Hotel X includes a 250-seat theatre where films and performances are shown. The hotel is located on the Exhibition grounds near Lake Ontario. (Photo courtesy of Hotel X)
In 1955, Kay Thompson’s beloved classic children’s story, Eloise, was published. Eloise is a fun-loving and curious little girl who lives in the tippy-top floor of the Plaza Hotel in New York City with her nanny and pets.
If Eloise were Canadian, she’d probably live at Hotel X Toronto by Library Hotel Collection. Though, it may not be the historic Plaza — it doesn’t need to be. This 2018 entry into the city’s luxury hotel scene is earning a reputation of being a classic on its own. In the third instalment of Eloise, the precocious 6-year-old is fa-la-la-lollying her way from apartment to apartment and floor to floor, which, arguably, is the best way to discover this gem of a hotel since it is based on the Dewey decimal system.
Thanks to a Second City theatre performance staged at the hotel, you can get into the character’s vibe. Make merriment with your neighbours and fellow audience members at the Improv Showdown performance, which runs until January 5. The approximately one-hour show is loosely scripted so anything can happen.
Discover More: Hotel X for a Staycation
The audience is divided into two: Team Yellow and Team Purple. The skilled improvisers encourage audience members to make suggestions for each scene. This is where you’ll need and will want to channel your inner Eloise, and just dive into the fun and unpredictable world of improvisation. Have no fear, it’s completely family-friendly. Hotel X provides entry to the show for free to its overnight guests.
The lobby-level Kandy Gallery at Hotel X features landscape images that will inspire you to explore the world. (Photo courtesy of Hotel X)
After performance art be sure to take in the breathtaking visual art that is found virtually everywhere at Hotel X. For instance, you’ll be feeding your appetite for wanderlust when you feast your eyes on the Kandy Gallery as photographer Neil Dankoff takes you on a photographic journey from the majestic California redwoods to the hilly wine region of Siena, Italy, to the swampy areas of Kyoto, Japan.
Kids are pampered at Hotel X, where luxury robes and special treats are offered for their stay. (Photo courtesy of Hotel X)
And if you have kids journeying with you, be sure to explore the incredible facilities designed for fun and fitness. Hotel X boasts a 3,000-square-foot Play Centre that includes tennis and squash courts, state-of-the-art fitness studios, toys, books, game consoles, arts and crafts, and much more. There is even child minding for up to three hours. Pint-sized hotel guests will receive robes and milk and cookies. Since pets are family, too, there’s something special for your fur babies as well. Four-legged friends are treated to their own bed and special treats.
Situated in the heart of the city’s Exhibition grounds, home to the famous national fair each summer, the hotel’s white façade is massive and commands your attention with its unobstructed views and posh amenities, including a comfy 250-seat movie theatre, and a rooftop pool and lounge. More reasons to merrily make your way to this Toronto destination this winter.
More About Hotel X Toronto
Hotel X’s rooms feature stunning panoramic views of Toronto, including the chance to see epic sunrises over Lake Ontario. (Adrian Brijbassi photo for Vacay.ca)
Location: 111 Princes’ Boulevard West, Toronto, Ontario (see map below)
Website: hotelxtoronto.com. Telephone: 1-855-943-9300 (toll free).
Room Rates: A recent search on the hotel’s booking engine returned a rate of $258 for a weekend night in early January.
Second City’s Improv Showdown: For those theatre-goers not staying at the hotel, the cost per ticket is $15 and can be purchased online.
