Toronto's Alexandra Hotel: Unforgettable Luxury Awaits!
Alexandra Hotel: Toronto - Unfiltered & Unforgettable… Mostly.
Right, so, the Alexandra Hotel in Toronto. "Unforgettable Luxury Awaits!" they bellow. Well, they ain't wrong… in a way. It's less a perfectly sculpted marble statue of luxury and more… a slightly chipped, but still damn impressive, Roman bust. Let's dive in, shall we? Buckle up, because this is gonna be a wild ride (and hopefully, not a too bumpy one).
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Keywords: Toronto Hotel Review, Alexandra Hotel Toronto, Luxury Hotel Toronto, Accessible Hotel Toronto, Spa Toronto, Pool Toronto, Free Wi-Fi Toronto, Best Hotels Toronto, Hotel Reviews, Toronto Accommodation, [Specific facilities like "Sauna", "Fitness Center", "Pool with a view," "Accessibility"]
Metadata - Because even a messy review needs some order:
- Title: Alexandra Hotel, Toronto: My Honest (and Slightly Rambling) Review
- Description: A brutally honest and detailed review of the Alexandra Hotel in Toronto, covering everything from accessibility to the questionable charm of the mini-bar. Expect quirks, opinions, and maybe a few gripes.
- Keywords: (see above)
- Category: Travel, Hotels, Reviews
Okay, where to even begin? Let's just… jump in!
Accessibility:
Alright, let's get the important stuff out of the way first. The Alexandra claims to be accessible. And, on paper, they're mostly there. Wheelchair accessible? Yep, ramps, elevators, the works. Facilities for disabled guests? Tick. I saw some handrails in the bathroom; good start. BUT… and this is a big but – navigating the common areas felt a bit…planned. Like, they wanted it to be accessible, but maybe didn't actually experience it from a wheelchair. Some tight turns, slightly awkward layouts. Look, it's better than a lot of places, but don't expect seamless. And for the love of all that is holy, make sure you call ahead and confirm everything, especially if you have very specific needs. Elevator access? Yes, thankfully.
On-site Accessible Restaurants/Lounges: This is where things got hazy. While the websites promised it, I couldn't find a truly defined accessible entrance to the main restaurant. I ended up calling room service, so…mixed results. The staff, while friendly, didn’t seem super clued in on best accessibility practices. They tried though, bless their hearts.
Cleanliness and Safety:
Post-COVID, everyone's a germaphobe, right? Good news! Anti-viral cleaning products? Check. Rooms sanitized between stays? Seems like it. Daily disinfection in common areas? Yup. Staff trained in safety protocol? Definitely. Hand sanitizer everywhere you look. (Though, I swear, some of those dispensers dispensed more air than gel. Just me?) They take it seriously. The Rooms sanitized between stays claim gave me some peace. The individually wrapped food options are nice. The safe dining setup felt a little over the top, but, hey, I'm not complaining. Hot water linen and laundry washing? Seems legit.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking:
Ah, the good stuff! Let's start with a confession: Breakfast [buffet]? I’m a sucker for one. The Alexandra's buffet? Pretty decent. International cuisine in restaurant? Yea, the choices were broad. A la carte in restaurant? Available, and the food was much better than the buffet, if a bit pricey. Coffee/tea in restaurant? Always a necessity. Room service [24-hour]? Savior of my sanity, especially after a long day. The Poolside bar was a definite plus. Sipping a cocktail by the pool actually felt luxurious. They had a snack bar. And… yes, a Coffee shop (because my caffeine addiction is real). I didn't test the Asian cuisine in restaurant.
I did have a truly memorable (and I say that with a slight cringe) experience with room service. Picture this: It's 2 AM. Jet lag has turned my stomach into a churning vortex of hunger and insomnia. I call room service. "What can I get for you, sir?" the sleepy voice on the other end asks. "A burger. And a beer." I croaked. The burger arrived. It was… well, it was a burger. Nothing to write home about. Except. The bun. Oh, the bun. It was… stale. Like, rock-hard stale. I swear I could've used it as a weapon. I tried to eat it, because I was RAVENOUS, but it was a losing battle. It made me question: "Who is responsible for the bun?" and "how did this get through quality control?" Anyway, I took a picture of the bun, just in case.
However, I must give props. The Breakfast takeaway service was very helpful. And so were the alternative meal arrangement options and availability of Vegetarian restaurant.
Services and Conveniences:
This is where the Alexandra tries to shine. And they kinda do. Daily housekeeping? Excellent. Concierge? Super helpful, and even managed to book me a last-minute dinner reservation. Doorman? Always there to greet you, which adds to the "luxury" feel. Luggage storage? Convenient. Cash withdrawal? Check. They offer Dry cleaning and Laundry service which is helpful. Safety deposit boxes are a reassurance, and they even had a Convenience store!
