The Cosmo, as the locals call it, is tucked away on a side street in the heart of Toronto, attracting long-stay business guests, performers and families who need the kitchens. This all-suite hotel feels like a mid-range condo. Ask for a suite with a number ending in \"03\" between floors 17 and 23 for the best view of Lake Ontario, or blow your budget and rent one of the two designer penthouses--1,450-square-foot duplexs on two floors, with wrap-around balconies and extraordinary views. There's free Wi-Fi in all rooms.

Popular with film crews and performance troupes of all kinds, the Cosmo always has an eclectic mix of people in the lobby bar. It's great for extended stays because of the in-suite laundry facilities and full kitchens.

room

A complimentary daily newspaper and yoga mat makes it feel like home. The 400-thread-count Egyptian-cotton linens are especially thoughtful.

bathroom

Why is lucky bamboo so reassuring? It works in the bathrooms at Cosmo, where there are bowl sinks, rainfall shower-heads, and 100% cotton or microfibre bathrobes and slippers.

lobby

spa

The SpaZen Spa has 1,500 square feet of tranquility. Witness the glass enclosed solarium inspired by Japanese gardens. Soak in the 12-seater Jacuzzi after your treatment in one of the five private treatment rooms.

YOU SHOULD KNOW SpaZen is closed Monday and Tuesday.

gym

You'll find the gym on the third floor, where it thoroughly underwhelms. It's basic, at best, without windows or natural light. Still, there are a few treadmills, so put on your headphones and "Just Do It".

dining

YOU SHOULD KNOW Breakfast--it's complicated. If you get the bed and breakfast package, you get a coupon worth $10 toward breakfast served at Wildfires. There's no buffet and only a limited choice of options under $10.00. Any beverage fancier than regular coffee costs extra.

drinking

Performers and film crews hang out at the intimate bar, meeting friends after work. The expansive wine list keeps it interesting. Classic cocktails are not a problem.