LibbyAfter a hiatus, we’re back and ready to mingle. It’s festival time in the city! TIFF brings celebrities, creatives, gawkers and groupies all together for ten days of movie madness. From red carpet run-ins (we suggest the Ritz) to late-night frolicking (Four Seasons all the way) here’s our rundown of where to mingle this festival season.
TIFF IS YOURS TO DISCOVER- START IN YORKVILLE
The big unveil of Joni Restaurant in Park Hyatt Hotel marks a new chapter for this stunning hotel. Smack dab in the middle of Yorkville, this pristine prism of TIFF pageantry still has the same hidden-gem feel, especially upstairs at the festival’s unofficial headquarters. The Writer’s Room Bar has the same charm and feels as before, now with a beautiful skyline view and classic bar menu.
The gorgeous glow of d|bar and the beckoning delights of Cafe Boulud make the Four Seasons Hotel an all-hours occasion. A hub during festival season and a very posh place to perch between meetings, this luxurious hotel checks all the boxes for clandestine meetings and chance encounters.
BRIGHT LIGHTS, BIG CITY ACTION
Fresh air is good for the soul, as is soaking up vitamin C. Bisha Hotel on Blue Jays Way checks all these boxes, plus, an enchanting poolside perch perfect for photo ops. A designated Work From Bisha package includes pool access and some deluxe extras. But better yet, tuck in for an evening and make a point of dining at Akira Back‘s on-site sleek and sexy restaurant, a culinary hotspot.
Members only SoHo House has built-in barriers to get inside, which is precisely why this restored brick-clad building will once again be a TIFF hotspot. A collective for creatives, get a + one from your writer pals to access this multi-level exclusive space.
Sustainable luxury is only the start. 1 Hotel at King and Bathurst provides easy access to the Entertainment District and theatres for late-night screenings. Celebrities will embrace the green ethos of this hotel and their onsite restaurants, including 1 Kitchen, which boasts a thoughtful locally inspired menu.
The massive in-house theatre is a bonus for filmmakers, making Hotel X a prime spot for TIFF stays. The lakeside location proves to be a serene moment in an otherwise chaotic schedule. Onsite fitness facilities are state-of-the-art, so expect to see a few stars breaking a sweat here.
Both film aficionados and gym bunnies will adore the custom flourishes at the modern SoHo Hotel. Book a sweat session right in your room with celeb-approved trainer Dalton Brown for a ‘no excuses’ way to start the day. We love the generous room sizes, each with its own independent HVAC unit, a boon for those still feeling covid-icky. Whether you’re into the films, or the stars, SoHo’s central location (and three-storey penthouse suite) offer a distinctly premium stay.
PRIME FESTIVAL THEATRE DISTRICT HOTSPOTS
The red carpet is the real deal here. Between the gorgeous patio, the beautiful people and the overpriced drinks, barge through the velvet ropes and just be. I’ve bumped into countless big-name stars (most of the cast of Harry Potter one year alone) at The Ritz Carlton. Arguably the most central location in the theatre district, a stay at this eponymous hotel chain is no bargain, but settle for truffle fries and prosecco and you’ll still love every second.
Meanwhile, those with a taste for champagne will want to scope out the St Regis Hotel. Popping bottles with a sabre adds to the glamour of the occasion, a hallmark of TIFF expenditures. Posh appetites will appreciate the dishes at LOUIXLOUIS. Combining the look and feel of a busy New York ballroom with Parisian flair is a nice feel. Even if you’re just in for a quick cocktail, this is a safe first place to start.
All images by Libby Roach.