249 Queen's Quay West, Toronto, Canada | (888) 551-4925
Colorful, bright, and artistic lobby
One of the few hotels directly on Toronto's harbor still offers easy access to downtown
Rooms include hardwood floors, huge showers, and (some) gas fireplaces plus awesome lake views
Starbucks cafe in the lobby
Watermark Restaurant serves Canadian cuisine while a lounge serves local beers
Easy access to waterfront recreation path
Airy outdoor pool with patio open seasonally
Pampering available in an adjacent spa and salon
Free Wi-Fi
Huge spaces available for businesses and special events
Street noise audible from some rooms
Pricier than other nearby hotels
Small fitness center
Pool and patio closed in winter
Super close to Lake Ontario, the Radisson Admiral Toronto Harbourfront has an artistic appeal with both subtle and not-so-subtle waterfront-inspired decor. A bit more expensive than other nearby hotels, the four-pearl Admiral is just small enough to feel personal and large enough to offer amenities to please every kind of guest: huge event and business areas, an outdoor pool for families, spacious rooms, and an on-site restaurant and lounge. Views of the lake and CN Tower are better here than any other place in town. If your visit coincides with the snow, check rates at the Chelsea Hotel for access to their enormous indoor pool.
Scene
Beachy, clean, and colorful
It's hard to miss the vibrant oranges, yellows, and turquoise colors accenting the artistic lobby. Floor-to-ceiling striped pillars and a wooden staircase add vertical interest. Huge, wall-sized windows and high ceilings make the Admiral look bright. There are elegant and unique touches everywhere, including wispy tree sculptures, arched floor lamps, and overhead chandeliers. The Watermark Restaurant is equally sleek and creative with a modern flat-front fireplace, an original sequence of goldfish paintings, and streamlined white and black furniture. Most guests at the Admiral are tourists or business travelers visiting Toronto.
Location
Water on one side, best of downtown on the other
The Radisson Admiral Toronto Harbourfront location is perfect for those who like to be near water as it's located on Lake Ontario. There's a brew house next door. The hotel has prime views of the CN Tower to the north and easy access to Gardiner Expressway, which connects the harbor and city. Rogers Centre is three blocks away. Although the street out front is riddled with traffic, recreation enthusiasts will revel in the waterfront path for walking, running, and biking. The Harbourfront Centre -- featuring canoe rentals, festivals, and live music -- is only a three-minute walk down the road. Pearson International Airport requires just a 20-minute drive.
Rooms
Spacious, bright, and immaculate
With thick shutters on the large windows, (some) hardwood floors, and blue embellishments, there’s a warm beach house feel to the Admiral’s 157 rooms, which are both immaculately clean and contemporary. Modern comforts include high-tech flat-screen TVs, coffeemakers, and free Wi-Fi. Gas fireplaces add an extra level of coziness to some of the rooms. Telescopes are an unexpected touch. Glass showers look modern and spacious; some have large showerheads with a powerful spray. Although the pillow top beds are comfortable and the furniture and decor are attractive overall, molded plastic chairs are not terribly comfortable. Rooms from the higher floors have the best views of either the pool or Lake Ontario.
Features
Indoor and outdoor fun
This lakeside hotel has convenient features for tourists and business travelers. There's a seasonal outdoor pool and patio with sun loungers. The fitness center is open 24-hours -- though it's on the tiny side. There's a variety of meeting rooms and free Wi-Fi. Dining options include the Watermark Restaurant for upscale lunches and dinners, while the adjacent lounge serves cocktails and burgers. An expansive breakfast buffet is included on some booking sites. There's a Starbucks cafe in the lobby. Room service and dry cleaning are available.Canadians love their spas (it may have something to do with the discount given by their national health care plan) so it's no surprise that a four-pearl property in Toronto offers treatments at on-site Serenity Spa & Salon.