The Ritz Carlton Toronto is one of the most prestigious hotels in the downtown core. Fittingly, my wife and I enjoyed an excellent stay filled with surprise and delight services, along with wonderful hospitality.
Let’s dive into my review of The Ritz Carlton Toronto to see what this property is all about.
Booking & Check-in
I was fortunate to find a favorable industry rate to book this two-night stay at the Ritz Carlton Toronto, which I conveniently stacked with a US Amex Offer for an extra $150 USD in savings. Usually, this property has cash rates of $900-$1100 per night or Marriott Bonvoy redemption prices at 64,000 to 85,000 points per night.
![ritz carlton toronto marriott bonvoy redemption pricing](https://frugalflyer.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/ritz-carlton-toronto-marriott-bonvoy-redemption-pricing.jpg)
The check-in process was smooth and started with a porter taking our luggage from our vehicle. We proceeded to the check-in desk, which had very subtle Marriott Bonvoy branding.
![ritz carlton toronto check-in desk](https://frugalflyer.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/ritz-carlton-toronto-check-in-desk.jpeg)
We checked in with Marriott Titanium status, which meant a little bit as the check-in agent was able to upgrade us to a CN Tower View. While Nightly Upgrade Awards are now usable at Ritz properties, instead I did my best to “suite talk,” as Titanium members are entitled to a suite at Ritz properties, whereas Platinum members are only entitled to a room on a higher floor.
Alas, we were staying on Friday and Saturday nights, and naturally, the hotel had high occupancy. I will say the check-in agent was friendly as he shot down my repeated requests!
The lobby is also beautifully appointed with a “Tree of Elegance” as the focal point.
![ritz carlton toronto lobby and tree of elegance](https://frugalflyer.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/ritz-carlton-toronto-lobby-and-tree-of-elegance.jpeg)
Location
The Ritz has an excellent location for a weekend in the city. Whether you fly into Billy Bishop and take a taxi or Pearson and take the UP Train, the hotel is easily accessible.
On top of being easily accessible, the hotel is located just east of Toronto’s fine dining district, King St West, and the party district of Queen St West. The Royal Alexandra Theatre is also a short walk away, as all you have to do is cross through David Pecaut Square.
![royal alexandra theatre toronto](https://frugalflyer.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/royal-alexandra-theatre-toronto.jpeg)
I have also had the pleasure of staying at the St Regis Toronto, and I must admit the Ritz is located in a superior region of the city. Even the architecture surrounding the Ritz Carlton is more pleasing.
Parking
Parking is available for $70 per day and includes valet. But as our storage locker/parking space is only a few blocks away, we just parked there. The valet entrance is exceptionally well put together, however.
![ritz carlton toronto valet entrance](https://frugalflyer.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/ritz-carlton-toronto-valet-entrance.jpeg)
Room – Lake Ontario View Room
For our visit, we were staying in the Lake Ontario View Room. The room featured a king bed, full bathroom, lounge area, desk, closet and minibar.
Upon entering and walking down the hallway to the main area of the room, there was a king bed in the center. A nightstand adorned each side of the bed, complete with a lamp.
![ritz carlton toronto king lake ontario bed](https://frugalflyer.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/ritz-carlton-toronto-king-lake-ontario-bed.jpeg)
The lounge area is located directly beside the bed with a couch and coffee table. A desk is available to the immediate right as well.
![ritz carlton toronto king lake ontario view room seating area](https://frugalflyer.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/ritz-carlton-toronto-king-lake-ontario-view-room-seating-area.jpeg)
As mentioned, we were upgraded to a higher floor room with CN Tower views. We could also see Billy Bishop from the room, which was a nice bonus.
![ritz carlton toronto king lake ontario view room cn tower](https://frugalflyer.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/ritz-carlton-toronto-king-lake-ontario-view-room-cn-tower.jpeg)
Across from the bed was a television with the usual Chromecast and cable connectivity.
![ritz carlton toronto king lake ontario view room television](https://frugalflyer.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/ritz-carlton-toronto-king-lake-ontario-view-room-television.jpeg)
Below the television was a rather large chest of drawers for storage.
![ritz carlton toronto king lake ontario view room storage underneath television](https://frugalflyer.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/ritz-carlton-toronto-king-lake-ontario-view-room-storage-underneath-television.jpeg)
Moving down the hallway towards the entrance of the room,the bathroom is on one side across from the minibar and closet.
![ritz carlton toronto king lake ontario view room hallway to bathroom](https://frugalflyer.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/ritz-carlton-toronto-king-lake-ontario-view-room-hallway-to-bathroom.jpeg)
The mini bar was a bit unconventional at the Ritz Carlton Toronto. In the fridge, we found a card with instructions on how to go about ordering snacks.
![ritz carlton toronto king lake ontario view room personalized honor bar instructions](https://frugalflyer.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/ritz-carlton-toronto-king-lake-ontario-view-room-personalized-honor-bar-instructions.jpeg)
The coffee in the room was complimentary and was fully equipped with everything we could need.
