The Gladstone Hotel (Toronto, ON)
Advice on how to get the most out of your travels!
- $200/night
- Queen Standard
Great For:
- Funky Art
- Unique Room Design
- Hipster Neighborhood
Overall Rating (4/5)
- Independent
- Summer 2015
“Using the original 19th century Victorian architecture, exposed brick walls and high ceilings, local Canadian artists have come together to transform the Gladstone’s 37 hotel rooms into experimental, alternative works of art, making this boutique hotel one of Toronto’s favourite Art Hotels.”
Location
The Gladstone Hotel is located in the West Queen West neighborhood of Toronto. This neighborhood is known for boutique shopping, great restaurants/bars and hipster art scene. It feels like the Brooklyn of Toronto. The historic building in this up and coming neighborhood is therefore a perfect location for an art-themed boutique hotel.
The hotel location served me well; there were countless eating and drinking options a short walk away. You can also walk out the front door, take the trolley and arrive in downtown Toronto before you know it!
Service
Service was very efficient and pleasant. My check in process was very smooth, as was check out.
One fun quirk about the hotel is the old time elevator. This classic elevator requires the service of an elevator operator as you cannot ride it on your own. That may sound like a potential annoyance but in practice, every time I needed the elevator, the operator seemed to appear out of nowhere. No wait at all!
Room
Each room at the Gladstone is designed by a different artist or architect. My descriptions of the various room offerings will not do them justice, check out the hotel’s room by room descriptions.
I chose “Offset“. Located on the 4th floor, off of Queen street (supposedly quieter), this room was designed by artist/architects Heather Dubbeldam and Tania Ursomarzo. The concept is a “room within a room”, a play of dimensions and planes – where certain elements of the room seem to “float” within others. I was intrigued to see the concept in action and also appreciated the minimalist elegance. Check out the youtube video for a full explanation by the artists.
The wooden beams framing the outer plane of the room did give the bed a “floating” sensation.
I enjoyed the view of the city and train tracks out the window. I had read that some rooms experienced a lot of street noise but this 4th floor west facing room was perfectly quiet.
Biggest drawback to the room was that the bathroom was TINY.
The high quality toiletries made up for the tiny bathroom, just a little bit. I would also like to add that the in room “mini bar” had high quality, local snacks at surprisingly reasonable prices! I may have helped my self to a couple of items 🙂
Amenities
Outside of the rooms themselves the main attraction to the Gladstone is the art. Each floor boasts its own mini gallery featuring some pretty far out art.
The Melody Bar on the ground floor is also a neighborhood draw, hosting events such as live music, karaoke and even adult coloring. For food, there is a bar and cafe.
The hotel does not have its own fitness facilities, instead, all guests are provided access to a gym a short walk away.
Value
Coming to Toronto for a weekend in July, prices were comparable to most tourist destinations. Therefore, at $200, the Gladstone Hotel was a pretty good value. I would have enjoyed a larger bathroom but given the historic nature of the hotel, I’m not sure there is much they can do about that. I’ve never experienced a hotel quite like the Gladstone so I’m very Glad to have chosen this accomodation.
Every room at the Gladstone has its own story, if only I had time to check out more than one!
Where is the funkiest hotel that you have ever stayed?
