What’s the draw

Tucked down a side street, slap bang in the middle of the Entertainment District, you might have walked past Le Germain Hotel Toronto on Mercer and never noticed it – but a trip inside is much harder to forget. High ceilings and Zen design strokes give the lobby a modern Japanese feel, with its light wooden beams and cubic-storage wall in the uber cozy library lounge.

We stayed in a classic suite, which offers spacious digs with a living room and sitting area, rainfall shower and separate tub, plus some hefty venetian blinds to guarantee plenty of zzz under all that glorious Egyptian cotton. Naturally, it is also equipped with modern amenities like free WiFi and a Bose stereo system.

What to eat

Executive chef Lanny MacLeod has put together a menu at Victor that plays with the nostalgia and comfort of classic, childhood meals, elevating them into sophisticated dishes that still hit the mark. Slide into a teal banquette and tuck into panko-crusted eggplant, melt-in-your-mouth magret duck breast with a blackberry armagnac sauce or the simple but delicious Lake Erie perch amandine. Their famous, house-ground burger (nicknamed ‘The Big Vic’) with caramelized onions and aged cheddar, is also well worth the calories.

Guests staying at the hotel can enjoy a complimentary continental breakfast with croissants, yogurt and fruit in the dining room at Victor.

What else

With so many attractions within walking distance, it’s an easy choice for out-of-towners and staycationers alike – but if you don’t feel like venturing beyond Le Germain’s walls, there’s plenty to keep your attention. We dug the Wimbledon Centre Court vibes in the hotel bar, decorated with tennis rackets and trophies. Or head up to the deck – those in need of refreshment can grab a cocktail on the terrace, while the fitness averse will find an exercise that’s more on par at the hotel’s rooftop putting green. Plus, when you book directly, you can check out whenever you like, giving you more precious moments to enjoy that mattress.

Rooms from $327

30 Mercer St., Toronto, 1-(866)-345-9501; legermainhotels.com