Fodor's Expert Review Adelaide Hotel Toronto

In a word, glamorous. This 65-story, hotel-and-condo tower greatly improved what this hotel once was. The crowd is decidedly business-meets-leisure, as you can see while plunging into a plate of oysters at the on-site 31st-floor restaurant, or sipping whisky in the lobby bar. There's also a full-service spa, salt-water plunge pool, dry sauna, and whirlpool.

The Adelaide will be rebranded as the first St. Regis hotel in Canada in early 2019, then enhanced accordingly to reflect the Astor family's timeless allure. Expect perfection.

room

Known for their generous size (starting at 550 square feet) and classic decor—soothing taupes and browns with splashes of color in the form of orchids and cherry blossoms--the rooms have Italian Bellino linens, a European-style wet bar, Nespresso machines and elaborate bedside control panels.

YOU SHOULD KNOW This hotel isn't for you if you require minimal chic, modern design. There are no ruffles and flounces, but the vibe is more stately than sleek.

bathroom

Scrubbed clean, the luxurious stone-finished bathrooms are impressively white--and beautiful. Art deco light fixtures add some pizzazz, as do the rain showers and the waffle robes.

There is plenty of floor space and counter place for two people to maneuver in the morning.

lobby

Enter through the revolving door and find yourself in a gleaming lobby with a mirrored ceiling, cherry blosson ceiling panels and square-patterned floors. It's all a bit much, visually, but the friendly service saves the day.

Thanks for the magical high-speed elevators. They speak volumes about the level of discreet service.

pool

Take to the infinity salt-water lap pool on the 32nd floor. It's a good size, measuring 65 feet long by 16 feet wide by five feet deep. There is also a clean-stream whirlpool.

Say goodbye to swimmer's red eye because the pool uses 100% pure, natural chlorine made from salt.

spa

Spread over two levels, the full-service spa has some unique treatments, such as the bamboo cane massage and the lavender mango butter wrap. There are detox packages and wonderful facials.

YOU SHOULD KNOW It's closed Mondays, so plan accordingly.

gym

Part of the wellness complex on the 31st floor, the gym is well equipped, with views of the city and a dedicated movement room for floor work, yoga and more.

dining

No, the restaurant isn't in the lobby. Adelaide Hotel Restaurant is on the 31st floor, offering magnificent city views. The dinner menu is small but well edited--North American standards, sea food, tartars. Lunch, however, is more playful, with burgers, pastas and even avocado toast.

Wear your best party clothes for dinner. This isn't a place for flip-flops and long shorts.

drinking

Focuses on their crafted cocktails, the bar is dark and flirty for quiet conversations. Leather chairs and low sofas make for an intimate night.

The so-called "bar bites" are delicious, with separate menus for lunch and dinner. Have the lobster roll and truffle fries.