Windsor Arms in Toronto
 

I will be staying at the Windsor Arms in late May. Anyone been there lately? I here they've redone it and it is nicer than before. Is it within walking distance to most sights? Any restaurant recommendations nearby?

Have not stayed there but I hear they have done nice job - I think it is a totally new building. Reputedly the best "boutique" hotel in T.O. <BR> <BR>Great location for shopping (Bloor St and Yorkwille), blocks from Royal Ontario Museum. Short cab ride or subway to most other downtown attractions. <BR> <BR>Restaurants: Pangaea on Bay St north of Bloor is very good. Boba on Avenue Road is very good. Sen5es on Bloor St is supposed to be excellent. Truffles in the Four Seasons. Dynasty on Bloor St for decent Chinese. All of these are walking distance. <BR> <BR>Have fun!!

Redone is an understatement. The old Windsor Arms was demolished, with some of thefront stonework put in storage. Then a new building was erected, and the old front put back on. You are within one, two or three blocks of the Royal Ontario Museum, a ceramics museum,. a shoe museum, a dozen great restaurants, three subway lines, two excellent book stores, and all the best (i.e. most expensive) shopping in the city. Tiffany, Birks, Cartier, Montblanc, and more. Plus you are close to many commercial art galleries. <BR> <BR>BAK

The Windsor Arms Hotel used to be the place to be seen and to see interesting people (The Courtyard Cafe and Club 22). It may have changed ownership but still has a panache about it. Had lunch in their well-kept secret small cafe which is tucked away off to the right as you walk into the hotel a few weeks ago. Sat beside a wonderful older gentleman who lives in one of the fabulous condos at the Windsor Arms. Name-dropped about the stars who take up residence there while they are shooting a movie in town (I won't mention who since being discreet is important to the Hotel). I also won't mention from whom I got an autograph before I left the Hotel-but I did apologize profusely to the individual: wow!was my son impressed since it was for him. Must mention the fabulous spa that I checked out-not to be missed. Sent my stressed out friend there who loved it. Can't wait for my turn. My birthday was celebrated at High Tea in their special room that becomes a Champagne & Caviar room in the evening. Don't forget to try their souffle at some point in your stay. Great,great location off Bloor. <BR>Restaurants: Sassafraz in Yorkville, Sushi Inn on Cumberland if you like great Japanese food that is cheap; Sotto <BR>Sotto on Avenue Road, Spuntini's above it, Pasta Bar at Scaramouche, and you must go to Panorama in the Manulife Bldg. for drinks, desserts, anything. I'm talking 52nd Floor, spectacular view, tres romantic, not to be missed. Any other questions email me directly or post additional info you want.

You've gotten good restaurant recommendations already. If you're looking for something a little more casual one day (or a little less expensive, though that hardly seems like a consideration if you're staying at the Arms!) here are a couple of choices: <BR> <BR>"Spring Rolls on Yonge" at 687 Yonge Street: Intensely popular East-Asian fusion, including Thai, Vietnamese and Chinese. Beware that it's busy! I've seen lineups even on Monday evenings in the middle of winter... It can also get noisy, but it's delicious and has a lively atmosphere. I particularly recommend the (sizeable) satay chicken and mango salad appetizer. <BR> <BR>"7 West": Located at 7 Charles Street West, as the name suggests. Serves light café fare such as soups, sandwiches, and a couple of pasta dishes. Good desserts, too, and it's the kind of place where you can linger endlessly and read or chat. The big draw, though: it's open 24 hours a day. Be warned that it can get quite noisy on weekend nights. <BR> <BR>Enjoy your trip!