What it's like to stay at the new 1 Hotel Toronto

1 Hotel Toronto: What's the vibe

Luxury and sustainability meet at this elegantly designed Toronto hotel that transformed the former Thompson Hotel space. It may be a chain with locations around the world, but 1 Hotel Toronto is completely unique to this city. Fallen Toronto trees make up many of the wood furnishings throughout the hotel, created by local studio Just Be Woodsy.

From the art installation in the Flora Lounge, made from foraged Ontario flowers and moss by Toronto artist Lauren Wilson, to the lobby floor, made with reclaimed wood from an old barn, careful thought has gone into every detail of the hotel. From chic room furnishings to rain showers and soaker tubs, 1 Hotel’s Scandinavia-meets-Muskoka design will make you feel like you’re far from the city.

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1 Hotel Toronto: What's on the menu

With almost all of the produce coming from no more than 100 km away, everything at 1 Hotel’s restaurants is fresher than fresh. Four different dining concepts, all with sustainability in mind, will keep you coming back again and again.

Tuck into organic Mexican and Mediterranean fare at Casa Madera; enjoy booze-forward cocktails and snacks in the Flora Lounge; or sip beautiful cocktails paired with sushi while you look out over the city from Harriet’s Rooftop. The hotel’s signature restaurant 1 Kitchen serves brunch on the weekend, featuring items like a beautiful focaccia French toast, while dinner sees dishes like juicy and flavourful charred rack of lamb with arancini and eggplant purée.

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1 Hotel Toronto: What else

Greenery features prominently throughout 1 Hotel Toronto — it’s home to more than 3,000 plants — while onsite composting, a recycling program and initiatives to reduce water and energy consumption round out the eco-friendly vibe. Outside, the Garden Pavilion doubles as an event space and garden supplying the restaurants with herbs, fruits and vegetables.

Inside, you’ll even find plants in your room, adding to the homey feel. Natural wood, clean design and comfy furniture will make you want to sink into your room and never leave. If you manage to pull yourself away from the cozy cotton robes, the state-of-the-art fitness centre and rooftop pool await you. 

Rooms start at $400 per night, 1hotels.com