Thompson T-Dot

There's been a great deal of press lately about the stylish new Thompson Toronto, including a small scandal surrounding celebrity chef Scott Content's Huffington Post blog being "condescending" towards Toronto's restaurant scene. Oh well.

I wrote about the Thompson in my January 28th, 2010 enewsletter: "Twenty-Ten - So Far, So Good?" (reprinted below)

How are those New Year’s Resolutions holding up? I’ve been on a bit of an “Out With The Old, In With The New” kick, but when it comes to hotels I embrace both the old, traditional “Grande Dames”, as well as the newest and most trendy offerings.

FAIRMONT CHATEAU MONTEBELLO
A visit to the “largest log cabin in the world” just before Christmas afforded the experience of seeing the venerable Fairmont Chateau Montebello decked out in her finest festive “bling”. There were lights, candles and garlands everywhere, and the huge Christmas tree in the lobby was dwarfed only by the four-sided stone fireplace which is both the heart, hearth, of this historic property. How historic? The Chateau land dates back to a 17th century siegneurial estate - something I vaguely remember learning about in Grade Five Social Studies – and its 65,000 acres houses not only the hotel, but a private nature reserve and a collection of five-star chalets. The resort itself offers a little over 200 guestrooms and a wide range of activities, including curling (a first for me!). Its new conference centre – with 5000 square feet of meeting space - blends seamlessly with the existing facilities. www.fairmont.com/montebello

THOMPSON TORONTO – OPENING SPRING 2010
A new luxury boutique hotel is coming to Toronto! The Thompson Toronto will open its doors at 550 Wellington St. West with 102 guestrooms, a 3000+ square foot ballroom, boardroom for 25 people, and a variety of dining and entertainment options: from upscale Italian and Sushi restaurants to a 24-hour diner and stylish lobby bar (can’t wait to see the hand-painted, three dimensional mural of Toronto's skyline!). The hotel’s 16th floor will feature a rooftop pool, cabanas, and year-round lounge with fireplace and bar. There are currently nine hotels in the prestigious Thompson collection, including the Roosevelt in Los Angeles and 60 Thompson in New York; this will be the group’s first location outside the U.S. http://www.thompsonhotels.com/

***Update: The Thompson Toronto started welcoming guests in June, and the much-anticipated Scarpetta is *almost* open (there was snag with the liquor licence last weekend)***

LOOK UP, WAY UP….
With the opening of the Buri Khalifa in Dubai earlier this month, Toronto’s own CN Tower was forced to relinquish its 31-year old claim to being the world’s tallest free-standing structure. Nevermind. The Tower still offers some unique event facilities, including 360 Restaurant (with its award-winning wine “cellar” – located at 351 meters/1151 ft.), the more casual and versatile Horizons on the Look Out Level – also with spectacular views - as well as meeting rooms and the 144-seat Maple Leaf Cinema at ground level. http://www.cntower.ca/

***Update: I actually visited the tower this week with a friend from out-of-town. What fun to play tourist and take pictures of ourselves on the glass floor! We saw Porter flights taking off from the newly expanded Island Airport, and the redesigned AGO looks pretty cool from that vantage point.***

Julie Epplett, CMP
Global Account Manager
ConferenceDirect®

Patio, Patio

"To patio" is practically a verb in Toronto during our all-too-brief summer, and despite the recent heat wave sidewalks, terraces, rooftops, and courtyards remain resolutely packed with Torontonians exercising their unalienable right to eat, drink, and be merry en plein air.

I asked a few discerning friends to join me on a tour of Yorkville hotel patios, starting with the historic Windsor Arms: Toronto's first boutique hotel whose discreet charms have been celebrated in a couple of Atom Egoyen's films (most recently Chloe). Two distinct patios wrap around the hotel along St. Thomas and Sultan Streets: one is an extension of their restaurant, twenty-two, and the other features comfortable rattan chairs and a front-row view of the hotel's arrivals and departures. I challenged our server/bartender to bring me a non-alcoholic "mocktail" and received a muddled-fruit concoction which was as refreshing as it was pretty. Along with drinks we ordered an Asian-inspired lobster salad, one of the many appetizers offered at half-price until 6:30 p.m. daily.

At the InterContinental Yorkville's SkyLounge we were a bit disappointed not to find seating on the designer sofas - some of which were marked as "reserved" for wedding parties arriving later. This is a funky and casual outdoor room situated in the hotel's sheltered inner courtyard. A deejay spun Latin club-style music, and our server was friendly and knowledgeable about the wine list - even offering small tasting portions to assist with the decision-making process. (Though we couldn't help noticing that the same glass of wine here was $3 more than at the Windsor Arms). We ordered from the extensive tapas menu: grilled asparagus and bruschetta. Yummy!

Our next stop was the venerable Roof Lounge on the 18th floor of the Park Hyatt - but alas, all the outdoor tables were taken - and inside, too, was pretty much filled to capacity. At The Hazelton Hotel we were turned away from the insanely-popular One which was fully reserved for tables of diners - no chance for a casual drink or appetizer here.

Would love to hear your experiences or recommendations. On my hit-list for later this summer are the patios at The Old Mill Inn and Spa and the always hip Drake Hotel. In the meantime, though, I’m off to Regina to experience what that city has to offer convention groups. Watch for that report soon.

Until next time!

Julie

Julie Epplett, CMP
Global Account Manager
ConferenceDirect®