By Susan Kelly
Winter travel alert: storms ground or delay flights, airports teem with holiday travelers, and snowdrifts block highways. It’s one reason that many of us will vacation close to home, says Matt Black, director of marketing and revenue at stylish Hotel X Toronto. “We see it as part of the slow travel movement, which emphasizes enjoying the moment,” he says. “By staying local, you still feel like you’re getting away from it all but without the hassle of the going.” One need stray only as far as Toronto’s waterfront to find a resort-like experience at this chic 404-room boutique hotel, part of the international Library Hotel Collection. While snow flies outdoors, guests can stay snug indoors in Hotel X’s elegant confines, enjoying fine dining, a private screening room, and an art gallery. And, as the name suggests, they can browse two onsite libraries and borrow books or board games during their stay.
They’ll also catch some sun; the architecture features floor-to-ceiling glass, emphasizing light-filled interiors. Even the attached 10XTO athletic center, with four indoor tennis courts, and squash and pickleball courts, is encased in it. At the Topgolf Swing Suite, as many as eight people can virtually work on their golf game or play such other games as baseball, hockey, or soccer. Hotel X Toronto offers locals a starting point for playing tourist in their own town, Black says. First stop: the 28th-floor terrace to take in spectacular views. Born and raised in Toronto, Black says this vantage point helped him see Lake Ontario with fresh eyes, awestruck by its grandeur. Cap off the experience with a winter dip in the 55-foot pool, kept warm at 26 degrees.
“STAYING IN A WORLD-CLASS HOTEL SUCH AS HOTEL X MEANS HAVING ACCESS TO ELITE CONCIERGE SERVICES; YOU CAN LEAVE THE BOOKINGS AND ITINERARY TO A PRO. “
On terra firma, Hotel X Toronto is near seven acres of parkland with a paved walking trail and nearby skating rinks. It’s a short walk to artsy Liberty Village and trendy Queen Street West for nightclub and restaurant hopping. “And if you’re like me, you probably wait until friends and family come into town before you tour the Royal Ontario Museum, CN Tower, and other sights,” Black says, “and only then realize how fun it is.” Insider tip: Staying in a world-class hotel such as Hotel X means having access to elite concierge services; you can leave the bookings and itinerary to a pro.
Visually stunning and elegant it may be, but this hotel is also family-friendly, as Black, who has three children, can attest. “Several room configurations are available, which really helps if you’re traveling with extended family,” he says. Well-behaved pets under 25 pounds are also welcome. Time away from the children is also possible: Parents can drop off their offspring—aged 11 months to 11 years—in the care of trained staff at the Play Centre. Meanwhile, adults might include combining wellness with their vacation. The health centre provides a calm oasis and opportunities to explore such practices as hot yoga and reformer Pilates. There is also the Guerlain Spa, part of a worldwide chain that began in the grand hotels of Europe, with a curated menu of wellness and pampering options.
Hotel X Toronto offers several packages for families, couples, and others seeking an escape without the need to switch time zones or book flights. Some, such as the Holiday Family Fun package, are available only at Christmastime. Among the festive perks is a chance for the children to breakfast with Santa Claus, on December 9, 10, 16, and 17. Winter is an ideal time to book, Black says. “The hotel will be fully staffed, but with fewer guests, which means staff have more time to lavish you with even more attention,” he adds. That makes it a good time to plan a destination wedding or a big family event. Book your urban-resort stay at hotelxtoronto.com.
