The Canadian newspaper The Globe and Mail, called the Gladstone the "anti-chain-hotel Toronto experience" in 2006 and that's an apt description. A rundown, inner-city property was transformed into a community event space, with artist-designed guest rooms and an emphasis on everything that is one-of-a-kind. The hand-operated 1904 elevator is one of three still working in Toronto. In the Racine Room, maroon velvet furnishings complement a stack of several vintage steamer trunks—which hide the room's hidden TV and DVD player. Room 304 pays homage to '50s kitsch with a faux-fur wall hanging and a chenille bedspread; the two-story Rock Star suite, ready for Rapunzel, contains not only a wraparound view of the city, but also a bedroom in the tower of the hotel. Some rooms have bidets. Pros: every guest room is designed differently, friendly, bohemian ambience, truly a unique property and experience. Cons: downtrodden neighborhood, long walk or transit to downtown core, little variety in dinner menu.
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