Nestled in the trendy Yorkville district and overlooking the fashionable boutiques, bars and restaurants you’ll find The Hazelton Hotel. The hotel is a sophisticated retreat from the city, showcasing a selection of Canadian artwork throughout, it oozes glamour and feels almost like a private members club minus the stuffiness. It’s easy to see how this place attracts the glitterati, low lighting combined with discreet dark colours and plush fabrics gives it that vintage, Hollywood vibe. The hotel has hosted the likes of Gaga, Justin Timberlake and Naomi Watts and home-grown talent like Drake and Justin Bieber are often spotted in the bar.

While this place oozes style you don’t feel like an outsider, the staff and team under General Manager, Hani Yousef are friendly, relaxed yet professional. As soon as I arrived, I was given an A-lister welcome, the concierge and front of house team are attentive, nothing is a problem and they make you feel you’re just as important as the celebrities that regularly frequent the place.
With just 77 rooms there’s a real boutique feel to the hotel. My room didn’t disappoint, a large and contemporary space with lounge area and comfy king size bed backed with sumptuous leather surrounds. I had my own large dressing area made of zebrawood and with floor to ceiling mirrors, I felt every inch the celebrity. The bathroom was the jewel in the crown, complete with heated floors, an LCD television built into the mirror, separate deep soaking tub & rain shower and a selection of, L’Occitane goodies to pamper myself with.

Executive chef (and Top Chef Canada judge) Mark McEwan oversees One at The Hazelton Hotel, this is the place to be seen so book your table in advance as it’s popular with locals and visitors. The menu combines French and Italian flavours with some of the best local Ontario produce. Team Coco was lucky enough to be invited to a private dining Style Plate with Canadian menswear designer Christopher Bates, to celebrate Toronto Fashion Week. The dishes were excellent, the Eggplant Arrabiata combined fried eggplant, ricotta, buffalo mozzarella dressed with aged balsamic, pickled onion and basil. This was followed by a Sweet Pea Falafel served with pomegranate yogurt, apple, on a soft, fluffy bed of couscous with a coriander dressing. While we are talking food, I have to mention the breakfast, I like to think of myself as an avocado and poached egg on toast connoisseur, it’s my go-to breakfast and brunch choice and the offer at One was the best I’ve ever tasted. The plumpest green avocado was smashed on freshly toasted sour dough with juicy red cherry tomatoes, a sprinkle of red chilli and a soft poached egg. It was divine!

The hotel has an amazing cinema room, the 25 seater theatre draws all the film stars during Toronto International Film Festival, perfect for a private screening. During the festival guests have included Brad Pitt, Ben Affleck, Reese Witherspoon and George Clooney. The room has a 16-foot high ceiling and mohair wrapped walls for extra soundproofing. Then there’s all the cool gadgets and gizmos like super surround sound and a high-tech digital projection system. If you are looking for Hollywood movie star treatment the team at The Hazelton will arrange for you watch your favourite film along with the obligatory popcorn.

If you want to relax and unwind you can visit the Spa by Valmont and try one of the luxurious treatments using their luxurious Swiss skincare line. The spa offers world-class facial treatments, luxurious body treatments and specialised massages designed to release stress and toxins. I opted for their signature massage, I literally floated out the door and it was much needed after a long flight and lots of walking around the city. You can also take advantage the 24-hour gym as well as a heated saltwater pool.

The Hazelton manages to tick every box, it has that welcoming home from home vibe with that touch of glamour. I really didn’t want to leave but rest assured the next time I’m in Toronto I’ll be checking in.
Team Coco travelled to Toronto courtesy of Tourism Toronto www.seetornotonow.com
For more information or to book a room visit www.thehazeltonhotel.com

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