Destinations

Romantic City Escapes in Canada

By Matt Turner Aug 2, 2017 11:55am

Looking to get away with your special someone but a beachside resort isn’t your speed? Consider one of these Canadian city hotels that provide an array of romantic amenities.

Montréal has several luxurious accommodations for couples looking to get away —whether it’s just for the weekend or for an extended stay.

Hotel Le Crystal, an independent boutique hotel that will be celebrating its 10th anniversary in June 2018, “is as romantic and traditional as it is cutting-edge, as cosmopolitan and dynamic as it is small-town friendly.”

Romantic gestures that the hotel has offered include rose petals and chocolate awaiting couples in their room; taking guests in a horse-drawn carriage for a tour of Old Montréal; booking a musician for a marriage proposal; and finding the best tables at the best restaurants in the city such as Europea, a Relais & Châteaux restaurant just across the street. Shopping is around the corner at La Maison Ogilvy; Saint Catherine Street’s boutiques are just a five-minute drive away.

The head concierge can be reached at concierge@hotellecrystal.com. Mylène Perrault is usually at the post but is currently on maternity leave until September; in the meantime Naïm Guessous is available to answer any questions.

Hotel Le Crystal currently has a “Romance Package” and a “Relax Together” package. The former includes accommodations in a Superior, Premium, Deluxe or Executive Suite, two signature cocktails at the Bar La Coupole, two breakfasts in-suite, late checkout and a gift card to Amerispa, the hotel’s onsite spa; the latter includes a stay in a Superior, Deluxe or Executive Suite, one 50-minute massage at Amerispa each, late checkout, breakfast at LA Coupole, and access to the fitness center, indoor pool, sauna, gym and outdoor hot tub.

Of the 131 suites, the hotel recommends couples opt for the Executive Suite, which includes a large living room space with a fireplace (perfect for snuggling up next to at night) and 42-inch flat-screen TV, a kitchenette and minibar, a balcony and master bedroom with turndown service and en suite with deep bathtubs. There is also an outdoor Jacuzzi on the 12th floor terrace, perfect for relaxing and enjoying the city.

Good to know: Summer is the busiest season, which requires booking at least one month in advance. In June, the city hosts the Canadian Grand Prix, and bookings should be made between six months and one year in advance.

The Amerispa, led by Spa Director Caroline Charles (ccharles@amerispa.com), has four aesthetic rooms plus a section for manicures and pedicures. The Amerispa Massage (80 minutes) is the most requested; couples, however, should try the Tandem Massage (50 minutes). Spa treatments should be reserved one week in advance.

Hotel Gault, a member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts LVX, is a 30-room boutique hotel just a few blocks from the Promenade du Vieux-Port, a park bordering the St. Lawrence River. The original structure was built in 1871 for Andrew Frederick Gault, known as the “cotton king of Canada.” His dry-goods company was based out of the building until 1914. The original iron pillars and brick walls are visible in the lobby and certain guestrooms.

We recommend couples ask for the Deluxe Apartment — the hotel’s top accommodation. The 1,020-square-foot space has a kitchenette, a living room and a workspace with complimentary Wi-Fi, plus a King bed with Casa Rovea linens, 2 LED TVs (40-inch and 55-inch), a bathroom with an expansive bathtub, shower, heated floor and Molton Brown bath amenities.

For the best views, the Terrace Suites offer uninterrupted views of Old Montréal. These range from 400 square feet to 600 square feet. For specific room requests, book at least two weeks in advance. Director of Operations Amir Bakir (abakir@hotelgault.com) will help advisors find the perfect room for their clients.

Tip: The “Romantic Retreat” package earns guests breakfast in their room plus a 1 p.m. late checkout.

Have clients looking to get out and explore? Hotel Gault can arrange a private helicopter tour of the city. A walk up to the lookout on Mont-Royal (a large volcanic-related hill immediately west of downtown) or an afternoon spent at the Jean-Talon farmer’s market is also ideal for couples.

