Omni King Edward Hotel – timeless elegance with a contemporary twist in downtown Toronto

Omni King Edward Hotel

The Omni King Edward Hotel is conveniently located in
downtown Toronto

After being purchased by Bob Rowlings’ privately owned Dallas-based Omni Group, the iconic King Edward Hotel underwent a $40 million top-to-bottom renovation from 2013 to 2015; thereby solidifying the hotel’s reputation in Toronto’s highly competitive market, where hoteliers compete for the business and leisure market. The luxurious King Edward is located at 37 King St. East, within a short distance to the city’s theatres, financial district, sports stadiums, Front Street and the always intriguing St. Lawrence Market. Hotels in the Omni Group are each unique, often historic properties like The King Edward in Toronto, Boston’s Omni Parker House and the legendary Omni Mount Washington Resort in New Hampshire. The Omni Group of hotels and resorts offers an in-house customer loyalty program; Select Guest Loyalty Program, that can provide immediate upgrades and benefits to hotel and resort guests.

Pamper yourself in a well-appointed bathroom

The clientele is a mixture of leisure travellers and business executives. Local condo residents often stop by for cocktails and lunch or dinner at the comfortable Consort Bar. From the moment the doorman welcomed us, we found the hotel staff to be courteous, efficient and genuinely accommodating.  Not surprisingly, Trip Advisor 4-Star+ rating places The Omni King Edward comfortably with the Top 10 of Toronto’s 137 hotels, and well ahead of other downtown hotels in a similar price category.

The King Edward has 310 guest rooms and suites – all completely renovated and re-furnished. The designers have maintained the elegance of the original architecture, while selecting contemporary colours and furnishings. The rooms are equipped with everything that you’d expect in a first-class hotel; from Keurig coffee makers to pillow-top mattresses and fine cotton bedding. Bathrooms have been completely reconstructed and featured a glass walled rain-shower and ample space. The work desk and WiFi enabled me to set up my mobile office. Guest rooms have a large flat screen TV, and you can review your bill and check-out from the convenience of your room.

The main lobby combines elegance and
contemporary furnishings with royal colours

The impressive lobby has been furnished with oversized chairs and sofas that are both contemporary and comfortable. The timeless elegance is ever-present – but today’s King Edward is not your grandpa’s hotel, although giant decorative photographs pay homage to the hotel’s rich history. The walls to Victoria’s, the main dining room have been replaced with windows that open onto to the lobby. It’s a lovely dining room where Toronto’s business elite meet for power breakfasts. The adjacent Sovereign Ballroom is where the immensely popular Sunday Brunch and Afternoon Tea are served. Once again the King Edward’s original elegance has been preserved and enhanced.

The famous Crystal Ballroom once again has a full schedule of high society events

The Crystal Ballroom was re-opened this past April, following a $6.5 million renovation that returned the ballroom to its former elegance after being shuttered for forty years. Once the preferred location for the city’s prestigious social events; the Crystal Ballroom once again has a full calendar of wedding receptions and fundraising galas for Toronto’s prestigious charitable events. Hotel spokesperson Winnie Schroeder commented; “We had an open house to re-introduce the ballroom to Toronto, and people were literally lined up around this large city block. We heard so many lovely stories and memories from people who had major events in their lives take place here. There was also a tremendous interest from younger people who had heard about The Crystal Ballroom but had not seen this beautiful room.”

Centered around the Palm Court on the mezzanine, the spectacular Vanity Fair Ballroom with its vaulted ceiling, Windsor Ballroom and ten meeting rooms were in use for conferences during our two-day visit.  The King Edward’s renaissance has clearly been accepted by the Toronto business community. Visiting business colleagues are encouraged to stay at the nearby landmark.

High Tea is served in the Sovereign Ballroom

The Spa has been expanded to meet the greater demand, and offers a full range of massages, facials and treatments. The fitness centre has also been enlarged and is available to guests 24 hours a day.

The Omni Group of Hotels expects each property to be involved locally, and The King Edward supports Say Goodnight To Hunger. When guests make their reservations directly online at OmniHotels.com, a donation will be made to provide a meal to a family of four.

The King Edward offers several packages, including a Romance Package that includes: Luxurious accommodations, $100 cuisine & cocktail credit, per stay, a bottle of Chandon sparkling wine delivered to room upon arrival, romantic turndown service including robes, music and lighting, concierge pre-call to assist with special romantic touches and personal requests and a late check-out at 1pm.

Whether going to take in some of Toronto’s world-class musical theatre, travelling for business or combining business and pleasure, the Omni King Edward is an excellent choice. For more information:  www.omnihotels.com/hotels/toronto-king-edward or call: 1-416-863-9700 or 1-888-444-OMNI (6664)