reviews: publications | customer

Soho Metropolitan Hotel

"In a city rich in modern architecture and sculpture, the hotel fits in nicely. Don’t expect to see any influence from the city’s British heritage--no floral chintz or dark woods. It’s 100% contemporary from the Dale Chihuly glass art installation in the lobby to the muted tones used in the suites.

With an abundance of maple and high-tech gadgetry, the 600-square-foot rooms are warm and wouldn’t look out of place in Sweden. Each room includes a flat-panel television, complimentary high-speed Internet access and a DVD/CD player.

Many hotels seem to have come up with a new definition of a suite by using a curtain or a wall unit to separate the bedroom from the living room. But those at the Soho Met are true suites with heavy, but quiet, sliding doors that separate the two.

The suite is designed to make guests feel at home. These include 80-square-foot walk-in closets, a soaker tub separate from the shower, Molton Brown toiletries and king-size beds with Frette linens and European natural down duvets.

It’s the smart technology that really makes the room standout. The heated marble bathroom floors feel terrific on bare feet on cold Toronto mornings, the in-room safe can store laptops plus it has an outlet so you can power your electronics while storing them and the drapes are remote-controlled.

Did you forget to turn out a light in the living room before getting into bed? No worries, lighting controls for the entire suite are next to the bed. The bonus is the electronic do-not-disturb light. Push a button and a small red light lights up outside your door. No tacky plastic signs hanging from doors.

If you want old-world elegance, you’ll be disappointed. If you’re looking for a change of pace, something unexpected, this is the place. Like the neighborhood, the lobby, bar and restaurant are filled with the hip and the young."

Forbes.com The Suite Life - Toronto’s Met Life - February 23, 2005 Article by Julie Watson

"As soon as you arrive, experience the stunning Dale Chihuly glass-art canopy installation over the entrance. To your immediate left enjoy Senses Restaurant & Bar, and elegant getaway for cocktails and sophisticated dinner. At your extreme right, discover the gourmet treasures at Sense's bakery, which is also a pleasant spot for brunch.

Punctuated by large floor-to-ceiling windows (that open!), each refined guestroom is tastefully decorated in calming colours of pale honey, milk chocolate and crisp white. Bright walk-in closets are standard, as are the heated marble floors in the bathroom.

While all the rooms at the SoHo Met are modern and spacious, the hotel's over-the-top offering is their three-storey penthouse suite-a 4,000 sq. ft. sanctuary complete with its own glass elevator. Guests can enjoy the lavish 270-degree view of Toronto's skyline or soak in the rooftop's eight-person Jacuzzi while dinner cooks on the built-in grill. For those who wish to stay indoors, there are three plasma screens, two kitchens, two fireplaces, a library, a private dining room and an exquisite infinity tub in the master bath."

Toronto Lifestyle Home Sweet Hotel - December 2004 - Article by Patricia Gajo

"The door to the penthouse suite opens onto a marble foyer, natch, but there are no ornately gilded Louis Quinze furnishings in sight. Just the quiet opulence of a sea of Crema Marfil slabs surrounding a spectacular glassed-in elevator, plus more marble on the walls and steps that twine up around that to the second storey.

To one side, a long piece of polished black granite provides both a visual counterpoint and a countertop. Behind lies a full gourmet kitchen outfitted with the type of brand name brushed stainless steel appliances that would make any caterer believe he'd died and gone to Cordon Bleu heaven. Perfect for partying, but much better for whipping up an intimate dinner for two, which can be savoured in the separate dining room or simply while gazing out at the floor-to-ceiling views of the southern tip of Toronto.

Speaking of desirable things, one can't help but imagine cuddling up with Harrison (Ford) or Hugh (Jackman) on the plush Barbara Barry sofa while soft music plays in the background. If Hollywood were remaking Pillow Talk today, this would be the perfect setting for Rock Hudson's remote-controlled bachelor pad.

This excitement (moving to the master bedroom) stems in good part from the liberal use of luxury materials, such as the heated Egyptian Sahara Gold marble floors in the bathrooms, and the mahogany surrounds and padded ultrasuede squares of the master bed's oversized headboard. Another factor, admittedly, is the envious thrill of finding flat-screened televisions in virtually every room, plus Stearns & Foster beds in the bedrooms, and Dornbracht faucets in the bathrooms.

