Chic Comfort at Kimpton Saint George Toronto: Reviewed

Situated in Toronto’s Saint George district, known for housing the University of Toronto and the Royal Ontario Museum, the Kimpton stands as a trendy establishment with excellent connectivity. We delve into what you can anticipate during your stay.

Kimpton Saint George provided me with a complimentary two-night stay, and it's important to note that they had no prior review approval.

Location

Travelling from Toronto Pearson International Airport to the hotel took approximately an hour, involving the UP Express to Bloor and a short walk to Dundas West for the Number 2 TTC Line to Saint George. Despite the somewhat convoluted journey, especially in the rainy weather, opting for a taxi might have been a more straightforward choice.

 

First Impressions

The exterior of Kimpton Saint George boasts a brutalist design that may not be conventionally beautiful, although the addition of a vibrant mural on the building's side adds an intriguing touch.

At street level, the entrance is more appealing with dark wood-effect cladding and ample greenery. The entrance, although a bit concealed from direct street access, offers a welcoming burst of warmth from outdoor heaters.

The reception area exudes a cosy ambiance, featuring warm wooden furniture and a generous use of green paint to foster a welcoming atmosphere. Checking in was a swift process, taking around five minutes – barring a momentary lapse in memory regarding my PIN.

This area also hosts two daily ‘events’ typical of Kimpton properties: complimentary morning tea and coffee, consistently replenished, and evening wine-tasting sessions from 6 to 7 pm, also free for guests.

A lounge area adjacent to the reception offers various comfortable seating options, including chairs, sofas, and a chaise longue. The presence of a roaring fire enhances the hotel's cosy atmosphere, likely appreciated by guests during the -18 temperatures the previous weekend.

The mirrored lobby area, housing the lifts, creates a slightly hallucinogenic effect, seemingly designed to captivate Instagram enthusiasts.

The room

The corridors leading to the room feature artistic floor tiling and captivating artwork and photography, creating an atmospheric walk that avoids the monotonous feel of some larger properties.

For this visit, I was accommodated in the spacious King Room at Saint George, spanning 290 sq ft. The room size was notably larger compared to counterparts in other North American cities. The central focus of the room was the king-sized bed, providing comfort with numerous pillows and a soft duvet, contributing to a restful night's sleep. The blackout blind, while unattractive, was complemented by a more aesthetically pleasing curtain, enhancing the room's relaxing ambiance.

Both sides of the bed featured dimmable lamps, four US-style sockets, and USB ports, along with a sizable set of drawers incorporating an inbuilt safe.

Opposite the bed, a unit housed additional storage, a desk, a refrigerator, and a large-screen television featuring local cable channels and Chromecast functionality.

Adjacent to this, the wardrobe held two dressing gowns, an iron and ironing board, and an additional stand for luggage.

On the opposite side of the room, a randomly placed sofa, neither comfortable nor strategically positioned, raised considerations about room design. While appreciating the spaciousness and comfort of the room, a touch of creativity on the walls could have made the space less barren. A colourful artwork could have injected some life and interest into the room, a minor critique considering the hotel's creative corridors.

The bathroom, of decent size, allowed ample room to move without compromising the overall space. The shower, though powerful, lacked a handheld attachment, and the extractor fan and water pipework proved somewhat noisy, noticeable only during the shower.

Amenities, including toiletries from Atelier Bloem, were consistent with other Kimpton properties. Additional amenities, such as a Nespresso machine, were available upon request.

Facilities, Food, and Beverage

Kimpton Saint George Toronto boasts an impressive gym equipped with cardio machines, free weights, and a cable machine – a welcome amenity for maintaining fitness while traveling. The fitness center maintained a quiet atmosphere during my visit.

In-room WiFi provided reliable and sufficiently fast connectivity, suitable for high-definition video streaming and video calls. While not exceptionally fast, the reliability of the connection took precedence over speed.

While not directly operated by the hotel, The Fortunate Fox serves as the de facto hotel restaurant, accessible via a door leading directly from the lift lobby to the restaurant or from the street.

The Fortunate Fox, with its vibrant atmosphere, houses a bar offering an extensive selection of spirits and beers. On the night of my visit, it was bustling with locals engaged in a quiz night, creating a lively ambiance for hotel guests as well.

The cuisine offered at The Fortunate Fox can be described as classic American favourites with a sprinkling of Canadian specialties, including the iconic poutine. Prices were in line with those of western cities, offering good value compared to many overpriced hotel restaurants.

While I may have erred in choosing chips for both my starter and main, I found the food enjoyable. Though not groundbreaking in creativity, the flavors were commendable, and the quality of the food met expectations, providing a satisfying conclusion to a day of travel. My choices included Buffalo Chicken Bites for starters and a Fortunate Fox Burger for the main course.

I contemplated skipping dessert due to chip overload but found the apple crumble and ice cream to be the standout course – a must-try if you visit.

While I skipped breakfast during my stay, The Fortunate Fox offers breakfast in the restaurant, with an option for in-room dining. The in-room prices were moderate, avoiding excessive charges compared to other establishments.

Conclusion

Despite room design considerations, I thoroughly enjoyed my comfortable and stylish stay at Kimpton Saint George. The expansive in-room space and the abundance of communal seating options on the ground floor contribute to a well-balanced design. The food, courtesy of The Fortunate Fox, was pleasing, and guests would do well to explore its offerings for breakfast or dinner. Despite minor areas for improvement, Kimpton Saint George excels in delivering a core experience, making it one of my preferred choices globally for a reliable yet boutique-style stay.