Hôtel Le Germain Toronto

30 Mercer St., at John St., Toronto, Ontario, M5V 1H3, Canada, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Fodor's Choice

Why We Like It

Tickled by the chic renovation, we love the Germain's cozy vibe and boutique pedigree. It never hurts to offer a Lexus courtesy car, eco awareness, a Tesla charging station and no checkout time. We're suckers for libraries and especially library ladders in lobbies--alliteration notwithstanding. The free deluxe breakfast buffet is a winner, as is the location in the fashion district. This small, family-owned Canadian chain of upscale hotels sets the bar high, then raises it with each upgrade. Well done.

Fodor's Expert Review

Conveniently located near the TIFF Lightbox, site of the Toronto International Film Festival, this hotel is swanky and personal enough for Hollywood starlets, tech moguls, and music industry big shots. It blends seamlessly with the historic architecture of the surrounding theater district. The lobby has a floor-to-ceiling library wall, white couches and blond wood. Guest rooms are equally sleek, with high-end bedding and bath products. Suites are all unique, with separate bedrooms and living rooms, fireplaces, and private terraces that afford views of the skyline. Planning a late night? No problem. There's no set check-out time.

Tip Golfers, you've found your hotel. There's a putting green on the roof. Plus, do you know about the complimentary deluxe continental breakfast, featuring Montreal bagels, oatmeal, cheese, egg dishes and more? It goes above and beyond the "continental" descriptor, and it's a wonderful way to quiet a hangover.

Recommended Fodor’s Video

Room

Generously sized and oozing sophistication, the rooms feature targeted reading lamps mounted into the headboards, floating bedside tables, handy charging stations, Nespresso coffee machines, goose down comforters and feature pillows, Frette 100% Egyptian cotton sheets, Bose stereo system, electric safe, big TVs with HDMI ports, swing-out work stations with an ergonomic chair and a mini bar. There are five levels of suites and three levels of rooms, so take your time to compare and get exactly what you want.

Tip Singers and performers of all variety may want a humidifier in their room to counteract dry throat from winter heating. Just ask! You can also sleep in--there's no set checkout time.

Bathroom

Frosted glass counters, drop-down sinks, recessed mirrors, blond wood--the bathrooms are sexy and compact, with tiny blue tiles and modern fixtures. There's a rainfall shower, bamboo and cotton towels, 100% cotton robe and Molton Brown toiletries. Pity the floors aren't heated, but at least standard rooms come with a choice of a shower or tub. Suites get both. Some have floating vanities.

You Should Know Showers and tubs are separated from the bedroom by a glass wall with blinds that pivot for privacy. You may require more of a barrier, depending on personal circumstances.

Lobby

Clubby and intimate, the lobby of this 11-story building is a great place to debut your new designer dress. Blond wood and low white sofas--there are even a few indoor Bali beds--are the focus, along with curved-back chairs and a floor-to-ceiling library, complete with library ladder. Ask at reception for a ride in the Lexus courtesy car. The restaurant and bar is to the left of the entryway, ground floor.

Gym

That signature red floor is sexy and eye catching! Floor-to-ceiling views make your time on the treadmills less arduous. While not enormous in size, the rooftop gym is well appointed, with stability pull-down machines, tera bands, lat pull-down machines, a rowing machine, an incline bench, free weights and an elliptical.

Tip Feel free to noodle around on the putting green. Clubs and balls are provided.

Dining

Relaunched with a bright new decor, Victor Restaurant serves gourmet market cuisine in style. Blue booths, designer light fixtures and built-in shelves make for a pleasing ambiance. The soaring ceiling and wall of windows keeps it sunny and welcoming all day. This is where guests linger every morning over their decadent free breakfast.

Tip Locals come by regularly for the seafood tower, the Tomahawk steak, and the mac and cheese side dish. Dinner starts at 5 p.m. Pssst--there's a rooftop terrace, too!

Drinking

All you need to know: they have Campari Negronis on tap! Plus, they have a selection of cheeky cocktails, such as the slyly political Orange Dictator. (Wink). The bar inside Victor is great for flirting, with the low booths and clear sight-lines. You'll find what you want on the wine and beer menu. If not, ask the resident mixologists to work their magic.

What's Nearby

Getting Around

Near the St. Andrew subway station, the hotel is in the Fashion District, not too far from any downtown destination. Valet parking is $50 plus tax per night, or $25 plus tax for the day. Take taxis around town, or simply walk.

Restaurants

Michael's on Simcoe (11-minute walk) is a quiet place to enjoy an in-house aged steak and a tumbler of good scotch. Or, appreciate the vintage posters lining the walls of Le Select (8-minute walk), a classic French bistro with more than 1,000 bottles of wine on the list.

Bars

Cactus Club Cafe (13-minute walk) is a scene. While technically a restaurant, the bar is a cauldron of ambition, social climbing and high-end schmoozing like you've never seen. The mixology aims to delight. The same can be said for the rooftop bar at Bisha Hotel (1-minute walk), where the dramatic cocktails are in line with the decor.

Quick Facts

HOTEL INFO

Phones: 416-345–9500;866-345–9501