Livin’ the 5-star life: Toronto’s top hotel residences

Livin’ the 5-star life: Toronto’s top hotel residences

There's nothing quite like a stay at a luxury hotel… the hushed, beautiful spaces, amazing service, fantastic food and decadent spa days make you wish you could live there all year round. Well, with luxury hotel residences (and a generous budget), you totally can.

These hybrid hotel condo/hotel combos offer hotel-style luxury living every day. Think swoon-worthy pools and to-die-for spas. Room service whenever you're feeling peckish. Insane views of the city. And sleek, ultra-sophisticated suites that take city living to a whole new level. Toronto has a number of residences combined with five-star hotels. Here's a quick list of our faves:

Four Seasons Private Residences
50 Yorkville Ave. & 55 Scollard St.

Perfectly situated in extra-chic Yorkville, this incredible two-tower property is resort-style living at its very best. The 55-storey West Tower houses the five-star Four Seasons Hotel Toronto on the first 25 floors, with 100 private residences in the upper levels accessible via a separate entryway and lobby. The East Tower is fully residential, with a separate entrance and an additional 109 residences over 26 storeys.

West Tower residences feature terraces, gas fireplaces, cornice moldings, full-height curtain wall window systems, central vac – and all the premium touches you'd expect from the prestigious Four Seasons brand. Suites range from the 1,956 sf two-bedroom to the jaw-dropping 9,038 sf penthouse.

East Tower suites are similarly high end, with layouts from 1,100 to 5,000 sf. But the real bonus here is access to all the luxury amenities. There's room service, maid service (naturally), concierge service, swimming pools and yoga rooms, plus a massive 28,000 sf spa and fitness centre. (If you've never been to this incredible spa, GO NOW. Seriously, it’s pampering like you’ve never experienced before). A ninth-floor walkway joins the two towers and provides residents with direct spa access. You're also an elevator ride away from dbar, the sleek lobby lounge, Cafe Boulud (of superstar chef Daniel Boulud fame) and Buca Osteria (temporarily closed) for stellar Italian fare.

The Residences of Shangri-La
180 University Ave.

Shangri-La

This residence really is like the mythical earthly paradise it's named for: Toronto’s Shangri-La is luxury living done right. The 66-storey glass tower is a University Avenue landmark, located close to the Financial District and trendy King West. The property is divided into the hotel and three luxurious residence collections. Levels 1 to 17 house the hotel, levels 18 to 47 are home to the Shangri-La condos, 50 to 64 are where you’ll find the super-luxurious Private Estate suites, and 65 and 66 offer the pinnacle of luxury living, with ultra-premium penthouses that come with pretty much everything you can imagine, including valet parking. Units range from 819 to 4,400 sf.

Luxurious touches are everywhere: custom-designed Italian kitchens, Miele and Subzero appliances, fireplaces, rich hardwood floors, massive walk-in closets, automated blinds, Carrera marble washrooms and private balconies. The penthouse suites have extravagant multi-floor layouts with mezzanines and killer views.

Living at the Shangri-La has plenty of perks: 24-hour room service, luxury spa, indoor pool, sauna, business center, media room, party room, concierge, and a private entrance with dedicated concierge and doorman. Plus, the building houses two of the city's most celebrated restaurants: Momofuku by award-winning chef David Chang and Bosk, an elegant Asian-inspired eatery.

Residences of the Ritz-Carlton Toronto
183 Wellington St. W.

Ritz Carlton

Want to experience the legendary service that the Ritz-Carlton is famous for? Live here. Everything about these residences lives up to the Ritz reputation. With lavish suites, an award-winning spa, 24-hour concierge, on-demand chauffeur services, and above and beyond service at every touchpoint, they are the epitome of luxury.

Suites range from 1,200 sf to a truly decadent 11,000 sf, with floor-to-ceiling windows, premium hardwood and marble finishes, incredible kitchens, huge bedrooms, walk-in closets, high ceilings and more. Luxe amenities are shared with the hotel, but the ultimate perk is the stunning residents-only Sky Lobby, a stylish two-storey space with an outdoor terrace and breathaking lake and city views.

And let's not forget the location: the Wellington St. address is incredibly central, with easy access to the Rogers Centre, Roy Thompson Hall, the Royal Alex and Princess of Wales Theatres and a host of entertainment and dining options. The hotel is also a great place for celeb-spotting. But don't worry, that doesn't mean you'll be dodging paparazzi everytime TIFF is in town – the residences have their own entrance to ensure privacy and discretion.

Bisha Hotel and Residences
88 Blue Jays Way

Bisha Hotel

This is Toronto’s newest and most modern take on luxury hotel living. Bisha’s tagline is “Laid back luxury – with an edge,” and that attitude is evident throughout the building, with bold colors and sleek design by Studio Munge and an exclusive floor designed by the king of edgy cool himself: Lenny Kravitz.

Situated squarely in the hip entertainment district, this 44-story gem houses 93 hotel rooms and 355 residences from 379 to 2,554 sf. Homeowners can use all the hotel’s wonderful amenities, but the jewel in this property’s crown is the stunning rooftop terrace with infinity pool, accessible only to residents and hotel guests. Surrounded by a terrace garden and cabana bar, it's also home to casual Kost restaurant. Gym, games room, meeting rooms, lounge, in-house salon, luxe guest suites and great in-house dining options round out the rich offerings.

Related info: 14 amazing Toronto pools

Bisha’s suites have floor-to-ceiling windows, exposed concrete ceilings, open-concept kitchens and private outdoor spaces for “al fresco with a view.” And you really can't beat the location: it’s surrounded by great restaurants, theatre, sports and other entertainment options.

The St. Regis Residences
311 Bay St. & 325 Bay St.

The St. Regis Residences

If you're looking for an address that shows you arrived, the St. Regis is the one. The first Canadian outpost of the iconic luxury brand, this property is located in the heart of the financial district, making it the perfect home for financial movers and shakers and other lovers of incomparable service and exquisite style.

This soaring 58-level residence has 118 suites, all situated on the building's upper floors (34 and up). Residents have the use of the hotel’s five-star amenities, including the incredible Spa at the St. Regis, the beautiful saltwater infinity pool, as well as the tranquil Sky Lounge and terrace, available to residents only.

Suite design reflects the brand's notable attention to detail. Expect soaring ceilings, Italian hardwood flooring, stunning kitchens, top-of-the-line appliances, walk-in closets, and granite and marble finishes. Everything (and everyone) you need is at your fingertips: valet parking, maid service, in-room dining, 24-hour concierge, fitness centre, and award-winning Louix Louis restaurant are all there to help you live the good life. They even have a private chauffeured BMW 7 Series on hand, to be used whenever residents and their guests need a ride.

Read more: Your definitive guide to today’s Toronto housing market

Fun fact: the original St. Regis Hotel in New York City was founded by John Jacob Astor IV. He named it after a 17th century monk, Francis Regis, who was known for his warm hospitality to travelers. It's also where the (very tasty) Bloody Mary was invented in 1934.

These high-end hotel residences aren't for everyone. But if you have the means to buy one of these luxurious suites in the sky, the lifestyle you get is truly incomparable. If you'd like to find out more about the benefits of hotel-style living (there are so many!), contact a Condo Pro to find out more.

About Cameron Miller

Cameron has been with condos.ca since 2014 and is a top-performing agent in the downtown Toronto market. He believes in the properties he sells and is passionate about delivering the highest level of service to each and every client. You can reach him at cameronmiller.ca.

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