Fairmont Royal York

This historic hotel is renowned for its grandeur and unbeatable central location, directly across from Union Station, making it a prime choice for exploring the city. Its impressive lobbies and common areas are consistently praised for their beauty and historic charm. Guests frequently highlight the exceptional staff and service, noting their friendliness and attentiveness. While some rooms are described as small or dated, they are generally clean with comfortable beds. The hotel is ideal for sightseers and train travelers due to its proximity to major attractions and transit. Business travelers also find it convenient, and families appreciate the staff's welcoming approach and amenities like the highly-rated gym. To enhance your stay, consider inquiring about renovated rooms for a more modern experience, and be prepared for potential crowds in the popular lobby bars and restaurants, especially during peak hours.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel offers a range of facilities that receive varied feedback from guests. The gym is consistently highlighted as exceptional, described as spacious, well-equipped, and one of the best hotel gyms experienced by many. The pool area, while appreciated, often receives comments about being outdated, small, or crowded, with some guests noting the sauna and steam room are separated by gender, preventing couples from enjoying them together. A significant point of contention is the Wi-Fi, which is not complimentary and is often criticized for being expensive, slow, or requiring complicated sign-up processes. Many guests are also disappointed by the lack of a standard mini-fridge for personal use, with options often being paid or pressure-plated. The lobby itself is frequently praised as beautiful and grand, often featuring live music and impressive seasonal decorations. While luggage storage is efficient, some guests experience slow elevators and noise from them. Room TVs are sometimes described as small or dated.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guest feedback on cleanliness is overwhelmingly positive, with many describing rooms as immaculate, spotless, and very clean upon arrival. However, opinions on room comfort and condition are mixed. Many guests find the room size to be small, tiny, or cramped, especially for the price, and some note that rooms appear outdated, old, or poorly maintained, with issues like dings, scratches, or musty smells. The beds consistently receive high praise for being very comfortable, ensuring a restful sleep, often highlighted with mentions of quality linens and fantastic pillows. In contrast, the bathroom is a frequent point of criticism, often described as tiny, small, or outdated, with some reporting issues like mold, mildew, poor ventilation, or inadequate shower pressure. Noise levels are a significant concern for many, with complaints about paper-thin walls allowing sounds from hallways, elevators, and neighboring rooms to be easily heard, disrupting sleep.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel offers several dining options that receive varied feedback. The Reign restaurant is frequently praised for its delicious breakfast and overall food quality, with guests highlighting excellent service. Many enjoy the Library Bar for its great drinks and lively atmosphere, though it, along with the Clocktower restaurant, can become very crowded, making it difficult to find seating or experience slow service. The breakfast buffet is often described as a wonderful spread with plenty of options, including fresh fruits, pastries, and hot items, though some guests find it to be expensive for the value. Room service is noted for being fast, efficient, and delivering hot, high-quality meals. Guests staying on the Fairmont Gold floor particularly commend the Gold Lounge dining for its solid breakfast, extensive and delicious canapés, and dessert selections, contributing to a pampered experience.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is consistently highlighted as a major advantage, being directly across from Union Station and offering unparalleled accessibility to Toronto's key attractions. Guests appreciate being within easy walking distance of popular sites such as the CN Tower, Ripley's Aquarium, Scotiabank Arena, and numerous restaurants and bars. The convenient connection to the PATH system provides an excellent indoor walking option, allowing guests to explore downtown even in inclement weather. For those traveling by air, the hotel offers easy access to Pearson Airport via the UP Express train from Union Station. While the location is highly praised, parking is a frequent point of concern, often described as very expensive, with daily valet fees being a significant additional cost that many guests feel should be included given the room rates.

Staff & Service
The staff and service at the hotel consistently receive high praise from guests, standing out as a major highlight of their stay. Reviewers frequently commend the team for being exceptionally friendly, helpful, and attentive across all departments, from the front desk to housekeeping and valet. The check-in and check-out process is generally described as easy, quick, and efficient, with staff often accommodating requests for early check-ins or room upgrades. Guests appreciate the attentive service provided by valet and bellhop staff, who are noted for their efficiency and willingness to assist with luggage. While most experiences are positive, some minor issues with housekeeping or problem resolution have been noted, though staff generally strive to address concerns. Many guests also highlight the special touches provided, such as birthday acknowledgments, welcome amenities, and thoughtful gestures that enhance the overall experience.

Additional Information
For guests seeking an elevated experience, the Fairmont Gold experience is highly recommended and frequently described as worth the splurge. This exclusive offering provides access to a dedicated Gold Lounge with complimentary breakfast, evening canapés, and desserts, along with personalized service that makes guests feel pampered. The hotel also maintains a pet-friendly policy, allowing guests to travel with their companions, though a fee is typically associated with this service. While the hotel embraces its historic charm and grandeur, some guests note that its age means certain aspects, like room temperature controls or specific fixtures, may not be as modern as newer properties. For those with mobility needs, the hotel offers accessibility suites that are well-regarded for their spaciousness and thoughtful design.