Brand new downtown hotel set to open this winter in Toronto
Published December 5, 2024 at 4:46 pm
A downtown hotel that was briefly converted into a homeless shelter during the pandemic will re-open to the public as “your new favourite hotel in downtown Toronto.”
Union Hotel, a new concept by the Silver Hotel Group, has taken over the space formerly occupied by the long-standing Strathcona Hotel, which first opened in 1933 and functioned as a boutique accommodation until it was temporarily converted into a shelter in 2020.
Located at 60 York St., the reimagined hotel–slated to open this winter–will feature 189 rooms imbued with “local touches,” including an eye-catching mural created by artist Emily May Rose featuring Toronto’s mascot, a mischievous raccoon.
On its website, Destination Toronto says that beyond modern guestrooms, the hotel will also be home to the Humble Donkey, its lobby cafe lounge–a place where visitors and guests can enjoy a morning espresso or an espresso martini.
According to the hotel’s website, room choices include chic (meant for one to two people), groovy (larger and meant for two to four people), swanky (a “hip and trendy room for one to two people) and posh (a “luxurious grand suite”).
The brand, which has been teasing its upcoming launch on social media, says the property is right in the middle of all the activity the city has to offer–especially in the colder months.
“Nestled within walking distance of Toronto’s most vibrant districts, Union Hotel provides an ideal base for winter explorers,” hotel operators wrote in a blog post.
“With its modern design, stylish rooms, and amenities that cater to your comfort, this boutique hotel ensures your stay is as restful as it is stylish.”
On social media, hotel operators say they’ve partnered with Cyrc, a sustainable design company, to keep the aesthetic eco-friendly. The rooms feature 3D-printed designs made of recycled plastic, which operators say will allow guests to relax while knowing that the hotspot is invested in a more earth-friendly future.
In a post, operators say the hotel’s proximity to all the best destinations is a key benefit.
“Your all-access pass to Toronto starts here,” the post reads.
“Local cafés, iconic spots, hidden gems—consider this your backstage pass to the city’s best stories. Ready to explore?”
The hotel is slated to open in early 2025.