This hotel sets the benchmark for traditional elegance, its only competition being the Fairmont Royal York and possibly the Four Seasons. The 17-story carved-stone building with quoin edges dates from 1903, during the reign of King Edward VII.
Arriving guests enter a classic 80-ft marble lobby that acts as the social nexus for Toronto's high-society gatherings. The imposing columns support the atrium skylight that showers down a flaxen light on the large Edwardian lobby lounge, which oozes with sophistication and charm. Tea is served here and at the proper Tea Room immediately around the corner opposite the dining room. The room's majesty dwarfs the enchanting fireplace, but that doesn't stop lobby lingerers from enjoying it.
The Restaurant, which
is a formal eatery (and the only dining option), and The Consort Bar open to this main lobby lounge, establishing it as one of the city's premier rendezvous. The elegant gourmet dining room is decorated with sculptured glass art and a veritable museum-class collection of artistic baroque plasterwork. It offers fine service and hefty tabs for all meals and is a frequent stop for preshow dinners or those on the corporate power-lunch circuit.
The cozy piano lounge provides suitable Edwardian furnishings, ferns and luxurious contemporary marble accents. Other amenities include a 24-hour mezzanine health club, boutique shops and a concierge who never sleeps. The modern business center is stocked with every imaginable necessity, and the Nouvelle Maria Spa incorporates a beauty salon. Meeting space seats 500 attendees theater-style, and society gatherings take place in the incomparable 
Sovereign Ballroom with its 24-ft ceilings, enormous windows and the famed designation as a historical landmark in the city. Wireless high-speed Internet access is available throughout the hotel for those with laptops. Airport limousines and parking are available for a fee.
Elevators rise slowly to guest rooms that, though still fanciful, lack the elegant panache of the public rooms. Richly swathed in quality fabrics, they feature high ceilings and large windows that match the period decor. Polished hardwoods provide a stunning backdrop to the crisp white duvets atop beds and the bright green fabrics on the furnishings. Well-maintained high-grade carpet softens every step. All rooms are equipped with minibars, TVs in armoires, phones with data ports providing high-speed Internet access, fax machines, irons and ironing boards, and robes. Elegant baths have marble vanities, makeup mirrors, 
phones, twice-daily housekeeping and hair dryers. Some rooms add coffeemakers, and all feature turndown service and Tiffany lighting. The six premium floors offer rooms with even better accoutrements and a massive and well-tended private lounge on the 11th floor for breakfast and evening snacks. Room service never stops, and some units are wheelchair accessible.
This newly acquired property in the Starwood chain is experiencing additional attention with the brand's loyal following and is arguably one of the finest properties in the city. The Fairmont offers formidable competition but falls behind where the frills are concerned. At The King Eddie, as locals affectionately call it, guests are treated like royalty, with an atmosphere and rates to fit.