Add in champagne bubble tickle of underwater warm air jets and the soothing LED chromatherapy lights that change the tub's hue according to one's mood, we're no longer talking mere bath, my friend: This is a Kama Sutra-esque experience.

Paul Waddell and the Soho are to be commended, however, for creating a space where our Hollywood stars (as well as the occasional over-priced CEO) will feel right at home."

Canadian Interiors The High Life - September/October 2004 page 62, 63. Article by Leslie C. Smith

"An in-suite glass elevator, rooftop terrace with a 270-degree view of Toronto, and the allure of complete privacy and security are exactly what the luxury traveller will find attractive. The SoHo Metropolitan fulfills its luxury mandate with a dedicated staff of porters, valets, chefs, clef d’or concierges and more to offer top-quality service.

But the luxury doesn’t end there. Quite possibly the most exquisite hotel suite in the city, the 4,000 square foot SoHo Penthouse is sure to be a hit with celebrities dignitaries and the high rollers alike. Designed by Paul Waddell of Toronto’s Urban Innovations Inc., it has numerous indulgences fit for a king. The master bathroom comes equipped with a Kohler infinity soaker tub that fills from the ceiling in a precise steady stream of water and overflows into a trough. It’s also outfitted with two bedrooms, four additional bathrooms, three plasma flat screen TV’s two state-of-the-art kitchens, two fireplaces, a library, private dining room and living room, a 1,400-square-foot rooftop terrace with an eight-person hot tub and a built-in BBQ, as well as a plethora of high tech gadgets. Phew! This three-floor suite of pure extravagance easily rivals luxury hotel rooms around the world."

Dolce Vita Magazine Luxury Hotel - Summer 2004 page 36, 37. Article by Michelle Zerillo-Sosa

"A vivid Dale Chihuly glass canopy lights the entrance, but the interiors are soothingly neutral, warmed by brush strokes of color. Chef Claudio Aprile invents surprises at Senses restaurant, and the adjoining bar is a chic, candlelit gathering place. A separate Senses café does double duty as a bakery and caterer. Business travelers will find full conference and fitness facilities, along with cheerfully impeccable service."

Robb Report Best of the Best 2004 Northern Comfort - June 2004 page 196. Article by Karen Cakebread

"...the new Soho Hotel Metropolitan brings a whole new level of urbanity to this busy downtown precinct."

"Verging on elegance, this mixed-use complex does much to enhance the inner city."

Toronto Star Condo - hotel project verges on elegance - Saturday, December 20, 2003 page N14. Article by Christopher Hume

"Walk-in dressing room is supposed to make you feel at home, but is actually far better than home."

The Ottawa Citizen Between the sheets at Toronto's sexy new boutique - Saturday October 25, 2003 page E17. Article by Laura Robin

"At the Soho Metropolitan luxury was at the top of the list for it’s spacious bathrooms: marble on the floors and walls, a separate bathtub and shower stall, and heated floors-and that’s for a standard room."

"The bathrooms’ luxurious ambiance is enhanced with crisp white Frette robes and towels that accent the décor; strategically placed lighting helps make grooming effortless."

Style At Home Overnight Sensations, Two boutique hotel bathrooms feature the latest designer looks - October 2003 page 114-119. Article by Diane Bellissimo

"As soon as we tread upon the marble floors we enter a world of ultimate pleasure and leisure. The extensive lounge has a lunch and dinner area and is also accessible from the restaurant located behind it."

"The elegant rooms are extremely comfortable and wonderfully spacious, which imparts a relaxed, free feeling."

"On the second floor the beautiful outdoor terrace lends itself perfectly for parties and receptions. There are also some smaller conference rooms for board meetings and a swimming pool, completely in glass, which offers a beautiful view out over the city."

