Gladstone House

Gladstone House in Toronto, a Michelin Key Selected property, is consistently praised for its unique artistic ambiance, prime location in the West Queen West neighborhood, and a comfortable, distinct guest experience. It is a celebrated boutique hotel that blends rich history with modern, art-inspired design.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

Gladstone House generally receives very positive reviews, with an overall rating often described as "Very Good" (8.5 out of 10 based on 787 reviews). It holds a "One Key" distinction from the Michelin Guide, signifying "a very special stay." Guests frequently highlight its boutique charm, artistic flair, and a welcoming atmosphere.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently love the hotel's unique design, which features restored exposed brick walls, curated local art, and innovative lighting. Its location in West Queen West, known as one of Toronto's most creative neighborhoods, is a major draw. The hotel is considered an "artists' hotel par excellence," offering a bohemian-baroque aesthetic. Additional perks include an on-site art gallery, a bar, and a 24-hour gym.

3. Room Quality

Gladstone House offers 55 individually furnished rooms, including Studio, Double, and Suite options. Each room is uniquely decorated by a Canadian artist, bearing a distinctive title in addition to its number, much like an original artwork. Guests frequently report clean, spacious, and comfortable rooms, featuring premium bedding, pillowtop mattresses with Frette Italian sheets, and air conditioning. Bathrooms are equipped with rainfall showers and designer toiletries. Some rooms may have chic interiors with brick flooring.

4. Dining Experience

The hotel offers all-day dining at the Gladstone Café, serving breakfast, brunch (weekends only), and afternoon bites in a bright, spacious, and casual setting. Its on-site restaurant, Gladstone Bistro & Bar, (also referred to as Cassette, its newly opened space) provides dinner and cocktails. The dining spaces are described as cozy and intimate, offering a remarkable dining experience with ambient lighting and gorgeous decor. Cooked-to-order breakfast is available for a surcharge. The menu at the Bistro + Bar has been reenvisioned by Executive Chef Richard Singh and includes items like Beef Tartare, Goat Cheese and Fig Flatbread, and a Frilled Flatiron Steak.

5. Service & Staff

Guest feedback consistently praises the staff for being very friendly, welcoming, helpful, and accommodating. Many reviews highlight the excellent service and the staff's professionalism and courtesy, particularly in the context of events like weddings.

6. Location & Accessibility

Located at 1214 Queen Street West in the vibrant West Queen West neighborhood, Gladstone House is situated amidst a creative hub. It's conveniently close to attractions like Trinity Bellwoods Park and Coca-Cola Coliseum (within 1-2 miles). Public transportation is easily accessible, with a streetcar stop (Queen St W at Gladstone Ave) right outside the hotel. Dufferin Station, the closest subway station, is 2km north. The hotel is approximately a 20-minute drive from Union Station and about a 30-minute drive from Pearson International Airport. Secured, covered self-parking is available on-site for a surcharge (CAD 30 per night), with a fob required for after-hours access.

7. Value & Pricing

Gladstone House is often considered a good value, with nightly rates for standard rooms ranging from approximately $138 to $381 depending on the room type and dates. It's noted that prices may fluctuate based on stay dates and the hotel's policy. It's also mentioned that Gladstone House is typically available for around $155/night, comparing favorably to other 4-star hotels in Toronto which average $248/night.

8. Common Complaints

Some recurring issues or criticisms include potential noise disturbance from ongoing construction at a neighboring building. Additionally, while the hotel's nightlife is part of its vibrant atmosphere, it can lead to noise in the wee hours, making it less ideal for those seeking a "quiet escape." Earlier sentiments, particularly from around 2023, reflected some local opinions that the hotel had lost some of its "community hub" charm after previous renovations, though more recent guest reviews generally highlight its positive artistic and boutique vibe. There are also charges for pets (CAD 28.25 per night or $25.00 per night depending on the source, with a maximum of $75 for stays of 3 nights or more) and parking.

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