The Broadview Hotel

The Broadview Hotel: A Charming Michelin Key Selected Gem in Toronto's East End

The Broadview Hotel in Toronto stands as a testament to successful historical renovation, transforming a 19th-century landmark into a chic, boutique hotel that has earned a Michelin Key selection. Guests consistently praise its unique blend of old-world charm and modern amenities, making it a highly-rated destination in Toronto's vibrant East End.

Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for The Broadview Hotel is overwhelmingly positive, with guests frequently describing it as "beautiful," "stylish," and "charming." It consistently receives high scores for cleanliness (9.1), comfort (9.2), staff (9.0), and location (8.7) from various review platforms. While some acknowledge it can be pricey, many feel the experience justifies the cost, especially for those seeking a unique boutique hotel experience.

Key Highlights

Guests are particularly drawn to several distinctive features of The Broadview Hotel:

• Design & Ambiance: The hotel, originally built in 1891, embraces its Romanesque Revival architecture while incorporating "hipster" and boudoir aesthetics. This "cheeky mash-up of old and new" includes neon art, rotary phones, and red velvet drapes, creating a memorable and stylish environment.
• Unique Room Amenities: A standout feature in every room is the presence of a vinyl record player with a selection of records, along with a thoughtfully stocked minibar featuring locally sourced goods. French press coffee makers are also a appreciated touch.
• Rooftop Bar: The Rooftop bar is a significant draw, offering a popular spot for drinks and small bites with impressive views of the city. It's particularly lively in the evenings, and reservations are recommended.
• Location: Situated in the lively Riverside neighborhood of Toronto's East End, it offers a "nice neighborhood" feel away from the immediate downtown skyscrapers.

Room Quality

The Broadview Hotel offers 58 rooms, each designed with comfort and a distinctive style. Rooms feature king-sized beds with comfortable mattresses and plush pillows. Guests appreciate details such as blackout curtains, spacious layouts (especially in King Sitting rooms with pull-out couches), and high-end bathroom amenities from Graydon Skincare in large, refillable bottles. The unique artwork and record players add to the memorable experience. Some guests have noted that corner rooms offer abundant natural light due to having two walls of windows.

Dining Experience

The hotel boasts several dining options that receive high praise:

• The Civic: This dining room is known for its seasonal menu featuring locally sourced, southern Ontario produce. It's open for dinner Wednesday to Saturday and for brunch on Sundays. Guests have enjoyed dishes like the breakfast burger and often highlight the quality of the food.
• The Broadview Bistro + Bar (The Cafe & Bar): A more casual, light-filled space, it serves breakfast, lunch, dinner, and cocktails daily. Avocado toast and various pastries are popular breakfast choices.
• The Rooftop: In addition to drinks, The Rooftop also offers a small bites menu.
• Breakfast: Breakfast options are generally considered delicious and convenient, with many choices including gluten-free and dairy-free options available. In-room champagne service is also available.

Service & Staff

The service at The Broadview Hotel is consistently lauded, with guests frequently commenting on the "incredibly kind and attentive" and "friendly" staff. Reviewers describe staff as "knowledgeable and helpful" during check-in and check-out, and commend their responsiveness, even via text messaging. Turn-down service with a carafe of water and chocolates is an appreciated "bonus perk."

Location & Accessibility

The Broadview Hotel is situated in Old Toronto, at the corner of Broadview Avenue and Queen Street East. While "just a touch outside the immediate downtown," it offers a desirable neighborhood setting. A tram stop is conveniently located right outside the hotel, providing quick access to the downtown core. The Distillery Historic District is about a 15-minute walk away. Other nearby attractions include Joel Weeks Park and various local shops and eateries. Billy Bishop Toronto City airport is approximately a 10-minute drive away.

Value & Pricing

While some guests note that the price can be "a bit high" or "very expensive," particularly for certain room types like the King Corner rooms, many feel the unique experience and quality of the hotel justify the cost. Rates can vary significantly depending on the season and day of the week, with December and April often offering cheaper deals, and Wednesdays or Fridays being the best days for room deals. Typical prices can range from around C$177 to C$242 and higher.

Common Complaints

Despite the generally positive feedback, a few recurring issues have been mentioned by guests:

• Noise: Some guests have reported issues with noise from the hallway, which may be related to the age of the building.
• Shower Design: One reviewer noted that the shower in their room was "quite small" and the threshold did not effectively prevent water from spilling into the rest of the washroom.
• Room Size/Perks for Price: A few guests felt that some rooms were small for the price, and lacked certain "added perks like coffee in the room" (despite French presses being mentioned in other reviews), which would justify the higher cost.
• Record Player Issues/Library: While the record players are a highlight, one guest experienced a faulty player and found the vinyl library to have a limited and poorly organized selection.
• Desk Chair Comfort: One specific complaint noted an uncomfortable and low desk chair, making it difficult to work comfortably.
• Misleading Amenity Access: Some guests felt misled about access to certain amenities, such as the rooftop terrace or lobby bar, during their stay.

Sources

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4. travelyourself.ca
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6. dailyhive.com
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8. ontariocahotel.com
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