Every once in a while there are milestones in life that need to be celebrated. One of those occasions we could not allow to pass without the biggest of pomp and circumstance was that of my Mother’s 70th Birthday. How does one celebrate such a birthday? By whisking her away to Toronto for a stay at the Ritz Carlton Hotel, and by bringing the grandkids to add a little sass to our adventure.
After a two hour drive that included a copious amounts of snacks, one Disney movie and only one wrong turn, we arrived at our destination; The Ritz –Carlton, Toronto.
The Ritz-Carlton Toronto is located at 181 Wellington Street West, in the heart of Toronto, Ontario. The location is ideal for those looking to take in the sites, do some shopping or take advantage of some of the cities world class restaurants.
This distinctive downtown Toronto hotel features:
- The only Spa My Blend by Clarins outside of Paris
- A specially-commissioned collection of over 400 pieces of original Canadian art
- The largest luxury ballroom in Toronto with 7,400 square feet
- Dramatic views of the CN Tower, Lake Ontario, and downtown Toronto skyline
- The Ritz-Carlton Club® Level with continuous complimentary culinary offerings throughout the day (breakfast, light snacks, hors d’ oeuvres, alcoholic beverages and sweets)
- 24-hour fitness centre with Innovative Fitness personal trainers, salt water pool and jacuzzi
- Toronto dining options include, TOCA Restaurant, Ritz Bar and DEQ Terrace & Lounge
When we arrived, our car was expertly whisked away by the attentive valet.
Assistance was provided to get our stroller in working order. Lots of assistance, without even asking for it. The staff at the Ritz Carlton were always ready to help.
We entered the contemporary and stunning lobby and as we checked in, were greeted by chilled flutes of champagne.
The little one in our group was already enamoured with The Ritz-Carlton Toronto, having found himself a brand new ride! Waiting in the lobby for the smaller set were three glamorous Mercedes’s Benz pedal cars the young one’s were welcome to enjoy at their leisure.
Tearing my SassyNephew away from his new favourite thing in life, we made our way up to our rooms. Connecting suites we would call home for the weekend.
As we entered our suites we were met with some beautiful surprises, a hand written note welcoming us to the hotel, macaroons, gorgeous flowers both from Floraville and the Ritz , fresh fruit, and warm chocolate chip cookies. An incredible way to kick off the weekend.
Our first room was 450 square feet,contained a King Size Bed, a beautiful view of Lake Ontario as well as the iconic CN Tower. The bedding was sublime. A little investigation revealing each bed at the Ritz-Carlton Toronto is covered in Handcrafted Italian 400-thread-count Frette bed linens. Perfection.
A rollaway bed was added to our room without making it feel cramped, and without additional charge. The room also was equipped with a 42" LCD Flat Panel HD television with DVD player and a Bose Radio/CD/iPod sound system. Quite simply, it was a beautiful suite.
Separating the bed and bath was the mini bar and oversized closet.
Hidden underneath the mini bar is an electronic safe big enough to lock up your valuables and lap top.
The ensuite bath room spoiled with a large marble bathtub and separate rain-shower. The room was adorned with double sinks, heated floors throughout and an In-Mirror Bathroom flat-panel Television that makes you want to stay in the bath for hours.
Our second, and connecting room, comprised of two queen beds and was also spacious and luxuriously appointed.
There was plenty of room for the crib we required, and the additional bag of baby products provided for our smallest guest was very much appreciated.
The views from the large windows both day and night were truly picture worthy.
When we explored the hotel we walked through to the spotless pool area just waiting for guests to jump in and enjoy a swim.
Each time we ventured through the modern lobby, a new surprise awaited. From a Cheese Tasting set up for mid afternoon, to a Candy Bar to indulge in! A delightful surprise following a long afternoon of touring the city. Especially when travelling with your children!
Need to escape the city while you are in Toronto? Look no further than the DEQ Terrace Lounge. An urban oasis that with view of Simcoe Park and the CN Tower. Perhaps the perfect place for a night cap after a glorious day in the city.
