Royal York Hotel

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for the Royal York Hotel

I recently went for a tour of the famous Art Deco hotel, The Fairmont Royal York in Toronto.

I'm ashamed to admit this, but even though I've lived in this city practically my whole life, before this recent visit, I have never actually been inside this gorgeous building.

I've walked/driven by it a million times but never ventured in. I have always felt a bit intimidated by its out-of-the-stratosphere elegance and sophistication.

It gives off a bit of the "unless-you-are-the-queen-of-England-do-not-even-attempt-to walk-in-here-you-unworthy-plebeian" vibe.

I finally decided it was time to dust off my tiara (a remnant from an old princess Halloween costume) and enter this über-glam wonder-of-architecture.

Needless to say, I was not disappointed.

The walls, the floors, the ceilings all ooze luxury. Everything from the geometric-patterned carpets, to the mirrored elevator doors to the sparkling chandeliers is of fine Art Deco quality. Just walking through the spectacular Art Deco hotel lobby made me wish I wore that Princess gown along with my tiara! It truly is breathtaking.

Hotel Lobby

History

After several incarnations, the hotel as we know it today, first opened its doors on June 11, 1929. At the time it was the tallest building in the British Commonwealth and drew the crème-de-la-crème of high society - royalty, actors, political leaders and the like.

It was a major attraction and Toronto's most prominent landmark. Its hospitality and guest services set the standard for all luxury hotels of the period.

The entire building was restored to its original Art Deco glory in the late 1980s and early 1990s and to this day it is considered to be one of the most spectacular examples of Art Deco architecture

Here are some pictures from my recent tour...

Art Deco Patterned Floor

Sweeping Staircase

Light Fixture	Chandelier

Elevator

Hallway

The Royal York Hotel

View from the Gardiner Expressway