Last week I felt like a princess. A princess in the heart of the city. The big city. For a country girl like me visiting Toronto is a always a a lot of fun. An adventure and time to see new things. When I heard that LINK2013 , the first ever conference for SheBlogs publishers was going to be held at The Omni King Edward hotel I knew I had to go.
Just a ten minute walk from Union Station this historic hotel was everything I dreamed and more.
Historic Downtown Toronto Hotel
Experience the luxury of Toronto’s history at The Omni King Edward Hotel. Stay in one of our many Re-Imagined Premier Guest Rooms that are a blend of graceful Canadian elegance. The Omni King Edward hotel has hosted visitors for over 100 years. Our luxuriously newly appointed premier guest rooms feature the finest in, furnishings, custom bedding and detailed crown moldings all with beautifully appointed marble baths. Experience modern day comforts in this legendary hotel. Guests to our downtown Toronto hotel have included Ernest Hemingway, The Beatles, Elizabeth Taylor, among others.
Nestled in the financial district at the heart of the city, the hotel upholds its regal legacy through a commitment to traditional hospitality with sleek modern sensibility. The 301 spacious guest rooms and suites boast old-world, turn of the century charm combined with sophisticated comforts and elegant décor that pays homage to a proud history as Toronto’s first luxury hotel.
The history of the hotel itself was noticeable throughout every floor. Originally built in 1903 this was Canada’s first luxury hotel. As you can imagine many important people including celebrities have stayed there over the years.
Notable dignitaries and luminaries housed in the hotel have included Mark Twain, Rudolph Valentino, Louis Armstrong, Elvis Presley, Margaret Thatcher, Britney Spears, and Ernest Hemingway who had lived in the hotel for a period. The Beatles stayed at the hotel’s royal suite during their first visit to Toronto, in 1964, and caused the hotel’s biggest commotion to date, when 3,000 fans packed the streets and flooded the lobby. In 1969, John Lennon and Yoko Ono stayed in the same royal suite a day before their bed-in for peace began. In February 1964, “moralists picketed” when Liz Taylor and Richard Burton stayed in a suite together; they were not married to one another at the time, causing a scandal.
The King Edward has not only housed film stars but also film sets, from the mellow, Leonard Cohen’s 1983 musical I am a Hotel, to the melodramatic, Jamie Foxx’s film Bait, which, during a stunt mishap, caused an explosion that shook the building and shattered windows.
I shared the room with one other lady blogger and we had more than enough room for the two of us. We had a Deluxe room with two queen beds, comfy comfy beds with lots of pillows. It had a huge walk in closet and two chairs with table and dresser as well as desk. We had so much room. The room was well stalked with a mini bar and many personal products for our use. We also got complimentary water bottles daily. Since I am a Omni rewards member we got free WiFi and newspaper daily. Coffee delivered was an option as well (free)
source Wikipedia
The bowl of apples on the front desk was a nice touch as was the bar and store for souvenirs in the lobby. The staff was amazing and so nice. I love the historic rooms and was in aw when on the tour of the updated suites. Still elegant but modern the new renovations are amazing! We even has an exclusive tour of the ballroom that has not been open to the public in over 30 years. A popular spot for people to request pics it will be undergoing a transformation and once again be used for gatherings. Standing in the middle of the room you could feel the history and get a taste for all the parties and celebrations that once took place.
The ballroom at the King Edward hotel is a large venue and has the most amazing detail. Closed due to fire code I really hope they can restore the detailed charm of the room.
For more information to to book your next stay visit them online King Edward Hotel
Facebook Omni Hotels and Twitter @OmniHotel @KingEddyHotel
Have you been to the Omni King Edward before ? What was your favourite part?
This is so cool Kim! When I lived in Toronto, I lived almost right across from the King Edward. I have never been inside but loved the outside and it's elegance!!
Luxury at its best. I really want to check out their afternoon tea. Thinking of making a day trip with my girls. Great review and pictures.
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It was nice seeing you again Kim. I love the location of the King Edward. So close to the TTC and major attractions.
Love the view from your room! Chuckling at the bedet though 😉
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would like to stay there
You had a bidet! I didn't have one of those. LOL. It was a very nice hotel.
My recent post The King Edward Hotel Toronto Review
LOL yes and we may have been playing around with it and flooded the floor ;P
I love the king Eddie! It’s so historic and regal! I loved seeing all the ladies dresses up for the high tea!
I really enjoyed my stay at the King Edward as well, talk about comfort!
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What a beautiful hotel! Keeping this in mind on our next trip there, thanks for the fantastic post!
ok they have a bidet? Seriously? I love it! It's one of the few "weird' things I missed when I moved to North American from the Middle East/Asia
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