Union Hotel, located on York Street in Downtown Toronto is meant to feel atmospheric.
The hotel, which opened in February, is all about art, aesthetic and sustainability. The lobby is large, extended and feels like a cozy lounge more so than a bustling hotel lobby. The lobby features several different seating areas and work spaces, as well as private cubicles to take calls. Along the side of the lobby is the Humble Donkey restaurant. The name derives from a mural uncovered in the basement during renovations of a Spanish man riding a donkey. The team behind Union Hotel added the word ‘humble’ as reminder that they are boutique and independent. There are plans to develop the basement and space with the mural in the future.
The menu at the Humble Donkey is inspired by Toronto favourite foods including Jamaican Patty’s and breakfast poutines. The coffee used is Sam James Coffee, a local staple.
Art is very important at Union Hotel, so much so that there is a QR code to see the entire gallery of art that is within the hotel. There are three hand painted murals within the hotel including work by Hello Kirsten, Victoria Day and Emily May Rose who painted racoons along the outdoor walls of the deck sitting area.
The hotel is also partnered with the Giller Prize, offering books that have won the prestigious award in every room free to take, and having a book club called BOOK TALK with some of the Giller Prize authors featured as speakers.
In the hotel market place the food and beverages are local purveyors, and purchasable merch, soap, candles and housewares are all sustainable. The uniforms that the team of Union Hotel wear were created by Toronto designer Gino Morocco and are fully sustainable. Morocco has also made tote bags and purchasable items, with scraps being used for other goods.
Overall, the room was extremely comfortable and the hospitality went above and beyond. While visiting for my partner’s birthday, the staff gave him presents and ensured the name board at the front wished him a happy birthday – an adorable touch! We enjoyed the food, atmosphere and the area is perfect for exploring downtown Toronto.
*Photos by Neil Anthony Watson
Hillary LeBlanc
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