When planning a vacation most people generally think of the typical and most popular cities and attractions to visit: Disney Land, Paris, New York, London or the Grand Canyon. While these are all sites and cities that should be visited at least once in a lifetime, there is at least one city that should be added to the list: Toronto. Located in the province of Ontario, Toronto may seem like any other big city, but when looked at closer, the city has many exquisite and culturally rich experiences to offer.

The premier hotel to stay in is without a doubt the Fairmont Royal York hotel, located in downtown Toronto. The hotel is not only a place of luxury, but also a place of history. Built in 1929, the hotel is an excellent example of neo-classical design. Outside, its green toped spires reach high into the Toronto skyline and inside the many arches transport one back to a time of ballroom dances and butlers. The Fairmont Royal York hotel was built as a railway hotel by the Canadian Pacific Railway. The Royal York along with many other hotels built by C.P.R. were intended to be luxurious stays along the railway offering passengers to the opportunity to visit new cities and towns in style.

Today the Royal York is still a luxurious destination but to more than just railway passengers. With 1365 rooms, the Royal York is the perfect destination for the business man or woman looking to host a classy business lunch, the newly wed couple celebrating the honeymoon, or a vacationing family seeking top quality service. Each guest room and suite is decorated in a style that offers both elegance and comfort.

For the traveler seeking an unforgettable experience, the hotel offers a Gold standard of service. Every guest at the hotel receives top quality service, but those who pay a little extra to receive the Fairmont Gold experience are truly indulged. The Fairmont Gold experience includes: a private gold lounge offering free internet access on complementary computers; select newspapers; coffee; tea; and a cocktail happy hour, rooms with a view of Lake Ontario, limousine and dinner reservations and much more.   

When dinner time rolls around the guest of the Royal York need not step one foot out of the hotel; the Royal York is home to five fine restaurants and four lounges. Here are some of the restaurants and lounges you can visit: the Epic, Benihana Japanese Steakhouse, York’s Kitchen, Piper’s Gastropub, the Library Bar and many more. For guests and walk-in guests alike, the Royal York offers many fine dishes to tempt a variety of tastes.

Located in the heart of downtown Toronto, the Royal York is a great central location, giving guest easy access to many tourist attractions. There are several parks located in an easy distance and will give guests the opportunity to enjoy a serene walk within the city. Also near by is the Nathan Phillips Square which is home the Peace Garden, a memorial of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima. Guests can also visit the near by Elgin and Winter Garden Theaters. These theaters not only offer entertainment but are also historical as they are only remaining Edwardian stacked theaters in the world.

The Fairmont Royal York is a fine destination to begin exploring the city and all it has to offer. The history and culture of Toronto is felt when one first steps into the hotel and is enhanced by every exploration into the city. Visitors to the Fairmont Royal York and Toronto will not be disappointed by all the life, culture, and history that the city and the hotel has to offer.