The Broadview Hotel Toronto in the east end is one of the best boutique hotels in Toronto. Opened in 2014 the Broadview Hotel is located in one of the more historic properties in the city dating back to 1891. Once a strip club named Jilly’s now turned boutique hotel it is filled with a lot of charm, art, great food and more. Here is my review of Toronto’s Broadview Hotel.
Broadview Hotel Room Review
There are 58 rooms in the hotel of various sizes and design all featuring king sized beds, record players and the most stocked mini bar I have ever seen in a hotel. There are four different room types that can sleep 2 to 4 people. You also have the option to book connecting rooms to make a family suite. I stayed in a King Sitting room, which I found to be spacious with a nice sitting area that has a pull out couch, a desk and bar top area. Each room also features black out curtains which are always ideal.
I found the bed to be quite comfortable and the pillows just the right amount of fluffiness for my preference. I liked the side lamps in the headboard that tucked away to be turned off as well.
The bathrooms feature soaps and lotions that smell citrus-y and delightful by Graydon Skincare. I appreciate that they are in large refillable bottles mounted on the wall in the shower and by the sink and not single use bottles. Bonus – saves the environment. Bummer – no tiny hotel toiletries to take home to your collection.
If you like “hipster” type things then this is definitely the property for you because there is even a Bodum French Press coffee maker in each room. I would definitely request a King Corner room on my next visit, featuring two walls of windows because of all of the natural light in those rooms. For that reason though they are also on the pricier side of rooms that are available.
Complaints
My only complaint about my room, which might have to do with the age of the building was that I could hear quite a lot of what was happening in the hallway. Perhaps this could be fixed with a different door on the room with a tighter fit or maybe it’s thin walls, I’m not sure. Also I can’t speak to every room having this issue, (I was in room 304) it wasn’t a game changer for me though.
Hotel Bonus Perks
Not every hotel these days offers turn down service but I always find it to be such a delight. One of the simplest of things that a hotel does that makes me happy. I was not really expecting it a the Broadview but I came home after a day of delicious afternoon tea and Harry Potter drinks and my room had been turned down! On my bed side table was a large carafe of water, along with a glass and two small chocolates. Simple, but lovely! I also enjoyed the added touch of the coaster over the top of the carafe covering the water from things getting into it. Definitely shows you that they care and are thinking of the guest.
Unique Hotel Amenities
As I checked in to the hotel I was told that on the floor where I was staying there was also a refreshment station. When I arrived on the 3rd floor I found two taps like you would find at a bar that served either still or sparkling water, there were lots of glasses and a few carafes as well as a small ice machine, a few tea options and clementines. The station was self serve and open to all hotel guests. It was very convenient to be located just down the hall from my room. There is also a refreshment station on the 5th floor.
On the 4th floor you can find a small library area with a few books to choose from and a bunch of vinyls to peruse. There is a record player in each room of the hotel with a few records to play. If you are looking for more options then all guests are welcome to swap them out for new ones at the library. As part of the library there is also “the Shop on 4th” which features a collection of gift items from the hotels neighbour shop The Good Neighbour for purchase.
For those who need it the 6th floor also features a computer and printer station area.
Dining at the Hotel
The Broadview Hotel has great dining options for breakfast, lunch and dinner including room service from 7am to 10pm.
The Civic dining room is open Wednesday to Saturdays starting at 6pm for dinner and Sundays for brunch from 10am to 3pm. The restaurant boasts locally sourced, southern Ontario produce with a menu that changes seasonally. Offering the same menu for brunch as the cafe, I enjoyed the breakfast burger and it was amazing. Not an actual burger but a brioche bun, lettuce, tomato, pickle, fried egg, and peameal bacon. I highly recommend it.
The Cafe & Bar located just off of the lobby is a bit more casual, light and airy then the Civic. Serving breakfast, lunch, dinner and tasty cocktails daily from 7am to late. Aside from the menu there are also various pastries and cookies available for purchase. For breakfast at the Broadview Cafe I had avocado toast, I couldn’t resist. It was delicious as all avocado toasts are, and I really enjoyed the braised peppers on top. I wish it had been a bit more substantial though for the cost.
Rooftop Bar
The Rooftop Bar at the Broadview Hotel is an extremely popular late night spot in the east end of Toronto. Open from 5pm to late Tuesday to Saturday in the winter and 7 days a week in the warmer months. The later you go at night the busier it will be, reservations are definitely recommended. They offer a great drinks list and small bites menu. While there I enjoyed a local beer by Eastbound Brewing Co. named the Backpacker Blonde. On the Rooftop Bar menu however it’s called Jilly’s Blonde a nice nod to the previous use of the building.
The highlight of the Rooftop Bar of course is the view. Located on the 7th floor overlooking the east end, the Don river and the stunning Toronto skyline including the views of the CN Tower.
Gym and fitness
The hotel does not have a gym but the front desk can give you a complimentary pass for a nearby gym called HONE fitness. Guests can also purchase a class at Studio Lagree for $12. In the summer months the hotel also offers yoga classes on Tuesday and Thursday mornings. On nice days they are offered outside on the rooftop.
Where is the Broadview Hotel located?
The Broadview hotel is located just a touch outside the immediate downtown of the city, on the corner of Broadview Ave and Queen St East. It’s nice to be located in a bit more of a neighborhood VS amongst skyscrapers. There is a tram stop right outside of the hotel that can whisk you into the downtown core of the city in a few minutes. Nearby there are also a bunch of pizza shops for quick eats and two convenience stores on opposite corners.
To learn more about the Broadview Hotel watch my video review here:
I was a guest of Toronto Tourism for my stay. However as always all opinions and views expressed are my own.
No Comments