![ritz carlton toronto king lake ontario view room coffee and glassware](https://frugalflyer.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/ritz-carlton-toronto-king-lake-ontario-view-room-coffee-and-glassware.jpeg)
Coffee cups, as well as more traditional glassware and an ice bucket, were also available for use.
![ritz carlton toronto king lake ontario view room coffee supplies](https://frugalflyer.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/ritz-carlton-toronto-king-lake-ontario-view-room-coffee-supplies.jpeg)
![ritz carlton toronto king lake ontario view room glassware](https://frugalflyer.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/ritz-carlton-toronto-king-lake-ontario-view-room-glassware.jpeg)
Beside the mini bar and coffee area was a closet. As you would expect with any luxury hotel, slippers and robes were provided, but the robes here were lovely. The interiors of the robes had a faux fur-type feeling, which added to the luxury we were immersed in.
![ritz carlton toronto king lake ontario view room closet with robe](https://frugalflyer.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/ritz-carlton-toronto-king-lake-ontario-view-room-closet-with-robe.jpeg)
Moving into the bathroom, it was quite sizable with a double vanity that had ample room for toiletries.
![ritz carlton toronto king lake ontario view room bathroom vanity](https://frugalflyer.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/ritz-carlton-toronto-king-lake-ontario-view-room-bathroom-vanity.jpeg)
Directly beside the vanity is a full-sized bath tub.
![ritz carlton toronto king lake ontario view room bathtub](https://frugalflyer.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/ritz-carlton-toronto-king-lake-ontario-view-room-bathtub.jpeg)
Finally, the walk-in shower and water closet were located side-by-side.
![ritz carlton toronto king lake ontario view room shower](https://frugalflyer.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/ritz-carlton-toronto-king-lake-ontario-view-room-shower.jpeg)
![ritz carlton toronto king lake ontario view room toilet](https://frugalflyer.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/ritz-carlton-toronto-king-lake-ontario-view-room-toilet.jpeg)
The amenities were in large bulk bottles, a trend coming over all Marriott hotel brands. I also made this comment in my review of the Westin Whistler Resort & Spa. That being said, the amenities were charming and provided by Diptyque.
![ritz carlton toronto king lake ontario view room bathroom amenities](https://frugalflyer.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/ritz-carlton-toronto-king-lake-ontario-view-room-bathroom-amenities.jpeg)
![ritz carlton toronto king lake ontario view room bathroom amenities 2](https://frugalflyer.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/ritz-carlton-toronto-king-lake-ontario-view-room-bathroom-amenities-2.jpeg)
As you can see, the room was very well-appointed for our stay.
Restaurants & Bars
The Ritz Carlton is home to 2 restaurants, but they’re up against stiff competition as just down the street are some of Toronto’s finest. We enjoyed dinners outside the hotel at some of our favorite old haunts, as we lived in Toronto for three years prior.
In-Room Dining
We did enjoy breakfast at the hotel during both mornings of our stay. It’s important to note that Ritz Carlton properties do not grant complimentary breakfast or lounge access to any Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite members.
We opted for in-room dining the first morning, which came in fantastic fashion.
![ritz carlton toronto in-room dining breakfast](https://frugalflyer.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/ritz-carlton-toronto-in-room-dining-breakfast.jpeg)
In-room dining can be pre-ordered via mobile device. When ordering our breakfast the night before, I was given more egg preparation options than I even knew was possible.
![ritz carlton toronto in-room dining breakfast egg preparation options](https://frugalflyer.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/ritz-carlton-toronto-in-room-dining-breakfast-egg-preparation-options.jpeg)
Epoch, Bar & Kitchen Terrace
We had a busy itinerary visiting friends and didn’t have a chance to sample the cocktail bar, Epoch, but it’s highly regarded and attracts patrons who are not hotel guests.
![ritz carlton toronto epoch bar and kitchen terrace entrance](https://frugalflyer.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/ritz-carlton-toronto-epoch-bar-and-kitchen-terrace-entrance.jpeg)
TOCA
On our second morning, we opted to eat at TOCA, the breakfast restaurant. We were impressed by the ambiance and would return to eat dinner here, even if not staying at the hotel.
![ritz carlton toronto toca breakfast](https://frugalflyer.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/ritz-carlton-toronto-toca-breakfast.jpg)
The breakfast menu at TOCA is identical to the in-room dining breakfast menu, meaning the only decision you need to make is if you want to leave your room for breakfast.
Facilities
Fitness Center
While I didn’t partake in a workout during my stay, the fitness center at the Ritz Carlton Toronto may be one of the most legitimate hotel fitness facilities I’ve yet to see. A wide variety of free weights, weight machines, and cardio machines were available for use.
![ritz carlton toronto fitness center weights](https://frugalflyer.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/ritz-carlton-toronto-fitness-center-weights.jpeg)
![ritz carlton toronto fitness center 3](https://frugalflyer.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/ritz-carlton-toronto-fitness-center-3.jpeg)
![ritz carlton toronto fitness center 2](https://frugalflyer.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/ritz-carlton-toronto-fitness-center-2.jpeg)
![ritz carlton toronto fitness center cardio machines](https://frugalflyer.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/ritz-carlton-toronto-fitness-center-cardio-machines.jpeg)
The water and towel station featured the most perfect cucumber water in existence in addition to chilled towels and bottled water.