Good to know: While the hotel doesn’t have an onsite spa, it is partnered with Scandinave Spa and Bota Bota spa-sur-l’eau, offering hotel packages and discounted rates for guests. Concierge Nadia Fentiman (concierge@hotelgault.com) should be contacted at least one week in advance to book treatments. She can even arrange for masseuses to come to the hotel for an in-room treatment.

Le Place d’Armes Hôtel & Suites touts it can arrange the perfect experience for couples —“anything and everything from booking transportation and dinner reservations to finding the perfect harp player for a wedding proposal.”

Hotel Place d’Armes’ Junior Suite + Balcony rooms have a King bed, a living area with fireplace and home theatre, and a step-out balcony

Couples considering popping the question will be relieved to hear that Le Place d’Armes has a dedicated Coordinator for Weddings and Social Events, Nadine Topuzogullari (ntopuz@mariagesvieuxmontreal.com). She will assists in planning as well as day-of coordination. Couples also receive a maître d’hôtel who will be responsible for the execution of their event only. Entertainment, food and beverages, floral arrangements, photographers, ceremony officials, hair, makeup, and all other amenities can be booked through the coordinator.

The hotel also notes that it hosts honeymooners nearly every weekend throughout summer.

Top accommodations for couples include the five expansive Penthouse Suites or the six Junior Suites with balconies. All rooms, however, include 24-hour Clef d’Or concierge service, access to the spa with hammam, 24-hour fitness center, and rooftop terrace, complimentary morning shuttle service downtown, Wi-Fi, and more. The Penthouses also have high ceilings, brick walls in some, master king bedroom with flat screen LCD TV, iPod docking station, a living room with electric fireplace, a second TV with home theater system, dining table, and a bathroom with walk-in, multi-jet rain shower, therapeutic soaker tub and a third LCD TV.

Reservation Supervisor James Gauthier (jgauthier@hotelplacedarmes.com) can handle any bookings or questions regarding room categories.

The 2,500-square-foot spa has 10 treatment rooms spanning two floors. These include rooms equipped for duo treatments, a Vichy room and a traditional hammam with a private room. Contact Spa Director Roxanne Hamel (rhamel@experiencevieuxmontreal.com) to book a “Rainspa for Two” package, which can be tailored to include a Swedish Relaxation Massage, Swedish Deep Therapeutic Massage, a Hot Stone Massage, or Sports Massage, or even Thermal Mineral Body Scrubs, aromatherapy treatments and manicures and pedicures, among others.

Auberge du Vieux-Port, located directly on the aforementioned park of the same name, is a 19th-century structure with classic furnishings. One side of the 45-room hotel overlooks the cobblestoned Rue Saint-Paul, while the other has views of the St. Lawrence and Old Port.

Auberge du Vieux Port Deluxe King accommodations, with original exposed brick, either face St. Paul Street or the Old Port

Terrasse sur l’Auberge, the hotel’s rooftop bar, can be the perfect place for couples to grab a drink and enjoy the views of the city’s historic district, or as the setting for a cozy wedding with seating for up to 100 people.

Auberge du Vieux-Port also offers a dedicated wedding coordinator to help organize pre-event and the day of. Banquet Maître-d’hôtel & Events Coordinator Andrée Harvey (aharvey@aubergeduvieuxport.com) can help book all special event professionals and amenities.

While the Premier King is the top accommodation, all guestrooms are suitable for couples — it’s only a matter of guest preference. Good to know: the Signature and Premium categories are both in the original Auberge du Vieux-Port section and offer a more rustic feel. The Premier King includes a wrought iron bed, electric fireplace, exposed brick or stone, beamed ceilings, hardwood floors, a double therapeutic tub and separate multi-jet glass shower.

