The Drake Hotel Toronto Review
Overall Impression
The Drake Hotel in Toronto is one of those rare finds in the world of business travel. Although I wouldn’t really classify The Drake as a business hotel, I like to stay here on business because it’s a nice departure from the usual Sheraton and Delta mass predictability. Queen Street West is not likely going to be a favourite spot for many people, but if you like a bit of grunge ala The Plateau in Montreal, or the Lower East Side in Manhattan, Haight Ashbury in San Francisco, and Gastown in Vancouver, than you might like The Drake.
The hotel itself has has a great bar for live bands in the basement, a nice lounge and coffee shop on the main floor, and a great roof top patio for those summer nights. The restaurant is top notch and the place has a nice youthful vibe. The only cons to me are the small rooms and the limited number (22) of rooms available. I have stayed most times in suite 202 which is listed as the XL room on the Drake website. The XL suite is plenty big enough for me, but the other rooms like the Crash Pad are quite small. When I think boutique hotels I think The Drake.
My Rating: 4 stars
Value Range: $175-300 USD per night
Recommended!
Location
The Drake is situated quite far west on Queen Street West, so it is a bit of a hoof from Bay Street or the Bloor and Yonge business area, but it’s nothing a quick cab ride won’t solve. The area surrounding the Drake is filled with hip bars and boutique clothing shops. Particular bar favourites of mine are The Cadillac Lounge and the Beaconsfield. If you are a hipster you might like the Social down the street. There are also a bunch of eateries, coffee shops, and even a laundromat nearby.
Amenities
Restaurant, lounge, coffee shop
Service
I have always had great service at The Drake.
Elevator Speed
The stairs were reasonably quick! It’s a small hotel.
Atmosphere
Hipster boutique.
Bed Comfort
The bed was awesome.
Internet
Free internet!
Room Cleanliness
The room was squeaky clean.
Toiletries
Kiehl’s. Yep. The good stuff.
Family Friendly
Not really. The rooms aren’t really geared for family stays.
Rates
Rates are posted in the $200-$300USD range. Don’t go here for more than $200 per night. Actually make that $175.
Other Notes
This is one of my favourite hotels. Hands down.
Number of Stays
3
When
Spring 2008, Fall 2008
Frequent Flyer Miles / Hotel Points
No.