Internet access? Yep. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! (Hallelujah!). Though the speed sometimes felt like dial-up. Internet [LAN]? I wasn't brave enough to try it. Air conditioning? Necessary, because Toronto summers get hot. (And the Air conditioning in public area was nice too).
What about the extras?
Okay, let's talk about the fun stuff. Fitness center? Yes, and it's pretty well-equipped, and while I’m not one for exercise on vacation, I did peek in. The Gym/fitness area was pretty good.
Pool with view? THIS. This is where the Alexandra gets it right. Seriously, the pool is fantastic. Perched on the rooftop, the view of the city is incredible. (Even if the sun loungers seem to be in a perpetual state of being slightly damp.) They have a Swimming pool [outdoor] to enjoy, and I did just that.
Spa/sauna? Yes! However, some of the spa treatment rooms smell a little…musty. The Steamroom… yeah, the Body wrap, and Body scrub sound amazing. I considered these, and the foot bath, but didn't make it. The Massage felt wonderful. It was expensive, but in a way, worth it.
Things to do, ways to relax:
This hotel is great for the many **ways to relax. ** For the kids: While I don't have kids, the hotel did have Kids facilities, which is nice.
In the Room – The Real Deal:
Alright, let's talk about the rooms themselves. Air conditioning? Check.Towels, Bathrobes, Slippers, toiletries, all were great. Complimentary tea and Coffee/tea maker were a nice touch. The Desk was perfect for work.
But, and there's always a "but"… my room’s view was… well, it wasn't exactly a postcard. Facing a brick wall is not, I'm told, the benchmark of "unforgettable luxury". I asked for a high floor and they delivered! Yay!
However, The Bathtub was amazing. The Blackout curtains were essential for beating jet lag. Now, the Mini bar. Oof. It was stocked. But the prices… let's just say I think I'd need a second mortgage to fully indulge. Also, the Extra long bed was perfect. I appreciated the wake-up service.
Quirks and Imperfections:
- The "do not disturb" sign? Half the time, it didn't work. The maids kept knocking.
- My room's carpet? A slightly worn, slightly stained beauty that probably has stories to tell.
The Verdict:
The Alexandra Hotel? It's a mixed bag. The pool, the spa, the location… they're all genuinely good. And the effort they put into safety is commendable. However, the accessibility could be improved. And yeah, that burger bun still haunts my dreams.
Overall, 7/10. Would I go back? Probably. (Maybe I'd bring my own bun.)
Final Note: This review is based on my personal experience. Your mileage may vary. Just be prepared for a few quirks, and embrace the slightly-less-than
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Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't just a travel itinerary, it's a hot mess express of a Toronto adventure, straight from my slightly-caffeinated brain. We're talking The Alexandra Hotel – a place that’s apparently as swanky as I am… when I manage to put on matching socks. Let's do this.
THE ALEXANDRA HOTEL: TORONTO - A MESSY, BEAUTIFUL JOURNEY
(Pre-Trip Ramblings & Expectations - aka, “Oh God, What Have I Gotten Myself Into?”)
Right, so Toronto. Land of… maple syrup? (I'm sure there's more.) I'm going because… well, frankly, I needed to escape my reality of unpaid bills and the constant meowing from my cat, Mr. Fluffernutter (yes, I know, I regret it daily). I booked the Alexandra because it looked… classy? Okay, let's face it, the pictures were Instagrammable, and my feed needs a boost. Plus, I've heard the food scene is chef's kiss and I'm ALWAYS down for inhaling deliciousness. I'm hoping for a little bit of magic, and zero awkward small talk with concierge. Wish me luck.
(Day 1: Arrival & Immediate Disappointment… followed by maybe happiness?)
- 1:00 PM: Arrive at Pearson International Airport (YYZ). This is where the "glamour" begins - navigating the airport with a suitcase bigger than my apartment and the vague dread of public transport. The PATH train seems like a good idea at the time.
- 2:00 PM: PATH to Union Station – Okay, so far, so good. I haven't tripped over anyone yet. But then… the crowds. The shuffling. The sheer number of people. Suddenly, I understand why people pay for private jets.
- 2:30 PM: Union Station to Uber (or Lyft, whatever the app decides) to The Alexandra. Praying I don’t get assigned a chatty driver. Seriously. I need alone time. Please, universe. Deliver a silent, efficient driver.
- 3:00 PM: Check-in at The Alexandra. Moment of truth. Holding my breath… Praying the lobby actually looks like the pictures. IT DOES. Okay, I might like this place. The front desk clerk is… surprisingly nice. No awkward small talk. Score!
- 3:30 PM: Unpacking in my room. Okay, the room is beautiful. Actually beautiful. I'm suddenly considering re-arranging my entire life to live here. The tiny toiletries? Adorable. I nearly cried because I forgot my toothbrush, though. This is the ultimate first world problem, right?
