Hotel Victoria

Hotel Victoria is situated in a historic, eight-story brick building dating back to 1909. Built right after Toronto's 1904 Great Fire, it was the city's first fireproof building. In 2011, the lobby and guest rooms were renovated, adding modern flair while simultaneously preserving historic charm. The small but stylish lobby features floor-to-ceiling windows, marble walls and a marble fireplace, rich wood accents, and ornate crown molding. Seating includes contemporary takes on Victorian armchairs and sofas, pairing ornate wood legs with satin-y fabric and red accent pillows. The lobby certainly speaks to a higher-end hotel -- and offers the sort of boutiquey charm chain hotel's rarely accomplish -- but small entry-level rooms and limited on-site amenities are what make this a mid-range property. The central downtown location draws tourists and business guests alike.  

Hotel Victoria is exceptionally well-located in downtown Toronto's Financial District, adjacent to the Entertainment District and just blocks from many Toronto attractions. Restaurants, bars, and shops line the neighborhood, and the hotel sits right between the Wellington Street at Yonge Street light rail stop (503) and the King Station Metro (line 1), each a one-minute walk away. The Hockey Hall of Fame is right down the street (a one-minute walk) and Union Station is a five-minute walk. In 15 minutes or less, guests can walk to the Toronto Eaton Centre, the Royal Alexandra Theatre, Dundas Square, and the CN tower. The Distillery District and Harbourfront Center are about a 20-minute walk. Pearson International Airport is a 20-minute drive (without traffic) or 45 minutes via the UP Express from Union Station.

Guests wouldn't guess that the hotel Victoria's 56 rooms belong to a historic property. Renovated in 2011, rooms are sophisticated and modern with beautiful hardwood floors, neutral white walls finished with crown molding, and sleek black furniture, including side tables with cabriole legs. Black and white damask wallpaper over desks offer a modern-vintage vibe and pair well with white button-tufted headboards, while fabric accents in olive green, like drapes and pillows, add just a touch of color. Bathrooms are modern as well and feature shimmery black tiled accent walls and combination showers and tubs. 

Rooms are air-conditioned, and guests go out of their way to praise the comfortable pillow-top beds. All rooms include flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, coffeemakers, small freestanding wardrobes, irons and ironing boards, hairdryers, and free individual toiletries. Upgraded Business and Deluxe Rooms add Apple TV and free Netflix, free bottled water, and bathrobes. Deluxe rooms, which measure a nice 400 square feet, also include mini-fridges. Guests sometimes complain about the small size of entry-level Standard Rooms, while others note brick wall views or noise (especially in rooms that face Yonge Street). 

Like many mid-range hotels, this one has limited extra property features. The main amenity is the attached restaurant, Over Easy, a cafe-style joint with historic crown molding and a casual vibe. The restaurant serves breakfast (as the name implies, it's known for its eggs) until mid-afternoon. Breakfast is well-liked among guests and locals alike, but it's not included in the room rate. The restaurant serves some drinks, but it doesn't have a full-service bar, and it isn't opened for dinner. 

The hotel has a 24-hour front desk and can provide concierge services like ticket assistance and weekday dry cleaning and laundry service. Wi-Fi throughout the property is free and a desktop Mac is available in the lobby for guest use. While there are no on-site fitness facilities, guests can request passes for a nearby fitness center. A big downside is lack of on-site parking -- the hotel directs guests to off-site parking about a 10-minute walk from the hotel, but it's a bit pricey.