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…
Canada's largest hotel, opened in 1975 with around 1,590 rooms, a family recreation area, an adult-only pool and gym, and casual dining at the Elm Tavern and Branches Deli.
Good to know
The Chelsea Hotel opened on 15 October 1975 as Delta's Chelsea Inn and, with around 1,590 rooms and suites, is described as the largest hotel in Canada. It has been owned by Hong Kong's Great Eagle Holdings since 1996 and operated by Langham Hospitality Group since 2013.
The Chelsea is a mid-range, family-oriented hotel rather than a luxury property, and that is its strength. The hotel runs family activities, which makes it a practical choice for parents travelling with children, while adults have their own separate pool and gym.
Dining is casual, with Branches Deli and mobile dining alongside the Elm Tavern.
Location is another advantage. The hotel's official address is 22 Elm Street in downtown Toronto, and Barberian's Steak House is just along the same street at number 7.
The Chelsea suits families, groups, budget-conscious travellers and anyone who wants a central base without paying luxury prices. Book directly with the hotel to see room types and packages. The hotel has recently completed a major multi-year renovation, and families are now at the centre of its offer. On the second floor, The Hive includes The Workshop, with play-based activities for younger children, The Studio, a digital and social space for older children and teenagers, and The Cove, an indoor pool with a 130-foot indoor corkscrew waterslide that the hotel says is the only one of its kind downtown. On the 27th floor, The Heights is an adults-only wellness area with the heated indoor Skyline Pool and its views over downtown, the outdoor Horizon Deck and a renovated movement studio. Room types run from standard Chelsea Rooms and studios with kitchenettes to one- and two-bedroom suites. The Elm Tavern serves breakfast, lunch and dinner every day, with a terrace in good weather and a daily happy hour from 4pm to 6pm, and children aged five and under eat free with an adult main course. Monarch's, on the lobby level, has live entertainment, and Time Zone Escapes runs two 60-minute escape rooms for groups of four to eight.
Reservations can be made by phone or online, and general enquiries go to the hotel's own email address.
Yes. With around 1,590 rooms and suites, it is described as the largest hotel in Canada.
On 15 October 1975, as Delta's Chelsea Inn.
Yes. The Hive is a family recreation area, and the hotel runs family activities.
Yes. The Heights is an adult-only pool and gym.
The Elm Tavern, Branches Deli and mobile dining.
At 22 Elm Street in downtown Toronto.
Langham Hospitality Group, for owner Great Eagle Holdings.
By phone on 416 595 1975 or by email.
Restaurant
A weekday fine-dining restaurant on the 54th floor of the TD Bank Tower, cooking seasonal Canadian ingredients with a tasting menu, à la carte dinner and…
Café
A family-run bakery inside St. Lawrence Market, known as the home of Toronto's famous peameal bacon sandwich, with breads, bagels, pastries and hot sandwiches.
Attraction
Toronto's 553-metre communications tower on Bremner Boulevard, with a Glass Floor, an outdoor terrace, the higher Top level, a revolving restaurant and the seasonal EdgeWalk.
Thing to do
Toronto's historic food market on Front Street East, with food stalls in the South Market, part of the 1845 city hall, and a Saturday farmers' market.