To keep our back-to-work-and-school malaise at bay we’re booking a little hotel getaway in our own hometown (Toronto, in the case). In the 1950s, the city’s Anndore House was a trendy hotspot frequented by such notables as Tony Bennett and Eartha Kitt. Today it’s a newly revamped bolthole, perfect for clandestine affairs, or escaping one’s children. —Marianne Wisenthal
sleep. Each of the loft-style bedrooms were designed by starchitects Cecconi Simone with mid-century vibes that include brick walls, bleached wood, leather club chairs, and kilim rugs. Every room also has a Crosley turntable and an enviable selection of classic vinyl (we had the Eurythmics on full blast). The bathrooms are heavenly, all black-and-white tile with cool brass fixtures and massive rainforest showers. Conveniently, a downloadable app lets you adjust room temps and lighting, or order room service from your mobile.
eat. At Constantine, the hotel’s breezy and oh-so-stylish restaurant, Mediterranean-inspired dishes are served family style. From Lebanese dirty rice and Swiss Chard fritters to Fogo Island cod and wood-fired lamb pizza, chef Craig Harding’s tasty menu may have you fighting over the last spiced carrot. Nevermind, order a second Lavandula gin cocktail and you’ll be smooching by dessert.
sip and snack. The in-room SMEG kettles are great, but for a proper caffeine fix the hotel’s Scarlet Door café serves a mean latte. There’s also a delectable range of baked goodies made in-house by the restaurant’s pastry chef. If you manage to escape without polishing off an entire Nutella Bomboloni, you’re stronger than us.
trim. Just off the lobby, guys will love the Crows Nest Barbershop. An outpost of its Kensington Market location, this is the place for classic cuts, shaves and beard trims. The Instagrammable space has fun fish wallpaper, vintage green sinks, and old-school chairs. While he’s getting pampered, you can sit at the nearby lobby bar and sip a cool cava brut.
do. The Anndore House is conveniently set near Yonge and Bloor, the centre of practically everything. It’s a mere five minute trot north to the ROM and Yorkville restos, five minutes east to Church Street bars, and only two blocks south from Nordstrom Rack. For trips further afield there are cruiser bikes on hand, though once you’ve had some bubbly and a nap we suspect you’ll be hard-pressed to leave.
share:
Be the first to comment