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…
Omni King Edward Hotel
Toronto's first upscale hotel, opened in 1903 on King Street East to designs by E. J. Lennox, now run by Omni, with 301 rooms, the Consort Bar and afternoon tea.
At a glance
- Type
- Historic luxury hotel
- Area
- King Street East, Toronto, Canada
- Price
- $$$ · Upscale
- Official site
- omnihotels.com
Good to know
- Afternoon tea
- Consort Bar
- Spa
- Fitness centre
- Pet friendly
- Event spaces
Why we recommend it
The King Edward Hotel opened in 1903 on King Street East and describes itself as the first upscale hotel in Toronto and the oldest luxury hotel in Canada. The original eight-storey building was designed by E. J. Lennox, the architect of Casa Loma, and an 18-storey tower by the Chicago architect Henry Ives Cobb was added in 1921. Omni Hotels took over management in 2013 and bought the hotel outright in 2015.
The hotel has 301 rooms, including Deluxe and Premier rooms and suites. The Ontario Heritage Trust marked its centenary with a plaque in 2003. The hotel has been restored more than once, including a major restoration from 1979 to 1981.
The King Edward has played host to famous guests. When the Beatles first came to Toronto in 1964 they stayed in the royal suite, and around 3,000 fans gathered outside and in the lobby. At the top of the 1921 tower, the Crystal Ballroom reopened in 2017 after being closed for decades, and the hotel has more than 26,000 square feet of meeting and event space.
For food and drink, the Consort Bar is designed to feel like an English aristocrats' club, with an extensive cocktail list, and Victoria Café offers casual dining. A traditional afternoon tea is served in the hotel, which is a good reason to visit even if you are staying elsewhere. There is also the Mokara Spa and a fully equipped fitness centre.
Pets under 40 pounds are welcome for a one-time fee, which makes the hotel a good option for those travelling with a small dog. The original 1903 building had 400 rooms, and the 1921 tower added another 530. The Crystal Ballroom fills the top two floors of that tower and was closed from the late 1950s until its reopening, and a 2009 restoration plan created condominiums on floors three to five. Reservations can be made through the hotel or Omni's central line.
The King Edward suits couples, history lovers and anyone who wants a classic hotel in the older part of downtown. The hotel says it is close to a subway station and many of the city's top attractions, and Billy Bishop Airport is about ten minutes away.
Omni King Edward Hotel FAQs
When did the hotel open?
In 1903.
Who designed it?
E. J. Lennox designed the original building; Henry Ives Cobb added the tower in 1921.
How many rooms are there?
301 rooms and suites.
Did the Beatles stay here?
Yes. They stayed in the royal suite on their first Toronto visit in 1964.
Is there afternoon tea?
Yes. A traditional afternoon tea is served.
What is the Consort Bar?
The hotel bar, styled like an English aristocrats' club, with an extensive cocktail list.
Are pets allowed?
Pets under 40 pounds are welcome for a one-time fee.
How far is the airport?
Billy Bishop Airport is about ten minutes away.