I was treated to a stay at the Omni King Edward Hotel in Toronto. I was at the hotel to attend a blogging conference (LINK2013) and the venue was absolutely perfect. I knew with my first steps into the King Edward that I would be well taken care of. The staff is attentive and helpful and the accommodations are roomy, stylish and comfortable. Free WiFi, morning beverage and newspaper delivery are included if you are a registered Omni Select Guest member. The conference amenities were just the right size and comfortable. The perfect venue for watching a cooking demo, listening to fabulous speakers and learning lots and lots of new things.
I was taken on a tour of the hotel. The highlight for me was a rare look at the Crystal Ballroom on the 17th floor. Little access is granted to the ballroom anymore due to fire codes and lack of electricity to the once grand room. You can see the evidence of its heyday all around in the details. The floor to ceiling windows surround the ballroom and offer spectacular views of the city and lake. The room is scheduled for restoration and should be in use again in 2015. This will no doubt return to the “it” place to be for weddings, receptions and elegant parties.
The one thing I missed was the afternoon tea. Afternoon tea is served every Friday – Sunday, 2:30 PM – 5:00 PM but I was at the hotel on a Tuesday and Wednesday. The afternoon tea is something I will come back to experience. “Guests can indulge themselves with traditional scones and Devonshire cream, finger sandwiches, fresh berries and cream, pastries and petit fours, and more than 20 select teas from around the world. Hors d’oeuvres and spirits are also available.” Perhaps a day trip with my daughters for some shopping and tea. Sounds like a perfect girls trip to me.
I whole heartedly recommend the King Edward hotel to anyone wanting to stay in Toronto.
Some History of the King Edward Hotel in Toronto, Ontario
Built in 1903 the King Edward hotel opened with 400 rooms and 300 baths and claimed to be entirely fireproof. In 1922, the 18-storey tower with 530 additional rooms was added to the east of the original eight-storey structure. On the two top floors of the tower is the Crystal Ballroom.
Some famous guests to the downtown Toronto hotel have included Ernest Hemingway, Margaret Thatcher, The Beatles, Elizabeth Taylor, Elvis Presley, Britney Spears and others. Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton got engaged in the Sovereign Ballroom. Their stay at the hotel caused somewhat of a scandal as they shared a suite but were not yet married. There is rumoured to be a hidden quote, covered up by recent renovations, written on the wall by Leonard Cohen. John Lennon and Yoko Ono stayed in the royal suite prior to their famous bed-in for peace began. The Beatles stayed in the royal suite and caused a flood of about 3,000 fans in the lobby and streets.
Connect with Omni King Edward Hotel Toronto
37 King St E
Toronto, Ontario M5C 1E9
Phone: (416) 863-9700, Fax: (416) 863-3249
like them on facebook
twitter @OmniHotel or @KingEddyHotel
Check out their website
Toronto hotel is 3 blocks from Eaton Centre’s shops, 5 blocks from the Royal Alexandra Theatre, and 6 blocks from the CN Tower. Walking distance to Union Station.
[Giveaway] Give thanks in style in this Thanksgiving with HGTV’s Sarah Baeumler!
18
Dinner at Citrus Restaurant & Sushi by Eddy with Bloggy Friends @grandtoronto
18
Virginia Fynes says
October 9, 2013 at 4:41 pmThe King Eddy was such a great place to have #Link2013! So happy to have met you, I hope we connect again soon!
Shannon says
October 9, 2013 at 5:07 pmAgree! It was a pleasure meeting you as well. Hopefully LINK will be a yearly treat. Thanks for stopping by. 🙂
Gingermommy says
October 9, 2013 at 4:52 pmI found the hotel to be so close to everything it was amazing. The amount of space in the beautiful rooms was awesome and the staff were all great. I truly enjoyed my stay. It would be great to go back with hubs one day
Shannon says
October 11, 2013 at 12:35 pmIt is a great location! I loved the feeling of being pampered.
Cheryl says
October 9, 2013 at 6:13 pmI’m so glad we got to hang out together again Shannon 🙂
I loved the King Eddy too and yes you MUST go for tea if you’re in town on a Friday, Saturday or Sunday. It is one of the best in the city. And there’s nothing “snack”ish about it. Almost like a meal!
Shannon says
October 11, 2013 at 12:33 pmWill definitely be taking my girls for tea! It was so great seeing you again.
Victoria Ess says
October 11, 2013 at 5:23 pmDoing afternoon tea at King Edward has been on my list of things to do for a while! I always hear great things!
Anne Taylor says
October 20, 2013 at 8:47 pmWhat a beautiful hotel with so much history in its past! I love afternoon tea. The Fairmont Empress puts on a great afternoon tea here in Victoria!
thanks
Elizabeth Matthiesen says
February 27, 2017 at 11:34 amI think that going back for afternoon tea is a must! What a gorgeous luxurious hotel this is, I’d love to stay there 🙂