A five-storey, 600,000 cubic feet industrial space is transformed for this walkthrough exhibit.
The Broadview Hotel, Toronto, Ontario
Rates from $299
Overview: Located in Toronto’s buzzy Queen Street East, this 1891-built hotel offers 57 high-style rooms, and one spacious suite, in a meticulously restored landmark building.
Guest rooms: The decor dials up a vintage vibe. All rooms come with a vinyl record player and a minibar stocked with local treats. Some rooms feature private outdoor terraces.
Dining options: Enjoy a free glass of wine (4:30 to 6:30 p.m.) in the Bistro + Bar off the lobby before heading to The Rooftop for 360-degree views of the city skyline.
Good to know: Skip the elevator as the stairwell features a timeline of the building’s history. There’s a complimentary Lincoln car service to anywhere within five kilometres of the hotel.
Nearby: The Broadview is located in the eclectic Leslieville neighbourhood, which is emerging as one of the city’s hippest place to dine, drink and shop.—C.W.
Virgin Hotels, San Francisco, California
Rates from US$302
Overview: Conceived by Sir Richard Branson, the 192-room property is situated in the city’s bustling South of Market district near Yerba Buena Gardens.
Guest rooms: Guestrooms, a.k.a. “chambers,” include sliding barn doors for privacy, cherry-red Smeg mini fridges, yoga mats and custom-designed charging benches.
Dining options: The rooftop bar, Everdene, serves up hand-crafted libations. Try the Love, Honor, and Betrayal, made with Aviation Gin, apricot, lemon juice, lavender and Moët Impérial.
Good to know: Sign up for the hotel’s free membership program, The Know, for room discounts, upgrades and complimentary cocktails at The Spirit Hour in the Commons Club.
Nearby: Venture to The Ferry Building for take-home gifts, like vases from Heath Ceramics, or enjoy a gingerbread cupcake at Parisian-inspired bakery Miette.—J.N.
Renaissance Austin Hotel, Austin, Texas
Rates from US$195
Overview: About a 30-minute drive north of downtown, the nine-storey Renaissance Austin Hotel provides restful accommodations and an outdoor space for alfresco dining.
Guest rooms: The 492 rooms offer views of the interior atrium or the surrounding Hill Country. Rooms are decorated in neutral tones with Aveda skincare products in the bathrooms.
Dining options: The rooftop Knotty Deck & Bar offers Texas favourites such as Wild Boar Spare Ribs, and local beers and cocktails. There is also a firepit surrounded by couches.
Good to know: There is always a concierge (or “navigator” in Marriott speak) on-site to help guests find great dining options and things to do in and around the city.
Nearby: Visit the high-end shopping area The Arboretum, and The Domain, where you’ll find bowling and karaoke at Punch Bowl Social.—C.J.D.
renaissance-hotels.marriott.com
[This story appears in the August 2019 edition of WestJet Magazine.]
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