Hotel
Fairmont Royal York
A grand railway hotel opened in 1929 opposite Union Station, with more than 1,300 rooms, the Library Bar, a pool and spa and a rooftop garden…
The Drake Hotel
A 51-room boutique hotel in an 1890 building on Queen Street West, known for its contemporary art collection, the Drake Underground music venue and the Sky Yard rooftop.
At a glance
- Type
- Boutique hotel
- Area
- West Queen West, Toronto, Canada
- Price
- $$$ · Upscale
- Official site
- thedrake.ca
Good to know
- Live music venue
- Rooftop patio
- Restaurant
- Contemporary art collection
Why we recommend it
The Drake Hotel stands in a building on Queen Street West that opened in 1890 as Small's Hotel and became The Drake in 1949. Jeff Stober bought it in 2001 and, after around six million dollars of renovation, reopened it as a boutique hotel in February 2004. The hotel says that for more than 20 years it has been more than a place to stay.
The hotel has 51 rooms, split between a Modern Wing and a Classic Wing, ranging from compact rooms to larger suites. Art is central to the experience: a rotating contemporary art collection, including commissions, installations and artist residencies, is displayed throughout the rooms and dining spaces.
Beneath the hotel, the Drake Underground is one of Toronto's most intimate live music venues and mainly hosts indie acts; past performers include M.I.A., Billie Eilish and Beck. Hotel guests get VIP access to shows. On the roof, the Sky Yard patio hosts events and a Sunday brunch series called Good Soul in the Sky.
The ground-floor restaurant, led by executive chef Daniel Hyam, serves all-day menus that mix modern bistro classics with global influences, sharing plates, snacks and sushi.
The location is a big part of the appeal. The hotel describes West Queen West as Toronto's most creative neighbourhood, and it is close to galleries and Trinity Bellwoods Park. It suits couples, younger travellers, music fans and anyone who wants to stay in a neighbourhood rather than the business district.
The Drake brand has grown beyond this building, with the Drake Devonshire inn in Wellington, Ontario, and Drake General Store shops. Stober paid about 860,000 Canadian dollars for the building in 2001, ending a long run under the Drake name that began in 1949. The hotel keeps separate email addresses for guest services, events, dining and the programming of the Drake Underground, and the Sky Yard is also used for rooftop wedding ceremonies. The restaurant is on the ground floor, so it is easy to drop in for a meal or a drink without staying.
Light sleepers may want to ask for a room away from the music venue on busy nights.
The Drake Hotel FAQs
When was the building built?
In 1890, as Small's Hotel.
When did the boutique hotel open?
In February 2004, after renovation by owner Jeff Stober.
How many rooms are there?
51, in a Modern Wing and a Classic Wing.
Is there live music?
Yes. The Drake Underground is a live music venue beneath the hotel, and guests get VIP access.
Is there a rooftop?
Yes. The Sky Yard rooftop patio hosts events and Sunday brunch.
Who leads the kitchen?
Executive chef Daniel Hyam.
What is nearby?
Galleries along Queen Street West and Trinity Bellwoods Park.
Is there art in the hotel?
Yes. A rotating contemporary art collection is displayed throughout.