There is also the Lofts du Vieux Port, which are connected, containing 29 lofts and apartments. Certain lofts have double sinks, so if that’s something your clients prefer, ask specifically for one of these rooms. Guest Service Manager Michael Chehade (michaelc@aubergeduvieuxport.com) is available to field any questions and book specific rooms. The rooms at the Lofts have a much more contemporary feel.

Rounding out the top selections from Montréal is Hôtel William Gray, which opened in summer 2016. Chef Concierge Mélanie Joseph (mjoseph@hotelwilliamgray.com) can help guests from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. every day to customize any experience that couples might be looking for. For a relaxing time in town, the hotel is near the Old Montréal Locals Boutiques.

Alcove Suites at Hotel William Gray have views of Old Montréal, some of the best in the hotel

Of the 127 guestrooms, the hotel recommends the Alcove Suites or Maison William Gray category for couples. The former has views of Old Montreal, a King bed, spacious bathroom with double vanities, multi-jet shower and separate bathtub with large window overlooking the river, and either a sofa bed or furnished balcony; the latter has similar amenities but rooms have either stone walls or cathedral ceilings. Tip: The Deluxe King and Alcove Suites have the best views of the Old City / port.

The top restaurant at the property is Maggie Oakes, which house-cures its own charcuterie; top dishes include AAA Canadian dry-aged beef (between 35 and 45 days).

Good to know: The Spa William Gray is opening this summer. Contact Spa Director Roxanne Hamel (rhamel@experiencevieuxmontreal.com) for enquiries.

Just over 300 miles to the west, Toronto offers much of the same unexpected romantic offerings.

The Ritz-Carlton, Toronto can book couples curated culinary, art and wine tours, private shopping experiences (think: Saks 5th Avenue and Nordstrom), and city excursions, among others, although the rose petal turndown service remains one of the most popular.

To plan something unique for your clients, reach out to Lead Concierge Melinda Wagner (melinda.wagner@ritzcarlton.com).

The hotel reports to cater to both honeymooners and babymooners very often, and can arrange amenities such as relaxing spa treatments and romantic surprises for either. On site, there is a 32,000-square-foot spa with 16 treatment rooms. Bookings should be made two weeks in advance; the most popular couples treatment is the “Floating on a Cloud,” where couples receive a foot ritual followed by aromatherapy messages.

Good to know: Wedding parties can buy out the spa, which also offers a Champagne Nail Bar. Advisors can contact Spa Director Maggee Byrd (maggee.byrd@ritzcarlton.com).

Book the Chef’s Table at the hotel’s restaurant, TOCA. We recommend the signature ravioli, which is made in-house every day. Reservations should be made two weeks out.

There are 263 guestrooms, including 56 Corner Suites, four Simcoe Suites, two Wellington Suites, and one Ritz-Carlton Suite, the top accommodation, which sleeps four and totals 2,415 square feet. Couples, however, should consider the Corner Suites, which are larger than the traditional Luxury Deluxe rooms and include a separate living space. Views from the Corner Suites include Lake Ontario and the CN Tower or the city skyline. September is busiest due to the Toronto International Film Festival, so bookings must be made a year in advance during this time.

Top Tip: There is no butler service but Club Level guests receive a dedicated concierge.

Looking to get a little further outside the city — to one of North America’s most romantic destinations? Shangri-La Hotel Toronto will book guests a private tour of Niagara Falls with a luxury chauffeur and guide or via helicopter. They will even arrange visits to local wineries such a Peller Estates Winery & Restaurant and Trius Winery & Restaurant.

Just reach out to Chef Concierge & Director of Guest Experience Robin Elliott (robin.elliott@shangri-la.com) to arrange a tour. Other excursions have included top gastronomic destinations, private dining, and finding the best tickets for events, concerts and sports. The hotel suggests taking a stroll through High Park or taking a ferry to the Toronto Islands. If shopping is your clients’ thing, Queen Street (recently named among the coolest streets in the world) is a trendy area within the Fashion District.

