This is a full review of my stay at the Ritz-Carlton Toronto — and while I hadn’t planned on splurging, when a deal this good pops up, you take it.
In February — during Toronto’s off-season — I managed to snag a redemption rate of 50,000 Bonvoy points for one night at the Ritz-Carlton Toronto. I used a 35,000-point Free Night Certificate from my Amex Bonvoy card and topped it up with 15,000 points. Since the Bonvoy devaluation in February, I haven’t seen a single night at this property for 50,000 points again — not for the rest of the year. So this was definitely a lucky break.
The regular cash rate for the night was $771. Out of pocket? Just $120, which I chose to pay for an upgrade to a one-bedroom suite. That suite had a listed cash rate of $991, so I was more than happy with the value.
Related Reading: How I Use Amex Bonvoy Cards to Unlock Free Night Awards and Book Luxury Hotels Like the Ritz-Carlton
Location & Vibe
You’ll find the Ritz-Carlton Toronto at 181 Wellington Street West, in the heart of the city’s Entertainment District. It’s walking distance to Roy Thomson Hall, the Princess of Wales Theatre, and the CN Tower. While not directly in the Financial District, it’s still well-connected to downtown and accessible via the underground PATH system—a huge plus during winter months.
The building also houses the Ritz-Carlton Toronto Residences, which occupy floors 23 through 52. These luxury condos offer permanent upscale living with hotel-level service and amenities. It adds to the exclusivity of the address, and you can feel the elevated standard from the moment you walk in.
We stayed during a major snowstorm and wisely decided to take the train instead of driving. Valet parking is available for $70 per night, though nearby public garages are an option if you’re looking to save.
This trip was a short getaway for my wife and me—a rare night without kids.
Check-In & Service at Ritz-Carlton Toronto
Check-in was quick and smooth. We were greeted warmly by Gurleen at the front desk, who acknowledged my Platinum Elite status with Marriott. While the Ritz brand doesn’t extend lounge access to Platinum guests, I did inquire. The cost was $175 per person for access to the Club Lounge. Since we had dinner reservations and would only benefit from breakfast, we decided to skip it.
We were offered a room with a CN Tower view, which was a nice gesture. The lobby itself was gorgeous—sophisticated with gold accents, curated artwork, and a calm, elegant atmosphere that instantly set the tone for the stay.
Dining: Ritz-Carlton Toronto Restaurants
The property features two excellent restaurants: Toca and Epoch. We opted to dine at Epoch Bar & Kitchen Terrace for lunch and were genuinely impressed.
My wife had the miso-glazed bass, which was rich, flaky, and perfectly cooked. My short rib dish was tender and deeply flavorful. What stood out most, however, was the service. Our server greeted us by name, having looked up our room number ahead of time. That level of personalized attention was consistent throughout our meal and added a thoughtful touch.
Epoch offers a modern, approachable menu with high-end execution. The atmosphere is relaxed but refined, making it an ideal spot for lunch or drinks after check-in.
Ritz-Carlton Toronto: The One-Bedroom Corner Suite
The one-bedroom suite we upgraded to was beautifully designed. Warm tones of navy, gold, and deep brown set a calming mood.
The suite opened into a small foyer with a full-length mirror and a powder room. Moving into the living room, we found a spacious layout with a couch, two lounge chairs, a large TV, and a Nespresso bar. The coffee station featured a selection of capsules, which were thoughtfully presented—a nice touch we genuinely appreciated.
A tray with bottled water, an ice bucket, and glassware was also available. The room had manual curtains, a bit of a surprise at this price point, but not a deal-breaker.
The hallway leading to the bedroom included a lighted makeup counter with storage and multiple outlets, which my wife immediately took over. The bedroom itself had a king-size bed, a comfortable chaise lounge, and floor-to-ceiling windows offering views of the CN Tower, Rogers Centre, and the Convention Centre.
The closet came stocked with plush robes, a safe, and laundry bags. It had plenty of space for a longer stay.
Bathroom
The bathroom continued the theme of understated luxury. A barn-style sliding door led into a space with double sinks, a soaking tub, and a separate walk-in shower. The toilet had its own enclosed room and featured an auto-opening lid, heated seat, and built-in bidet—all of which functioned flawlessly.
Toiletries included toothbrushes, razors, and mouthwash, in addition to the usual amenities. Lighting was smart and responsive—there were multiple settings that activated automatically depending on the time of day or motion, giving the bathroom a high-end, intuitive feel.
Ritz-Carlton Toronto Pool & Amenities
The saltwater pool area was spotless and serene. It wasn’t busy during our visit, which made for a peaceful dip. There were loungers, two daybeds, and a hot tub that could comfortably fit four people.
The gym was surprisingly large for a hotel. It included a wide variety of cardio machines, free weights, and strength training equipment. Amenities like electrolyte water and fresh apples were available, adding to the overall premium feel.
We inquired about the hotel’s Club Car, which typically services guests staying on the Club Level. While it wasn’t operating that day due to weather, staff implied that they occasionally accommodate other guests if the car is available.
Family Friendly?
Even though we didn’t bring our children, we noticed several families during our stay. The hotel offers kid-focused programming such as scavenger hunts and other paid experiences. Despite its upscale branding, the Ritz-Carlton Toronto is welcoming to families and appears to do a good job of balancing adult sophistication with family-friendly touches.
Final Thoughts
Would I stay again? Absolutely. This was a fantastic experience from start to finish. From the suite design and the excellent service at Epoch to the spa-like bathroom and peaceful pool area, everything about this stay felt special.
While Platinum Elite benefits are a bit limited here compared to other Marriott brands, the Ritz makes up for it with elevated service and amenities. The location is central enough to explore downtown Toronto while still offering a quiet retreat.
The Ritz-Carlton Toronto is an ideal option for a luxury getaway, especially if you can find a strong redemption deal or are celebrating a special occasion. I’m already keeping an eye out for another opportunity to book with points—though with current pricing trends, I may need to get creative.
This property delivered on everything I was hoping for: elegance, comfort, and an experience that felt genuinely elevated. Whether you’re planning a romantic weekend, a solo escape, or a celebration, the Ritz-Carlton Toronto is well worth considering.
Related Reading:
- How I’m Planning a Family Trip to Japan on Points—Flights, Hotels, and Huge Savings – A behind-the-scenes look at how I’m using Aeroplan and hotel points to plan a dream trip to Japan for a family of five.
- From 0 to 1 Million Points: My Step-by-Step Strategy for Earning Rewards Fast – Learn how I built up a million points using credit cards, referrals, and smart redemptions—without spending more.