There’s something liberating about checking into a hotel on your own — with no itinerary to negotiate, no one else’s schedule to consider, it’s just you and your thoughts. It sounds like pure indulgence but maybe that’s just what is needed? A solo escape to the Shangri-La Toronto (188 University Avenue) offers a chance to slow down and soak up everything Toronto has to offer. It’s also a chance to rediscover the joy of having me time!
I realized that there are two types of travellers – ones that consider the hotel part of the destination and others who just want somewhere to sleep. I tend to lean more as a destination hotel fan. I love a hotel where I could do nothing or everything and anything. From serene spa moments to epic views over downtown, this is more than a well deserved splurge.
LOCATION:
When selecting a hotel in the city and as an avid walker I prioritize the physical location. For me, I prefer staying in areas that have high foot traffic with well lit walkways. Safety is a priority always. Security at the hotel entrance – a must.
The Shangri-La Toronto is within steps to world class entertainment hubs (Four Seasons Performing Arts Centre for the National Ballet of Canada and the Canadian Opera Company), Scotiabank Arena, Roy Thomson Hall) as well as the theatre district (Royal Alexandra Theatre, Princess of Wales Theatre, TIFF Lightbox).
It’s also steps to the generally reliable public transit system (TTC) and many shops, restaurants, and cafés. Of course, ride-share is an option as well.
VIBE CHECK:
As soon as you walk through the doors, it’s the very active Lobby Bar that takes over the space. Check in is tucked away to the side with comfortable sit-down service. A gentle soothing scent lingers softly in the air – you might find yourself breathing it all in deeply.
The suites themselves are a blend of modern touches and traditional asian decor. The Deluxe Room category meets my needs but I’ve also stayed in one of the three Premiere Suites popular for the unique decor by international contemporary artists. And I LOVE the soaker tubs here with floor to ceiling windows.
WHERE TO EAT NEARBY:
bosk: The hotel’s signature restaurant is a comfortable choice for solo travellers. Tucked behind the buzzy bar scene you’ll find thoughtful and attentive service. Currently the restaurant offers a “Taste of Shangri-La” an impressive 3-course menu ($60) that places a spotlight on Canadian sourced ingredients with all the comforts of Northern Italian fare. This special menu is available until October 31, 2025. A great spot to meet up with friends too! Stay tuned for what’s next!
Afternoon Tea at Lobby Bar: It’s always a treat to enjoy an Afternoon Tea service here at the Shangri-la Toronto. All the sweet and savoury delights are made fresh in-house by their award-winning chefs. Watch for seasonal changes to the menu. The Holiday season is always a popular one so you may want to book ahead!
MOTT32: This award-winning modern Cantonese style restaurant is renowned for its innovative approach to traditional Chinese cuisine and exquisite dining experiences. Located at the Shangri-La Toronto.
PAI Northern Thai: (18 Duncan Street) If you’re excited to try the diverse flavours of the city then this Thai restaurant is a highly recommended go-to hotspot. Popular for celebrity sightings (especially sports stars) this casual restaurant offers many savoury dishes from house made curries to noodles. Its location is just a block away from the hotel.
Hello Nori: (70 York Street) this is a go-to Japanese sushi bar-style Hand-Roll restaurant that allows guests to select from a great selection of seasonally fresh raw-fish rolls as well as oishi (torched sushi). Sushi chefs are attentive to guests creating each roll fresh right in front of your eyes. Custom is to consume each roll as it is presented for optimum flavours and freshness. This restaurant is about a 7 minute walk from the hotel.
The Cure: (19 Mercer Street) offers healthy açai bowls and smoothies that were created to balance your mind, restore your body, and uplift your spirit all in a pretty setting. It’s a hidden gem.
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WHAT SEE & DO NEAR THE SHANGRI-LA:
Theatres in the area always have great productions on stage so take a look at Mirvish.com for what’s playing. It’s also worth checking the sites in the mornings (even last minute) to get a deal. We’ve seen offers as low as $49 for a major production such as Disney’s The Lion King in recent months. Keep an eye out for the upcoming &Juliet!
TIFF Lightbox is a great spot to catch an inspiring film – often they feature titles that might not make it to mass market theatres. But if you do want to catch a feature film like the upcoming Wicked For Good, then Scotiabank Theatre is just a five minute walk.
The Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) is about a 20 minute walk from the hotel (unless you get distracted from the shopping on “Queen West”. The current exhibition “Joyce Wieland: Heart On” is now on until January 4, 2025. By the way, the first Wednesday of every month offers free admission to all between 6 pm to 9 pm.
A walk down to Toronto’s Waterfront has a lot to offer including The Power Plant – a contemporary gallery that offers FREE admission all year round to view exhibits. On weekends Harbourfront Centre often is host to cultural festivals and performances.
THE SHANGRI-LA TORONTO HOTEL SPA, POOL & FITNESS
The MIRAJ HAMMAM SPA is located within the spa up on the fifth floor and is a true sanctuary in the city. Infused with beautiful Middle Eastern rituals that focus on wellness, rejuvenation, and soothing restorative services. It’s worth spending a few hours here to decompress. I recently visited for a blissful, customized and results driven Biologique Recherche facial. Highly recommend! Massages are all by RMTs.
Also, check their website for monthly offers. Currently there’s a promotion on the 90-minute Custom Glow Facial. And guests at the Spa are welcome to chill out in their lounge and enjoy a cup of tea and a few housemade healthy snacks – you’ll want to bring a book to read!
The Hammam Steam Chamber ritual at the spa is a must-do experience! I’ve done it twice on previous visits. Currently the space is under renovations. But book it if you see it’s open!
Guests of the hotel have access to the 24-hour Health Club where state of the art machines and equipment await.
The Pool Area offers a 20-metre lap pool, an infrared sauna, and steam room are available for guest use.
COOL PERKS AT THE SHANGRI-LA TORONTO:
Staying here is like staying in an art gallery. Starting from the outside with the iconic “RISING” statue by Shanghai-based artist Zhang Huan. Resembling the body of a dragon but upon closer look you’ll notice branches and birds in the stainless steel sculpture. A nod to human and nature coexisting harmoniously. But if you stay, you’ll also find artwork everywhere! Sculptures, paintings, and ceramics are worthy of exploration.
Toronto’s weather can be unpredictable but luckily the hotel offers a “Coat Concierge with Nobis“, a stylish offering that guests can borrow from this Canadian luxury designer during their stay.
There’s a “bee hotel” located on the property. If interested you can ask to check it out in the “beezy” season.
GETTING TO THE SHANGRI-LA TORONTO:
If travelling to and from the city by train, Union Station is about a brisk 10 minute walk or a 4 minute car ride to the hotel on a good day. You can also take the subway to St. Andrew Subway Station and it’s just two blocks walk. Of course, you go arrive in style with car service or even ride-share.
Traveling into the Island Airport? There’s a shuttle bus that takes you close to Union Station. Flying into Pearson International Airport? Take the UpExpress train service right down to Union Station.
OTHER HELPFUL TIPS:
I always find it helpful to ask the hotel concierge for their recommendations. They can even help you snag coveted reservations or tickets you might have on your list. They can also offer the best routes, best shopping areas, best places to just wander!
Toronto is generally pretty safe. But like other cities in the world carry a crossbody bag or a zipped up tote bag and be aware of your surroundings anywhere you go.
If you wear an Apple Watch, it can sync to your phone and Apple Maps to help navigate the city in a more “stealth-like” manner. I find this handy even when I’m not looking at my phone. It will prompt directions right on your wrist as well as offer various options to get from A to B.
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Next Read: The Ultimate Woman’s Solo Travel Checklist