service, offering tips on living like a local, listing weekly events, restaurant recommendations and guidebook must-dos. Guests get complimentary pass to Hone Fitness behind the hotel. Massage therapists from nearby KX Yorkville health clinic can come to the hotel for appointments.
FOOD & DRINK: 9/10
The Constantine restaurant draws a crowd from all over town, lured by admired chef Craig Hardy’s clever mix of Italian and Middle Eastern fare. The huge open kitchen is on full display, practically in the middle of the room, anchored by a grill and pizza oven (both wood-fired). Expect things like pumpkin kibbeh stuffed with feta, grilled halloumi on Italian fritters, lamb sausage pizza and duck kofte, along with gorgeous handmade pastas and sumptuous meats. The bar mixes smart cocktails and serves shareable menu items. Things like ocean trout lox on hand-rolled Montreal bagels, a bacon and bitter greens frittata, and lemon-ricotta buttermilk pancakes help elevate a varied breakfast menu.
Out on the street, the Scarlet Door Café does the hotel’s grab-and-go duty, serving coffees, paninis, sweets and baked goods.