Everywhere we turned the Ritz-Carlton staff could be seen, doing all they could to make our stays just a little bit brighter, the smallest bit more luxurious, and to spoil us a little bit more. They greeted us by name and even wished my Mother a Happy 70th Birthday as we drove off back to the suburbs. The staff take care, go beyond, and make me want to return with my family as soon as possible. If you are looking for a luxury stay with or without your children, I highly recommend the Ritz-Carlton Toronto. My only regret, that we had to leave so soon.
Thanks to the Ritz-Carlton Toronto for accommodating our stay to allow for this review, As always opinions expressed on this blog are my own.
What a beautiful play to stay. I have never been to Toronto nor have I ever stayed in a hotel as nice as this. The pool is so luxurious. The weekend looks like so much fun and better yet, you got to spend it celebrating a 70th birthday.
Oh thank you! I do wish I had a bit more time to spend so we could have lounged in that pool! So much to do and see in Toronto 🙂
Such a beautiful place and the staff is so nice and helpful. I didn’t want to leave. And I was there just for a few minutes LOL
Happy birthday to your mom!
P. S. Thank you for mentioning the flowers.
Thank YOU so much for adding another super sweet dimension to my Mother’s Birthday. She was so touched that she began to cry! Your flowers are among some of the most beautiful I have ever seen!
Thank you so much for letting me be part of this special day!
I have to admit I had no idea the Ritz-Carlton was in such an incredible location! Thanks for the inside scoop.
You’re welcome! The location really is ideal! Hoping to go back and take in a Jays game with my Hubby 🙂
The little pedal car is so cool, love the hotel!
My two year old nephew gets up every day and asks if he can please go back to Toronto now? That pedal car made an impression!
That’s a really nice hotel!
It really is a beautiful hotel, hoping to return soon!
Happy 70th to your beautiful mother, she sure had a great birthday gift, The Ritz is so luxurious and i love how they look after their guests, glad everyone enjoyed themselves and had fun
Thank you Lynda! Not only was this a gift for my Mother, it turned out to be an incredible gift for myself too. We all enjoyed ourselves at this stunning hotel.
Hotel looked nice, the macaroons looked absolutely yummy!
The hotel and the macaroons were delightful!
Looks like a great hotel! Glad to hear that it was a great getaway, I am sure your Mom had a great birthday!
My Mom truly had an amazing Birthday, and of course now find myself wondering why we waited so long to make an escape into the city. We loved everything about the Ritz-Carlton Toronto.
Toronto has so much to offer but we never really think of it as a place to escape to. Thinking we too will have to plan a trip one day!
I think planning a getaway to visit Toronto is a great idea! Spoil yourself!
This place is amazing looking! I don’t think I’ve ever been anywhere so luxurious, except for my 1st wedding recption at the Fairmont Empress…… What a great treat for your mom!
The Ritz-Carlton truly is amazing, luxury, grace and style all rolled into one. It really was a great treat for my Mom, and she assures me she adored every moment. 🙂
fancy! was the candy bar free? id be in heaven
Yes!! The candy bar was there for the guests to enjoy and it appeared to be a hit with everyone!
Your little nephew has a smile that lights up a room! Happy Birthday to your Mom what a fabulous hotel experience!
I have to agree my little nephew is adorable:) Thanks for the well wishes for my Mom, I will make sure she see’s this!
Yes he’s adorable but he’s got a gleam there lol….
Awe!! Happy Birthday to your Mom!!
Thank you so very much!
Lucky momma! And your nephew in that car, adorable!!!
Aww thanks Renee, and lucky us! We had a great weekend celebrating, and yes the pedal car was a touch I’d never seen in a hotel lobby before!
wow! what a nice spot!! Love the pedal car!
It was a beautiful place from top to bottom, and those pedal cars were icing on the cake for my 2 year old nephew!
Oh Happy Birthday Stephanie’s Mom what a very lucky girl you are to have such a caring family to share such an awesome weekend with. I can imagine how much laughter, fun and love was had by all. The Ritz-Carlton Toronto is truly a beautiful place I will have to check it out. Oh what a wonderful Birthday for a very deserving woman. Happy 70th. B
Thanks so much for the kind words! We indeed had a lot of laugh on this weekend and made some memories. The Ritz-Carlton was the perfect place to call home for the weekend!