- 4:00 PM: Quick exploration. A peek at the bar… and it's fancy AF. A quick stroll… I think I hear my stomach growling. Time to eat!
(Dinner - A Foodie Frenzy (and potential meltdown)
- 6:30 PM: Dinner at a restaurant I desperately hope is good. I decided on my first dinner restaurant at the last minute: Alo Restaurant, 163 Spadina Ave. I heard it was good. I forgot to make a reservation. Panic sets in: because you HAVE to have a reservation! The reviews were terrifyingly good. High stress, I love it!
- 7:15 PM: I arrive. I'm frazzled. I forgot my nice shoes. I nearly turned back. I tell them I have a reservation (I don't). They say there's an opening in an hour. I sit at the bar and have a glass of wine.
- 8:00 PM: The Tasting Menu…oh. My. God. The first course arrives – Foie gras something-or-other. Divine. The wine pairing… perfectly complements it. Okay, I think I can do this. I'm not sure how to use the fancy silverware, but I'm getting better at pretending.
- 9:30 PM: Course after glorious course. Every bite is a revelation. The service – impeccable, somehow. I'm starting to feel like I'm in a (very sophisticated) dream. I'm almost crying with joy. Okay, maybe I did shed a tear of pure, unadulterated happiness.
- 10:30 PM: Stumbling back to the hotel, drunk on deliciousness and a sense of accomplishment. I'm pretty sure I could conquer the world right now. Or at least find my toothbrush tomorrow.
(Day 2: Culture, Confusion & Constant Hunger)
- 9:00 AM: Wake up. Head pounding. Worth it. Breakfast at the hotel. They had amazing waffles. Regret not ordering two - because I can.
- 10:30 AM: THE ROYAL ONTARIO MUSEUM (ROM). Okay, the ROM is huge. Like, intimidatingly huge. I feel like I’m supposed to know more about ancient civilizations than I do, but I'm trying to be a good sport about it. I made it a mission to try to find something that actually interested me. The dinosaurs? Pretty cool. The ancient pottery? Less so.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch – Somewhere near the ROM. I forgot to research places beforehand. I stumble into a (terrible) place that serves cold soup and greasy sandwiches. Definitely a low point. My mood plummets. I vow to NEVER make that mistake again.
- 2:00 PM: Back to the hotel, for a much-needed power nap. I think I need a vacation from my vacation.
- 4:00 PM: Wander through the Yorkville area. Super fancy shops, ridiculously expensive handbags, and people who look like they have better lives than me. My inner monologue is basically, "I secretly hate all these people. I need to buy a fabulous hat." I don’t buy the hat. I end up people-watching from a café, as the sun goes down, sipping an overpriced coffee.
- 6:30 PM: Dinner - Actually remember to make a reservation this time! I'm going to Pai Northern Thai Kitchen at 18 Duncan St. I heard the food is amazing and the wait is crazy. I am excited!
- 7:30 PM: Holy moly! I nearly fainted from the delicious smells! I order everything and eat until I can barely move. Thai food, you have my heart.
- 9:00 PM: Back at the hotel bar for a nightcap. Maybe I'll get brave and strike up a conversation. Or maybe I'll just continue to be fascinated by the people around me. Nope, I'm too awkward. I order a second drink and stare at the ceiling!
(Day 3: Art, Anxiety & Airport Shenanigans)
- 10:00 AM: Check-out. Snatching one last delicious breakfast at the hotel. I didn’t think it was possible to love waffles so much. I wish I could just live here and eat waffles.
- 11:00 AM: Visit the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO). I'm not really an art person, but the building is impressive. I try to act like I know what I’m looking at, while secretly taking photos of things that look pretty. I stumble into a room filled with Van Gogh. Suddenly I’m moved. I might actually start liking art. (…maybe not).
- 1:00 PM: Lunch near the AGO. This time, I plan ahead. I find a cute little café with amazing sandwiches and coffee. Redemption!
- 2:00 PM: Last-minute souvenir shopping. I buy a t-shirt that says, “I Survived Toronto.” (I’m not sure if I did, but sure!).
- 3:00 PM: Back to the hotel to grab my luggage. (So glad I packed light… NOT.) One last look at my beautiful room. Snapping photos.
- 3:30 PM: Uber to the airport. Smooth ride!
- 4:30 PM: Arrival. TSA security. The usual chaos. Realize I'm out of snacks. Panic sets in.
- 5:00 PM: Find a sad little airport food court. Eat a greasy hot dog. Reflect on the trip.
- 6:00 PM: Flight. Finally. Bye, Toronto! I'm exhausted, slightly broke, and already planning my return. It was a mess. It was fantastic. And I can't wait to come back!
