A Romantic Stay in Toronto, Ontario (Canada) "The Royal York"

 Take a moment to understand that the Royal York was originally constructed in 1929. Now nearly 100 years later, it sits within a kilometer (roughly) from Toronto's CN Tower, the Roger Centre and the Scotiabank arena. I would imagine that the individuals who have invested into the Royal York over the years couldn't agree more with a commonly associated phrase of one of thier well-known guests, Jeff Dunham, "location, location, location." Even without the "location" though, this place carries a great deal of swagger (even through the lens of the old iPhone 6 I took this shot with back in 2018).

(say what you want about hotel pools, I'm a sucker for an empty pool and great atmosphere, mainly empty cause most folks would have been gone to dinner by this time, we checked-in late, 2018)

My wife and I stayed here in Toronto some year back, prior to COVID, heck, prior to the birth of our son. Needless to say, it left an impression, on me and indeed the wallet. We actually stayed there when The Eagles were in Toronto-come to think of it. Since that stay though, my wife wouldn't let me cheap out on hotels. It wasn't long after that when our son was born, we were finally able to travel again and the reality of the hotel being "new" but still not as nice as something like our stay at the Royal York, was a lingering sentiment. 

(Went through the lobby after The Eagles show so I could snap a few shots without folk, 2018)

Frankly, its an old building, but that's a part of the allure that beseech guests who enter I wager, that "Home Alone 2" vibe that Macauleay Culkin walks us through as he wanders through the toy store and is given the turtle doves. 

(accessibility isn't much of an issue, and to be honest I'd wager these stairs get pictures taken of them, more than people actually walk on them, 2018)

All the same, sharing some photos from around the hotel. Truly, if you have the opportunity to shell out a night or two, maybe even just because its close to Scotiabank on the night of a show or sporting event, do yourself a favour, get in there, grab a seat in the lobby and just take a moment to look around, see what you can see, feel what 100 years of atmosphere feels like, cause it certainly differs from the Hilton's and Marriots. 

(Everyone loves a never-ending hallway, especially one that draws a spooky resemblance to The Shining, that dim lighting is a real mood setter, I wonder how many celebrities blew chunks over this carpet over the years, 2018)

If you happen to pop in there as well, go ahead and let them know Bono sent you-they won't have a clue who I am, but you can go ahead and show them this blog, let'em know I recommend ya at least a free breakfast for your first night ;)

Cheers!