![ritz carlton toronto fitness center water and towel station](https://frugalflyer.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/ritz-carlton-toronto-fitness-center-water-and-towel-station.jpeg)
Pool
The pool facilities were top-notch, including a whirlpool not pictured here. The changing rooms also have a sauna, a perk meant for spa guests, but hotel guests can also indulge.
![ritz carlton toronto pool and loungers](https://frugalflyer.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/ritz-carlton-toronto-pool-and-loungers.jpeg)
![ritz carlton toronto pool area](https://frugalflyer.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/ritz-carlton-toronto-pool-area.jpeg)
A number of loungers adorned the pool, in addition to a towel and water station.
![ritz carlton toronto pool water and towel area](https://frugalflyer.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/ritz-carlton-toronto-pool-water-and-towel-area.jpeg)
![ritz carlton toronto pool loungers](https://frugalflyer.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/ritz-carlton-toronto-pool-loungers.jpeg)
Spa
We rarely indulge in spa services when staying at hotels, and it was no exception this time. However, this spa seemed better staffed, even on Sundays, than others. So I imagine it’s highly regarded!
![ritz carlton toronto spa entrance](https://frugalflyer.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/ritz-carlton-toronto-spa-entrance.jpeg)
Amenities
At the beginning of the review, I talked about some surprising and delightful amenities we were lucky enough to experience at the Ritz Carlton Toronto.
House Car
It started on our first night, as the porter with our luggage told us about their house car service. As long as the car is available, they are happy to take guests wherever they need to go within 10 minutes of the hotel. This service was only brought to our attention after I handed him a tip, but perhaps the two are unrelated.
That evening, we were delighted to be whisked away in a Porsche Cayenne to our dinner with friends.
![ritz carlton toronto house car porsche cayenne](https://frugalflyer.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/ritz-carlton-toronto-house-car-porsche-cayenne.jpeg)
Welcome Amenity & Top Tier Housekeeping
While I wouldn’t classify this next surprise and delight as an amenity, it is a testament to the expected hospitality level. After dinner, we returned to find chocolate cake and a welcome letter. When checking in, I mentioned it was our first time staying at a Ritz Carlton Property, and that small detail was picked up on and was the focus of the letter.
![ritz carlton toronto welcome amenity](https://frugalflyer.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/ritz-carlton-toronto-welcome-amenity.jpeg)
Also, it was not an amenity, but it was worth mentioning that the housekeeping was extraordinary. We stayed in our room until 1:30 p.m., re-packing our bags before we set off to Munich via Lufthansa First Class for Oktoberfest the following day.
Despite our late departure, the housekeeping staff still came to make up the room. I was shocked at how perfectly everything was placed, and no stone was left unturned to make the room perfect and easy to use.
![ritz carlton toronto organized personal items on desk](https://frugalflyer.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/ritz-carlton-toronto-organized-personal-items-on-desk.jpeg)
![ritz carlton toronto organized shoes in room](https://frugalflyer.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/ritz-carlton-toronto-organized-shoes-in-room.jpeg)
![ritz carlton toronto turndown chocolate and water](https://frugalflyer.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/ritz-carlton-toronto-turndown-chocolate-and-water.jpeg)
![ritz carlton toronto organized toiletries](https://frugalflyer.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/ritz-carlton-toronto-organized-toiletries.jpeg)
Pillow Menu
Getting back to amenities, The Ritz Carlton Toronto also has a specialized pillow menu. We decided to try the Buckwheat and Bamboo options. The bamboo is the way to go if you want to spice up your pillow life!
![ritz carlton toronto pillow menu](https://frugalflyer.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/ritz-carlton-toronto-pillow-menu.jpeg)
Complimentary Shoe Shine Service
Finally, there is a complimentary shoeshine service that we opted to partake in. It’s an overnight service not to limit your shoe selection during the day.
![ritz carlton toronto shoe shine service form](https://frugalflyer.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/ritz-carlton-toronto-shoe-shine-service-form.jpeg)
I’ve included the before and after photos, which I think are a drastic change. Needless to say, as a complimentary service, there is no reason to not take advantage of it if your shoes are looking a little worse for wear.
![ritz carlton toronto shoe shine before](https://frugalflyer.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/ritz-carlton-toronto-shoe-shine-before.jpeg)
![ritz carlton toronto shoe shine after](https://frugalflyer.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/ritz-carlton-toronto-shoe-shine-after.jpeg)
Conclusion
The Ritz Carlton Toronto is an aspirational property we are lucky to have access to through the Marriott Bonvoy program. The stay is a proper cut above many other luxury brands, and the exclusivity of the Ritz brand is well deserved.
Whether you’re looking for a home base for a weekend or a place for a city getaway, the Ritz Carlton Toronto is an excellent splurge to indulge.
![Daniel Burkett](https://frugalflyer.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/daniel-burkett-headshot-750x750-1.jpg)
Daniel Burkett
![Daniel Burkett](https://frugalflyer.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/daniel-burkett-headshot-750x750-1.jpg)
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