The Windsor Arms Hotel Toronto luxury hotel
Last updated on February 10th, 2026.
For my first trip in Canada, I checked into one of the city's best luxury hotels, the Windsor Arms Hotel Toronto.
This 5-star semi-hidden gem is ideal for boutique travelers who also want to enjoy the sights of Toronto. A ‘delicate balance of old world charm and decadence’ greets you upon entering this striking building.
Windsor Arms Hotel Toronto
The Windsor Arms Hotel dates back to 1927.
Hotelier, William Arthur Price, wanted to create a hotel that matched the University of Toronto’s neo-Gothic architecture of the time. Years later in the 1960s, the hotel entered the culinary scene. First came the Three Small Rooms restaurant, followed by the Courtyard Café.
The hotel shut down in 1991 after years of neglect, and with no signs of re-opening. That is until developer George Friedmann entered the picture with his vision of resurrecting the building.
He restored the hotel to the standard of luxury condominiums, and Windsor Arms Hotel Toronto re-opened in May 1999.
There are so many good reasons to stay at the Windsor Arms Hotel, and this post lists them all.
The Windsor Arms Hotel — what to know
The location
Windsor Arms Hotel Toronto is conveniently located a short walking distance from two subway stations.
Bay Street, and one of my favorite stations, Museum, are very close by. From both stations, it’s around a 4-minute walk, depending on your walking speed.
You can find the hotel on 18 St Thomas Street. It’s a short, yet quiet street that sits in the bustling upmarket area of Yorkville.
Many shops in Toronto, restaurants and coffee shops are within easy reach of the hotel. Though Yorkville can get busy, the streets surrounding Windsor Arms Hotel are incredibly quiet.
Amenities close by to Windsor Arms Hotel Toronto
Aroma Espresso Bar is about a 2-minute walk from the hotel. They serve up a good cappuccino, plus other healthy breakfast treats to start your day.
Only purchase a TTC Metropass if you know you’ll be making more than 4 trips. The pass allows you to use unlimited use of the trains, buses and streetcars till 5am the next morning.
From Windsor Arms, I walked nearly everywhere given its excellent location, meaning there was no need to buy a ticket.
See the best of Toronto by booking a local boat tour. This one to the Niagara Falls is perfect for families, friends and couples.
The Windsor Arms Hotel suite
Weary, tired and ready to relieve my feet and legs from a full day's walking, I was ready for my suite.
Without knowing it, I'd been given the corner suite, and my jaw dropped when I walked in. The space is larger than any suite I'd stayed in previously. Slowly, yet excitedly, I began to explore the room like a kid in a toy shop.
The style of the suite is traditional, with hardwood flooring, and tones of soft creams and browns. Its furniture matches the décor, with a king bed in the bedroom, and 2 good sized sofas in the living area. Suffice it to say, I slept very well that night.
A big bathroom at Windsor Arms Hotel Toronto
The bathroom's every woman’s dream come true. There's a generous bathtub with Jacuzzi facilities, a vanity area complete with Molton Brown products, and a separate rainforest-style shower.
I also came back to find something else waiting for me. On the coffee table was a personalized letter and plate of biscotti — which I finished in 10 seconds.
Having a turn-down service is a feature I love about staying in a luxury hotel. It adds an extra touch of old school charm, not to mention, the room’s all ready for you to relax.
🎥 Watch: the suite inside Windsor Arms Hotel Toronto
Windsor Arms Hotel spa
Windsor Arms Hotel Toronto has a spa unlike any other I’ve visited.
It’s open for 24 hours, meaning you can really take that midnight dip in the pool if you fancy. That, plus they also have their own Windsor Arms salt cave.
From something that looks like a Santa’s Grotto from the outside, inside is something altogether unique.
The healing salt cave is based on a Himalayan version, which helps the respiratory system while also rejuvenating the skin.
Map of Toronto Canada
Salt cave Toronto at Windsor Arms Hotel Toronto
You definitely feel a sharp drop in temperature once you enter — which is normal — but you won’t freeze.
The staff provide blankets and extra towels to keep you cozy and comfortable throughout the 45-minute treatment.
Finely grounded salt is blown through holes in the wall for clients to inhale. You can book this treatment at the spa reception.
Guests can also take advantage of the spacious patio area, where you can request a massage outside as well as room service. They do require a minimum of 30 minutes notice to prepare your order, so do this ahead of time.
If you have time, I recommend taking a dip in the pool. It was so quite during my stay and calming too.