Huis Ter Duin Magazine The Newest Hotel in the Western Hemisphere - Autumn 2003 page 16 and 17

"Situated in a lavish condominium complex with upscale retail stores, a relaxing spa, and the culinary mastery of Senses Bakery & Restaurant, the SoHo Met brings avant-garde design and decor to Toronto."

www.toronto.com Accommodation Profile October 2003

"A beacon of luxury amidst Toronto's sprawling Chinatown, the Metropolitan has garnered a rare 12-diamond rating from the AAA, thanks to great service and acclaimed restaurants Hemispheres and Lai Wah Heen. Hemispheres has a secluded chef's table for sensitive business lunches, and free wireless Internet access is available in the hotel's lobby and restaurants - so guests can send e-mail between courses. Nice touch.

www.martiniboys.com October 2003

"Designed by Urban Innovations, the Soho Met is the most sedate looking of the bunch, modern without sacrificing comfort. Steel and carved glass doors give way to an intimate, residential-style lobby with marble floors, casual furniture and a dramatic vaulted ceiling."

"But the boutique accoutrements are here: heated floors, Frette linens and monstrous beds that tempt you to indulge in room service."

National Post Hotel Swell, August 9, 2003 page T01. Article by Don Ellis

"The next is a mini-bar that stocks such gourmet essentials as chocolate-dipped apricots and root chips; a cafe that serves a freshly prepared menu of light gourmet meals all day long; and a fine dining establishment that puts most hotel restaurants to shame."

"Traditional details such as marble finishes, textured upholstery and muted earth tones, although combined with a trendy College Street feel (the bar features an arrangement of low hanging seating cubes), still give the sense of a hotel, albeit an unquestionably modern hotel. For the Soho Met, it’s the jewel in the crown. The ethic feels a little more West Coast then East. The hotel’s day begins when the café, which dominates one side of the entrance opens at 6 a.m. and sunlight pours through the floor-to-ceiling windows over suited travellers, locals having meetings and women wearing Juicy Couture althetic wear. By nighttime, the hotel’s bar moves the place effortlessly into the realm of networking and pickups."

The Globe and Mail Sleepover Soho Metropolitan - Toronto July 19, 2003 page T10. Article by Jessica Johnson

1997 Gold Key Award Finalist - Restaurants Seating to 90

Hospitality Design November December 1997, page 106, 107. Article by John P. Radulski

1997 Gold Key Award Finalist - Restaurants Seating to 90

Lodging November 1997, page 139.

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customer reviews

"The experience at this new addition to the Toronto Tourism industry, sets it apart in service as well as the features and care with which they extend themselves towards their guests.My guest room was perfect. From the heated marble bathroom floors to the smart set features in my room (electronically operated drapes, door bell, etc), i was simply in awe. The queen size beds and linen was a great touch of comfort, as well as the entire decor of the room itself. Apart from the amenities of the room, the personal service that is provided-adds a special touch. I was escorted to my room, and given a tour and explanation of each feature as well as remembered by name as i walked through the lobby as well as the entire hotel. Great pastries. Great people. All done with such style."

www.tripadvisor.com
Toronto: Soho Metropolitan: "From Picture to Perfect Reality"
Date:  April 28, 2003
Reviewer:  A TripAdvisor User, Jamaica, West Indies

"My boyfriend and I spent two nights at Soho Metropolitan Jan 30 though Feb 1, 2004. The hotel is absolutely amazing. We had a luxury room booked through Expedia and it was a brand new upscale, spacious room. The bathrooms are to die... The heated granite floors were god sent especially in the sub-freezing temperatures outside. The hotel boasts an indoor pool, jacuzzi, steam room and a healthclub. After a day of sightseeing, it was a great way to spend a hour relaxing in the hot tub and steam room. I highly recommend this hotel for the people in the know. The restaurant, Senses, was excellent - as was the attentive, resourcefull concierge & frontdesk. The got us last minute reservations at a restaurant which was otherwise fully-booked and gladly let us check out at 3pm. I visited the other hotels including Fairmont and Four Seasons in the city and will definately stay at the Soho Metropolitan when I am back in the city in two weeks. NO COMPARISON."

www.tripadvisor.com
Toronto: Soho Metropolitan: "The place to be!"
Date:  February 4, 2004
Reviewer:  coolbuddy73@hotmail.com, Dallas, TX

reviews: publications | customer

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