Fodor's Expert Review The Drake Hotel

Is that Moby in the lobby? The Drake is a cultural hub and ultra-cool hotel for international hipsters. Once a notorious flophouse, this 19th-century building is now a haven for successful creative types who want a casual but stylish place to crash. Rooms are small, Nordic and dorm-like, but brimming with cache. Witness the library ladders. DJs rock in the lounge, the underground bar, the technology archive, and the rooftop patio. There are regular exhibitions and musical performances by local artists that often spill out onto the sidewalk. Hit the General Store for unexpected Canada-themed souvenirs. We don't want to burst your bubble, but the hotel is not owned by the rap star Drake.

Artists, you've found your home away from home. The Drake is part hotel, part incubator, with an artist in residence, installations, murals, video art and a growing private collection. The Wi-Fi is free--a rarity in Toronto.

room

Called "crash pads" and "dens", the mid century rooms have hardwood floors, exposed brick walls, platform beds, laptop safes, a hand-made doll and a library ladder to access the floating luggage rack. Every inch of the room is pressed into service. The walls are filled with uniquely curated artwork and mid-century style. The windows open and there is nightly turndown service. While room service is limited, you can peruse the Pleasure Menu for condoms, lube and feather ticklers.

YOU SHOULD KNOW There's no getting around it, almost all of the 19 rooms are quite small, measuring between 150 square feet and 385 square feet. Prepare to hear the Canadian expression, "scooch over" as you elbow your way past your companion. For the price, you'd expect a bit more space.

Photo: Lisa Petrole

Photo: Lisa Petrole

Photo: Lisa Petrole

Photo: Lisa Petrole

bathroom

Walk-in shower stalls with modern fixtures are clean and cool, with lots of glass and mirrors. The sink area is compact and well appointed. The body products from Malin + Goetz are a revelation.

YOU SHOULD KNOW If you're on the shy side, the open glass shower may be too revealing. Most rooms do not have a tub.

Photo: Lisa Petrole

Photo: Lisa Petrole

lobby

Hanging near the lobby's 66-year-old terrazzo staircase is a Rorschach ink-blot mural that spans the lounge and dining room. Vintage leather couches, modern ottomans, art curios, and digital art projections grace the lobby.

Photo: Lisa Petrole

spa

It's a mobile spa, bringing simple services like massages and nail care to your room.

gym

Photo: Lisa Petrole

dining

Drake Cafe is a busy urban eatery for breakfast (not included in the room rate), brunch and lunch--all featuring cups of Reunion Island Coffee and the city's best hangover cure: fried chicken and waffles. For supper, head downstairs for a famous Drake Burger, oysters, sushi and vegan options.

YOU SHOULD KNOW Room service is limited to plates of cheese, fruit and sweets, but you can also order fun things like balloons, wine, flowers and a birthday kit.

Photo: Lisa Petrole

drinking

Whether you're imbibing at Sky Yard or in the lounge, Drake mixologists will go out of their way to make you a creative cocktail. They conjure their own syrup for signature drinks, like the Brown Maple Butter Old Fashioned. There's a house ale, as well as local labels like Henderson Brewing Co.