The pool area's also soundproof, so all you can hear is gentle music playing and the sound of you swimming.
Windsor Arms Hotel staff
I can’t stress enough how welcoming, friendly and helpful the staff are. No question or request is too big (within reason of course), and everyone is polite and accommodating.
If you’re reading this and thinking, ‘well, that’s normal’, then you’re wrong. I’ve stayed at other high-profile hotels like Hotel Sacher in Vienna and didn’t receive the same level of good service.
The hotel bar
When you’re feeling lazy to go out and fancy a glass of wine in the evening, head to the hotel bar. The friendly bartender suggested trying the Windsor Arms Hotel's own house red, which comes from their own winery.
The house red’s a Cabernet Merlot from its Private Reserve, and it was delicious. It was another bonus to add to my Windsor Arms stay.
Windsor Arms Hotel high tea
A traditional high tea wouldn’t be the same without the setting of a traditional styled tearoom. At Windsor Arms Hotel, the tearoom is the place to indulge in their afternoon tea.
Along with a choice of loose-leaf teas, the menu also includes classic English scones with homemade preserves and cream.
The staff were friendly and the attentive service made me feel all that more special. The high tea also offers a fantastic and, not to mention, delicious selection of vegan chocolate truffles that I couldn’t get enough of.
I can't say enough about the high tea, and I highly recommend you try it for yourself. For the most up-to-date prices and availability, check the website for more information.
Address: Windsor Arms Hotel Toronto
18 St Thomas Street
Toronto, Ontario
M53 3E7
T: +1 416-971-9666
E: reserve@windsorarmshotel.com
W: www.windsorarmshotel.com/
Disclaimer: Even though I was invited by Windsor Arms Hotel, all views are my own and based on my own experience. This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something that I’ve recommended. Thank you for your support.
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This place is beautiful, so roomy with so much space and the decor is gorgeous too. What a fab place to stay.
It really is!
What an amazing looking hotel, I am planning a trip to Toronto and not yet decided on the accommodation. This looks like the best locale.
Windsor Arms is awesome, and Yorkville's the area to be too!
How lovely to hear that someone looked at this piece of history and opted to restore it rather than rip it down.
The Windsor Arms is a historic piece of architecture in Yorkville 🙂
Windsor Arms Hotel looks perfect stay in Toronto with a stunning view of the skyline. It is an ancient property since 1927, then it must be interesting to stay with the balance of old world charm and modern amenities. I loved the Salt cave based on Himalayan version and would love to book for it. Thanks for sharing!
The salt cave was so cool, and my first experience. Windsor Arms is a great luxury choice, and in a central location too.
Lovely property and the salt cave does it for me. I tried one a few years ago in Czech.
It's very cool!
Wow! Everything about Windsor Arms is outstanding! The super luxurious rooms, the healing salt cave, the calming swimming pool, the bar and the high tea and all topped with great hospitality - what else you need for an amazing stay? Thanks for sharing this lovely experience. 🙂
You're welcome! It's a stunning hotel, and I'm happy to share it with everyone!
I have to confess that your post is the first time I've read the expression "flashpackers", so I had to google it! Now I get it!! And I think we'd potentially fit, we're not traditional luxury travellers, but we do love a good and gorgeous boutique hotel when we can find one right place right time right price! The Windsor Arms in Toronto does look perfect for that and woaaah that suite!!!
I'm glad to have introduced it to you! It's a lovely hotel, and really great as a boutique and a bit of luxury 🙂
It all looks to cozy and elegant, I hope we have some cash to enjoy a little piece of luxury like this on our Canadian adventure
I hope so too! A little luxury is necessary sometime 🙂
OMG! How stunning was that corner suite? I love a beautiful hotel where their interiors are classically decorated. Great review of the hotel:)
This looks like an awesome hotel and it sounds like you had a great experience! I've been wanting to go to Toronto for so long and you've made me want to stay at this hotel!
That's great to read Eli! I had an amazing time, and would highly recommend it to anyone visiting Toronto.
I like how you have started off with letting us know the history of this place. The rooms do look awesome and I am sure your stay was great. I always choose hotels depending on it's location and its great to know you can walk everywhere from here.
It's a great hotel, and one that I highly recommend when staying in Toronto.
Wow! I know where I'm staying next time I'm in Toronto! This looks absolutely gorgeous! Thanks for sharing 🙂
You're welcome.