(Post-Trip Reflection)
So, The Alexandra Hotel? Worth the hype. Toronto? Undeniably worth a visit. I’m not sure what I expected, but I got a trip that was part-pampering, part-adventure, and all-me. I embarrassed myself a few
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Alexandra Hotel: You Got Questions? I Got (Maybe) Answers! (And Possibly Regrets)
Okay, spill: Is the Alexandra Hotel *really* as luxurious as they say?
Luxurious? Yeah, sure. It's... *a* luxury. Look, let's be honest, "luxury" is subjective, right? For me, luxury might be having a clean coffee maker that *doesn't* leak all over the counter. For *them*, it's probably solid gold toilet paper holders. (Just kidding...I hope.) The room *is* nice, okay? The sheets? Like, clouds. Seriously. I almost didn't want to *leave* my bed. That's saying something, because I'm a notorious hotel-leaver. But then… the price tag. Ouch. My bank account is still recovering. So, yes, luxurious. But prepare your wallet to weep.
Anecdote: I remember one trip, I was so dazzled that I didn't even notice the slightly crooked picture frame until, like, day three. Drove me crazy. But the *sheets*… oh, the sheets. Forgot all about the frame eventually. That's the power of good sheets, people!
What about the location? Is it convenient for getting around Toronto?
Location, location, location! It's... decent. Look, Toronto's big. Nothing's 'perfectly' convenient. You're not going to teleport to the CN Tower from your room. But, it's generally a good spot. Close-ish to the subway. Walking distance *if* you're a walker (and I’m sometimes a walker, sometimes a Uber-er). Depends on your priorities.
Quirky Observation: I spent a solid fifteen minutes trying to figure out which way was north when I first arrived. That probably says more about *my* navigation skills than the hotel's location. But hey, it adds to the adventure, right?
Describe the food - how's the dining experience?
The food... ah, the food. Breakfast buffet? Standard. Don't expect Michelin-star magic. It's perfectly fine. You can get your eggs, your bacon, your fruit... it's all there. The *presentation* is on point, I'll give them that. It's all very 'Instagrammable.'
Imperfection Alert: One time, the coffee was utterly, miserably, shockingly *awful*. I nearly wept. I actually considered smuggling in my own instant coffee packets. (I didn't. But I thought about it. A lot). Dinner at their restaurant is better, though... albeit, pricey. The steak was actually pretty darn delicious, though. Worth the splurge, maybe. Honestly, I am still conflicted!
Is the staff helpful/friendly?
Generally, yes. The staff is generally well-trained. They're polite, they're helpful... they're professional. Like, *very* professional. They will bend over backwards to help you, which is lovely.
Emotional Reaction: I once lost my phone (dramatic, I know, I know) and the concierge was an absolute lifesaver. They called, coordinated with everyone, and eventually, I found it! (Thanks to them, obviously). So yeah, they're good people.
Opinionated Language:Though, I've sometimes felt a *tad* overwhelmed by the formality. Sometimes, I just want a friendly "Hey, how's it going?" instead of a perfectly-delivered, "Good afternoon, Madame. May I assist you?" But that's just me being a down-to-earth, slightly-jaded human, I suppose.
What's the deal with the 'spa' - is it even worth it?
Okay, the spa, the spa... Look, it *exists.* It's there. It's a spa. It has massages and facials and all that jazz. Is it worth the price? Honestly, that’s a tough one.
Stream-of-consciousness Rambling: I remember having this *incredible* massage once. Honestly, the best massage of my life. The masseuse was amazing. I went in feeling like a crumpled up piece of paper, and came out feeling like… well, less crumpled. More like, a gently folded origami crane. But it was *years* ago. My memory is hazy, okay? Spas are expensive everywhere you go. Consider your budget. It’s a treat. Treat yourself if you can swing it. If you can't and you're stressed, well, a long soak in the tub and a face mask from the drugstore will do the trick, too.
Are there any downsides? Be honest!
Oh, downsides? Are there *ever* downsides? Of course, there are! Apart from the obvious price tag, which I already whined (I mean, *mentioned*) about, the elevators can be slow during peak times. And depending on your room, the city noise can be a bit much. (Bring earplugs. Seriously. Or, embrace the city sounds. It’s part of the experience, right?)
Messier Structure: Oh, and parking? Don't even get me started on parking. Expensive. Just... plan ahead. Seriously!
Would you recommend staying at the Alexandra Hotel?
...It depends. Are you rolling in dough? Do you value plush sheets and generally stellar service? If yes, then absolutely! Go for it!
Stronger Emotional Reaction: If you're like me, and you're constantly battling your budget? Maybe... maybe just for a special occasion. It’s an experience. A *fancy* experience. And you'll probably enjoy it. Just try not to think about the bill afterwards. Close your eyes, pretend you're made of money, and *enjoy* being spoiled for a few days.
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