Toronto | Gladstone Hotel

Believe the rumors: Canadians are some of the friendliest people on the planet and Toronto is home to a really high percentage. I think of Toronto as a cleaner, kinder New York City. And like the Big Apple, there's just as much diversity, culture and things to keep you entertained for years without repeating activities. Distinctive neighborhoods abound, but when it comes to adulting like a pro, it's hard to beat the quirky, artistic West Queens West, home to the Gladstone Hotel.

Though not an adults-only property, the vibe and configuration of the Gladstone lends itself more to single travelers and couples. That's partly due to each room only having one bed, but also because the updated 37-room Victorian-style hotel hosts a variety of 19-and-over events throughout its public spaces.  Even when you go to book a room online, your only options are for one adult or two, children aren't even mentioned. So that's another reason you probably won't see any tikes roaming the halls here. Unless, of course, the ghost stories are true. 
–Steven Lindsey

gladstonehotel.com

5 Reasons to Visit Gladstone Hotel

37 Unique Artist-Designed Rooms
​​Unlike the corporate hotel chains of the world, no two rooms or suites at the Gladstone look alike. Each has been thoughtfully designed by an artist with a unique vision for the space, meaning you could end up in an all-purple room, one inspired by street grafitti, or one described as a "woodsy retreat where lesbian separatist commune meets Storybook Gardens." You can request specific rooms, too, so make sure to browse them all before booking.

Four Floors of Art
It isn't just the guest rooms where art abounds. The entire hotel might be better described as a living, breathing gallery with ever-changing exhibitions on each floor and in dedicated art spaces. Sometimes beautiful, sometimes disturbing, but always provocative, the artwork makes every stay at the Gladstone memorable on so many levels.

Food, Glorious Food
​​A cozy cafe (called, appropriately enough, Café) serves breakfast, lunch, dinner and weekend brunch. Across the hall, the Melody Bar transitions from a daytime place to chill with your computer to a nightly hotspot every Tuesday to Saturday. Patrons after 5p can imbibe on cocktails and sup on shareable plates, accompanied by lively programming ranging from music-themed bingo to live music Thursday to Saturday nights. 

Free Bicycle Use
Sure, it's easy to summon a ride from Uber or a taxi, but if you really want to explore the neighborhood (and beyond) like a local, the free bike program makes for a much better adventure. Bike paths are everywhere, so navigating is simple and safe. Bike are first-come, first-serve, so set your alarm accordingly.

A FULL Gym
If you like to keep active while traveling, a fitness room always makes working up a sweat easy and convenient—especially in winter months when walking around outside isn't necessarily top of your list. The Gladstone Hotel has taken the traditional fitness room and kicked it up several notches by offering its guests complimentary access to a full-service gym just a short walk away at 99 Sudbury Gym with two levels of weights and machines, group classes, and men's and women's locker rooms