Wow, this is a nice hotel. And the bed, oh my... looks comfortable. I'm in Toronto, but to be honest, I haven't splurge on fancy hotel. But based on your post, Windsor Arms Hotel is worth a try. I might check this out if I want to pamper myself 😀
You must! It's a great place for a spot of luxury, and in a good location too 🙂
I've been here before and absolutely loved it. It's a gorgeous place to stay.
That's great to read!
Wow. That hotel suite is so much relaxing. You have written it nicely, covered all the details. It kept me engaged till end.
Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it.
This is a good city hotel so conveniently located. Hard to get out of this kind of comfort actually ? Haven’t been to Canada yet, though it is high on my list. Thanks for the thumbs up on this place. At least one thing is sorted out if I travel there.
That's brilliant to read! You'll love this place, and the location's really central and within walking distance of all the best sights.
Sold! When I visit Toronto to catch a hockey game, I want to stay here! It sounds like the perfect hotel for all my foodie, luxury and sightseeing needs. I am very curious to try my hand at the salt caves and would love to use their other spa treatments. Thank you so much for sharing this beautiful hotel!
You're so welcome Christina! It's a gorgeous hotel, and good choice for Toronto. The salt cave is really interesting!
This place is stunning! And I love love love the organization of your website. I'll definitely keep this place in mind for my next trip to Toronto!
Aw thank you Danielle, I really appreciate your comments; I'm always working damn hard on my website, so it's great to get some love back 🙂 Hope you get to visit Windsor Arms, it's great!
What a gorgeous hotel find! I also love stories about historic properties that have been saved, restored, and re-opened with such success. I plan to be in Toronto later this year, and will definitely look up the Windsor Arms. Thanks for sharing!
You're so welcome Ann! I hope you do get to visit when you're there - it has so much history inside 😀
This place looks fantastic! I really want to visit Canada, and hope to see Toronto during that trip. Thanks for providing all this useful info I have to bookmark this page so I remember this place when I'm looking for Accom 🙂
Thank you! I hope you get to visit Toronto, it's a lovely city with friendly people. Staying at the Windsor Arms was the icing on the cake 😀
I love that this hotel is so conveniently located near public transit. That makes all the difference! I also really love the spa. It looks so nice. I would definitely utilize the pool if I get the chance to visit.
Thanks Steph! My thoughts exactly. The spa and the pool are so nice, and the pool hardly used! Hope you make it there one day 🙂
Biscotti, turn down service, elegant bathroom, and convenient location near subway stops - what's not to love.
I couldn't have said it better myself Sarah! Thanks for stopping by 🙂
Great review! I've been by that hotel a few times, but never stayed there. Living in Toronto I often just want to book a night at one of the amazing boutique hotels ... I'll need to place this one at the top of the list.
Thanks Bruce, that's really encouraging for me to read! The location is perfect as it's within walking distance of everything you want to see in Toronto. This boutique hotel deserves a place on everyone's travel list 🙂
Lisa, your stay (and hotel) sounded wonderful! I love the photos and descriptions you included; it sounds like a great place to be for sure. I've only been to Canada twice and haven't been to Toronto yet (I love Ontario/Niagara Falls). I'll keep your recommendations in mind! 🙂
Thank you! I really loved my time there, and it was the perfect place to stay for my first foray into Canada. Glad you enjoyed it!
Although I've spent most of my life in Canada (Vancouver) I have not been to Toronto. Crazy huh? I have been thinking of doing a cross country road trip and the Windsor Arms looks like a perfect place to stay...the spa and the winery sold me.
Haha, no worries Sarah, I think most of us are guilty of doing the same in our own countries! Yes, the spa and wine are so good, the photos do them no justice. Thanks for your comments, I always appreciate them.
Wow, a hotel with its own winery! That's pretty cool 🙂 I'm thinking of going to Toronto actually, as have a couple of friends living there - so am book marking this! x
Great Becca! The wine is absolutely delicious and very drinkable, plus for a house red, it's really a good choice. Let me know if you make it there!
A welcoming and friendly staff really makes or breaks a wonderful stay at a hotel. Glad you had a great time and welcome to Canada!
Thanks Justine, it was definitely a nice introduction to my time in Canada. I was very lucky to have stayed at Windsor Arms Hotel, an added bonus 🙂
With a room like that, how did you manage to convince yourself to get out of bed? Must have been quite difficult choosing between indulging in the pleasure of the bed and that of travel. The hotel is amazing and so are your pics.
