The Fairmont Royal York Hotel in Toronto is High Class and Elegant plus EPIC Restaurant (8/08)
Even before you step foot into the Fairmont Royal York you know that you are about to enter one of the world’s grand hotels. The massive building dating back to 1929 with its ornate architecture and the bellmen dressed in traditional attire ready to attend to your needs are the first two clues. Once you enter the hotel the concierge and attendants are ready to serve. For such a large hotel one would think that he could get lost in the crowd, but the Fairmont Royal York staff would never allow it. Whether you need an umbrella, directions or information from the minute you walk into the hotel someone is available at all times to help out. Staying at the Royal York is like stepping back in time when elegance and service were King. There is a real sense of history and importance about the hotel. As a matter of fact, Queen Elizabeth II herself has been a guest. As you look around the common areas you will see incredible hand-painted ceilings, travertine pillars, ornate furnishings, crystal chandeliers and wall hangings. There are over 1300 rooms in this grand hotel located right across the street from Union Station. The Fairmont is centrally located near the theater, entertainment and financial districts, shopping, sightseeing, and Toronto’s world-class sports facilities.
The guest rooms at the Fairmont Royal York are all refurbished with elegant, comfortable décor. The Deluxe rooms are larger open-concept rooms, with a sitting area as well as a sleeping area. They have suites ranging from 500 to over 2,000 square feet! The hotel has accommodations to meet anyone’s needs.
We enjoyed the health club, which was open 24 hours and full of state-of-the-art exercise equipment. The changing room by the gym is more like a spa facility with showers, changing area, steam bath, sauna and a massage room. The sky-lit lap pool is beautiful and is open 5am- 11pm daily. There is a children’s wading pool and a whirlpool.
Through the years the Royal York has restored its original elegance all while keeping updated so that the hotel can meet the technological needs of modern business guests. The Xerox business center is “an office away from the office” and is the only business center of its kind in a hotel. The meeting facilities are unparalleled. They offer meeting and event planners facilities for every type of event, from boardroom meetings and business seminars to large conferences, conventions, and celebratory dinners for up to 1670 guests. The hotel has a team of wedding planners as well to accommodate those brides who enjoy opulent decor, impeccable service and exquisite food for her special day.
The Fairmont Royal York offers gracious hospitality in an elegant, yet comfortable setting conveniently located near all that Toronto has to offer. The Fairmont Royal York is a hotel in a class of its own and don’t miss a visit to the Elizabeth Milan Spa located on the bottom floor of the hotel. More info about Elizabeth Milan on the Spa page. There are also five restaurants including EPIC (see below) and four lounges in the hotel.
The Epic Restaurant was first class and the decor was beautiful. An assortment of appetizers including an Heirloom Tomato salad, local Smoked Salmon, seared Quebec Foie Gras with truffle glazed quail or our personal favorite, the Peekytoe Crab Cake with mustard & sesame crusted Ahi Tuna on top. That was to die for and made with mostly the fish instead of deep fried batter. The Main Courses had a great selection of Seafood and Meat dishes. From Tandoori Sea Scallops and Prawns, Saffron & Vanilla Poached Halibut, Wellington Lamb, roasted Beef Tenderloin and other Steak preparations and the two dishes we ordered; Seared local White Fish with oyster mushrooms, fingerling potatoes and red wine and the not to miss Grilled Ahi Tuna which melted in your mouth. The Tuna was prepared with lemon and herb asparagus with a citrus-soy glaze. The menu features certain dishes that are organic and contribute to optimal health & wellness which have a green leaf symbol next to them. Enjoy a nice cocktail or glass of wine from their extensive list with your meal. For dessert, you must order the chocolate molten cake with expresso ice cream and the delicious apple tart tatin with ice wine ice cream. Since ice wine is popular in this area, have an after dinner ice wine drink to complete your fine dining. www.epicrestaurant.ca
Photo below is from the CN Tower.
