One of the visual images that resonates with Toronto visitors and residents is…the CN Tower! But there’s also the Royal York Hotel, a close runner-up. Peter and I visited this grand old lady last weekend to see how she was dressed for the holiday season.
The Roayl York, built in 1929 by the CPR company, was the tallest building (with 28 floors and 1,000 rooms) in the British Empire at the time. It offered radios, bathtubs, and a telephone switchboard to overnight guests. The opening in 1929 was rather bad timing for a luxurious hotel. But it survived the depression and 2 extensive renovations.
In 1949 the hotel lobby was used as a field hospital for victims of a fire on board a cruise ship in the Toronto Harbour. In the 1950’s the big bands attracted hundreds of wealthy patrons to the Imperial Room for dinner and dancing. I remember my parents going there once, an unusually extravagant expense for them. They talked about that night of dancing with the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra for years. Peter remembers going there too – in the 1970’s – to see Tony Bennett, his favourite Italian-American singer.
Many guests, much more famous than our families, have stayed there overnight: Ronald Regan, Justin Bieber, Jennifer Aniston, Leonardo DiCaprio to name a few. The hotel was the venue for the G20 Toronto Summit, hosted by Stephen Harper in 2010. The Queen had a Royal Suite there, which will now be occupied by King Charles, should he decide to visit.
Today the Royal York is just as luxurious as ever. Attached to the underground PATH and to Union Station, it is easily accessible for guests. When we visited on the weekend, a train had just arrived at Union, and the line-up of visitors waiting to check in circled half the lobby and the huge Christmas tree.
if you decide to visit, don’t miss the specially-decorated Christmas bar, The Thirsty Elf. The bar opened a couple of years ago in December, a tiny nook in the basement. Now it has pride of place on the main mezzanine, near the display of photographs depicting the hotel’s history. It’s a place to relax and marvel at all the Christmas kitch you have ever imagined.
Anf now I have to get back to decorating my living room. The Royal York has set the decorating bar pretty high.
Sue
Seventy In the City 
Good morning Sue,
I know that we all crave feedback for what we do. So, here is a bit of feedback from me on your weekly (usually) blog.
First and foremost, I enjoy your weekly posting! Of course, the question is why. Well, a bunch of reasons.
The blog is well written, which in this day and age is a rarity. I’m clearly showing my age, but then it is a blog about/for people seventy and older.
You have covered a variety of interesting themes, from the very personal to historical to adventure of one sort or other to travel, among many more.
Your subject matter shows curiosity, a truly wonderful characteristic.
The blog also clearly shows that you tick off pretty well all the characteristics, actions and behaviours that seniors need to practice in order not just to survive, but to be as healthy and vital as possible, for as long as possible. You and Peter are great role models!
So, thanks for what you do, and keep up the good work!
Tom Kolin
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Thank you for another lovely treat.
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Went dancing at The Royal York. Now it looks small on the skyline. Thanks susie
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