Happy travelling and blogging.
It was very difficult, trust me! Thank you so much for your comments, highly appreciated!
This hotel looks absolutely fabulous! I have never been to Canada, but If I ever visit I will keep in mind this place for me and my husband. Thanks for the recommendation
My pleasure Laura! It's definitely perfect for couples, with the spa and swimming pool too 🙂 I hope you get to visit yourself one day.
I'm in Toronto next week! I may have to stay here! Thanks for the detailed review.
Shaun
http://www.thislifeintrips.com
Great review, Lisa. Would you say this is a family-friendly hotel?
Absolutely Fabiola. Windsor Arms Hotel caters for all demographics, apart from the budget traveller if I have to be honest. The location's perfect, and kids would love the huge room sizes - plenty of space to run around!
I've never been to Toronto and it certainly is on my wishlist. The hotel looks lovely and I'm glad because I'm such a hotel person vs a hostel or airbnb. You're absolutely bang on about the staff, I always feel like service good or bad makes or breaks your experience.
So true Roxanne! Having friendly and attentive staff makes a huge difference, which is why I wanted to include them in my post on Windsor Arms Hotel. Many thanks for taking the time to read and comment 🙂
Great article, super well written.
Loved the part about the top tip and the history of the hotel.
I still travel as a backpacker, but the way you write and do your blog is very inspiring.
I mean it.
Good job!
Thanks Simone, I really appreciate your kind comments, and glad you enjoyed reading it. I'm always happy when other travellers ready my work. Thanks for taking the time to read and comment 🙂
This was a very beautiful review! Especially loved to read about the amazing Spa they have in the hotel, something guest can look forward to. Hope one day I manage to give Canada a visit and see beautiful Toronto and it's wonderful hotel 🙂
Thank you Kat, I hope so too! Trust me, you won't be disappointed with Windsor Arms Hotel, it's really top on the list of boutique hotels!
What a great review and so well-written. So specific, so descriptive and you covered every topic and area that I would want to know for a place I would be staying. I have never been to Canada, but my mothers partner is from there and they visit once a year. I am going to pass your link on to her! Thank you so much for sharing and I think you have helped me to add a new place to my travel bucket list for when the kiddies are a little older! 🙂
You're so welcome Nicole! Toronto was my first time travelling to Canada too, and I can't wait to see more! That would be wonderful of you to forward to your partner's mother, Windsor Arms Hotel is an excellent choice for staying in the city! Thanks for your comment, I always appreciate it.
Looks lovely. How long did you spend in Toronto? I'm yet to make it to Canada but I'm very excited for it one day.
Hi Kate, I only spent a few days there, but it's a very easy city to get around. Canadians and all the people I met were very friendly and always willing to help me when I got lost! Windsor Arms Hotel however, was definitely one of my highlights!
It looks lovely from the pictures. Especially the bed, oh so comfortable ! Good to know that the location is ideal as well, I'm bookmarking this for when I plan to travel to Toronto. Thanks for sharing!
The hotel is so beautiful. Very majestic. I love that it has a spa andnis in a great location. Makes me want to come and relax in Toronto!
It really is Natasha! The spa is truly the icing on the cake, especially with the salt cave. Hope you get to experience it for yourself one day.
The Windsor Arms looks like an ideal place to stay in to explore the charms of Toronto. Love the fact that the hotel is strategically located. The rooms too look elegantly comfortable and what one would look for to return to after exploring the city.
Thanks Sandy, it's really a wonderful place, and yes the suites look better than the photos! Thanks for commenting.
This place looks incredible! I've only visited Niagra Falls, and would love to see more of Toronto next time. In fact, I'd love to see more of Canada in general! The hotel gives off some lovely vibes and looks so cozy. Glad to hear you had a nice stay! I'll keep it in mind next time I'm in town 🙂
Thank you Laura, this was my first time in Canada too, and Windsor Arms definitely made my trip more memorable 🙂 Glad you enjoyed it!
I love a good city hotel - especially if it's conveniently located! The bed looks like you'd never want to get out of it again though - would be my biggest problem 😀 I was in Toronto last year and actually stumbled into Aroma Espresso Bar after my visit to the Bata Shoe Museum! Didn't know about the hotel though - need to come back!
Hi Kathi, the hotel's in such a busy, yet quiet area! Yes, the bed was heavenly, was very difficult to get up in the morning! I hope you make it to Windsor Arms on your next trip to Toronto! Thanks for your comment.