Shangri-La Hotel Toronto’s Bosk Restaurant serves Asian-spins on modern Canadian cuisine

According to the Chef de Cuisine, Richard Singh, the best table at Bosk is Table 10: it’s in a window-lined corner of the main dining room with excellent views of the terrace and wine wall. As for what to order? Try the Yukon Gold Potato agnolotti, with chestnut, black truffle and a confit hen egg. Before dinner, sip on a Honey, Honey, which is made with Johnnie Walker, burnt honey syrup, and Angostura Bitters. Fun Fact: the honey comes from a beehive on the third floor of the hotel.

Couples should book the One Bedroom Deluxe Suites, which have views of the CN Tower. In the suite, guests will find a spacious, walk-in wardrobe and a master bathroom with windows. The Owner’s Suite is the top one-bedroom accommodation. All guestrooms, except for wheelchair accessible rooms, have bathtubs.

Located in the heart of the city, The Omni King Edward Hotel has easy access to many of the goings-on in Toronto, namely: top dining, entertainment, and sightseeing.

General Manager Christophe Le Chatton (Christophe.lechatton@omnihotels.com) joined the hotel in 2014, and, in the same year, led an extensive $40 million renovation. Updates to the 1903 building included all guestrooms, meeting rooms and dining rooms. Note: The Crystal Ballroom underwent a $6.5 million renovation this past April.

The Crystal Ballroom is located on the 17th floor and has 5,000 square feet of space, accommodating up to 280 guests. Additional events spaces at the hotel include the Sovereign, Vanity Fair and Windsor Ballroom. The Omni King Edward Hotel was featured in Weddingbells magazine as one of the Loveliest Wedding Venues in 2017.

The Omni King Edward Royal Suite has a sunken living area and a formal dining space for eight

Most rooms are suitable for couples, so it’s simply a matter of preference. Couples who are getting married at the hotel might consider the Royal Suite, which has 1,800 square feet of space, including two fireplaces, a butler’s entrance and a full kitchen with a formal dining area with seating for eight — perfect for a dinner with the family or bridal party before the big day. Good to know: There are 29 exclusive Royal Club Lounge guestrooms and suites. These come with special VIP access to the new lounge, plus daily deluxe buffet breakfast, light bites in the afternoon, evening hors d’oeuvres, complimentary Wi-Fi, nightly turn down service, morning car service and more.

To ensure you get the room you’re looking for, book at least three months out.

Nouvelle Maria Spa and Salon Owner Maria Micsia (maria@nouvellemariaspa.com; 546-363-4333) can book an assortment of couple’s treatments, including the “Time Together” (a pedicure, manicure, and massage; three hours), and the “Day Together” (a deep cleansing facial, neck treatment, mani and pedi, massage, makeup application and sauna time; four hours).

Couples looking to get away for the holidays might do well to consider the Fairmont Royal York, as the hotel notes it’s “an especially memorable time.”

We suggest couples book the Fairmont Gold, which has its private reception area on the 12th floor. Fairmont Gold members receive a dedicated concierge team to assist with anything they might need, from dinner reservations to limousines, as well as breakfast every morning and hors d’oeuvres in the evening. The Fairmont Gold One Bedroom Suite is the top option in this category.

There is also a “Royal Romance Package” available, including a bottle of sparkling wine, chocolate-covered strawberries, breakfast in bed, and a 3 p.m. late checkout.

Tip: Fairmont President’s Club Members have access to the house BMWs for pick-up and drop-off in the downtown area. Nearby attractions include Ripley’s Aquarium, which has date nights, the Distillery District, and the CN Tower, where daring guests can try the EdgeWalk. President’s Club Members also have the option of touring the city on BMW bicycles.

Chef Concierge Paul Marino (paul.marino@fairmont.com) is available to customize a romantic getaway.

Romantic City Escapes in Canada

Related Articles