Murray On Travel

The Drake Hotel in Toronto is more than a hotel for travelers it is a cornerstone of local neighborhood activity.  This fun, lively and contemporary property lets you know right up front that it is something different.  While doing this review The Drake made me feel right at home...??? Sort of...kinda...the cute stuffed teddy bear like figure I found waiting for me on my bed was dressed in black leather & silver chains!

Found in the Toronto's Queen Street West district The Drake is surrounded by a variety of shops galleries, eateries and nightlife.  For more info on area arts events click here.  This is in addition to the excellent cafe, lively lounge and other public spaces located on the hotel's first floor & basement.

The funky lobby is located just steps from the sidewalk.  Reservations were quickly accessed and my room was ready and waiting.  The lobby is pretty busy with a steady stream of traffic moving between the cafe, lounge and downstairs. 

With all this public activity it was nice to see the guest rooms were separated from public spaces with a security door. The second floor houses "Crash Pad" rooms, upstairs you can find dens, salons and a suite.

Even with its rough, classic hotel feel, comfortable and likable features are found around every corner.  My room was "Two-Oh-Four" AKA room 204.

This room was as advertised: a small efficient room.  Each is decorated with their own unique furnishings.  But with so little furniture I suspect they are all very similar.  The bed was comfortable and the linens nice.  No mini-bar but plenty of drinks and snacks are available..

A small but comfortable desk area is provided.  It didn't have much street noise, at least after I noticed the window wasn't full closed.  Handles were in locked position, but it was open just enough to let the street noise below sneak in.

A sheer curtain separates the spacious step up shower/sink area with a toilet room behind a door to the right.  Sufficient towels were provided as were plenty of amenities.   Click for more Toronto hotels covered in this 7 Hotels In 7 Days feature.

I would prefer a bathroom with a little more separation from the bed, but since this is advertised as a "cozy" and "smallish" Crash Pad it is understandable.  More can be found regarding the various room sizes on The Drake Hotel's website.

The hotel doesn't have much of a lobby for guests except for the area above.  A comfortable spot at the rear of the lobby that is shared with a funky old photo booth machine.

On one side of the lobby is a Drake Cafe where I had a delicious meal. On the other side was a bar that was filling up fast.  Front desk mentioned that it was trivia night in the bar and that regulars take their trivia very seriously. 

This is an artsy and lively neighborhood and The Drake Hotel is a big part of that neighborhood vibe.  The rooms are unique and full of character.  It may not be centrally located in Downtown Toronto but it almost a destination in itself.