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Four Seasons Hotel
Category: Event Planning & Services Hotels Hotels & Travel Hotels Hotels
21 Avenue RdToronto, ON M5R 2G1
Neighbourhood: Yorkville
(416) 964-0411
- Price Range:
-
$$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Dogs Allowed:
- Yes
17 reviews for Four Seasons Hotel
17 reviews in English
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Review from John I.
Toronto, ON
6/21/2011
Attended business meetings at the Four Seasons Hotel and was quite impressed. Rooms were clean and well appointed. Food service was superb. Lunches were healthy and had good flavor. Snacks were plentiful and coffee was delicious. Service was solid overall. Conference rooms were reasonable, but I would not recommend circle tables in the main conference rooms. Also, there are conference rooms on the 3rd floor that have irregular shapes and are not conducive to large gatherings.
Overall, its a good place to hold an event. Although, I understand major construction is likely to occur over the next several months so please check status with management.
Good luck and enjoy! -
Review from Anabel L.
Toronto, ON
8/31/2011
The Four Seasons' afternoon tea service started out great. It's barely ($3) cheaper than Windsor at $35 for full tea. Their atrium-esque lobby bar is comfortable and leisurely. I enjoyed their sandwiches, especially the mushroom one, but in the end, all three tiers were lacking.
Smoked Salmon - Ham & Cheese - Mushroom - Chicken
Buttery - Okay - Good - Dry
Ella and I felt it was just okay. Nothing was terrible, but nothing stood out. I would like to give the Four Seasons a high five for the lemon curd - it was delicious and I haven't seen anyone else offer it.
The fact that I have smuggled scones out of the Windsor Arms makes it the best (still, and so far). If I resort to taking something home with me (their scones are also served at their weekend buffet brunch), well, that says A LOT. Windsor Arms is still number one; Four Seasons is runner-up...for now. The King Edward is next.
All in all it was an elegant afternoon. Ella and I sipped our tea and caught up. It's not the amount of time you spend with someone, it's what you do with it when you do. Ain't that right bella? -
Review from Shafiq H.
1/28/2012
Was pretty excited about staying at supposedly, one of the best hotels in Toronto within fashionable Yorkville.
Was invited to a wedding so decided to have some fun by getting a suite for 4 days and staying somewhere a little more upmarket. The Intercontinental in Toronto is almost opposite the Four Seasons and a looks like a newer property - but decide to 'live it up' and go with the Four Seasons Brand for a change. Have stayed at other Four Seasons and liked the service.
Booked one of the suites. The room was nothing special - definitely no WOW moment. Room a little smelly, old wearing carpet but the bed was nice and the two marble bathrooms were sort of OK. Hated the showers - drain kept blocking and the flimsy shower curtains make it difficult to prevent the water from spraying out. .
The entrance to the room had an awful smell of tobacco. They had put an extractor fan unit just outside so obviously someone must have complained in the past.
The irritating stuff was:
* Contacting the reception - this is a Four Seasons and nobody would pick up when you called the reception. Kept getting transferred to the operator and they would put me back onto reception and the loop continued. In the end I took the lift and went down to speak to them. Three of them standing doing nothing - so not sure why they were not answering the phone. They couldn't give me a reason why calls were not being answered.
* Staying in a suite but Internet was still extra - can't remember exactly but it was pretty pricey.
* Room Service was slow (again waiting on the phone for ages). Getting them to come back and take the trolley away was even more of challenge. In the end got fed-up and dragged the trolley outside the door so we could sleep.
* Very sloppy service even in the bar where drinks were 3 times the normal price
Thought of writing to them as would definitely not stay at this hotel again. Filled the Customer Service Survey and was pleasantly surprised when we got the email below - and the follow-up mail also below.
================
Dear Mr. Hamid,
Thank you for taking the time to complete a guest satisfaction survey following your recent stay. Please accept my sincerest apologies for your disappointment.
I would like to arrange a time to speak with you next week at your convenience. Please do let me know when would be the best day and time to call.
I look very forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Meredith Macfarlane
Hotel Manager, Four Seasons Hotel Toronto
Address: 21 Avenue Road, Toronto,
Ontario M5R 2G1, Canada
======================================
Dear Mr. Hamid,
Thank you again for taking the time to speak with me regarding the service shortfalls experienced on your visit with us earlier this month. We truly do pride ourselves on providing exceptional service and I apologize that this was not evident in our delivery.
In an effort to restore your faith in Four Seasons Hotel Toronto, I hope you will accept our invitation for a complimentary night stay in one of our Tower One Bedroom suites. This offer is inclusive of room and taxes, subject to availability, non-transferable and valid only at this property until December 30, 2011. We are capable of much better and I am confident if given another opportunity to welcome you back, your experience would be very positive.
Please contact Yolanne Yuen, Executive Assistant at 416-928-7313 or yolanne.yuen@fourseaso... and she will personally take care of the necessary arrangements.
Again Mr. Hamid, thank you for your feedback as well as your patronage.
Kind Regards,
Meredith Macfarlane
Hotel Manager, Four Seasons Toronto
==============================
Wrote back to them with the following:
========================================
Dear Ms. Macfarlane
You may pride yourself on providing exceptional service at the Four Seasons but personally, I would very much like to forget my 4 nights at your hotel. I only visit Toronto once or twice in a year and it's never for more than a week at a time. The problems I encountered were very basic and something one would have expect even from a 'non-luxury' hotel. Not sure I would like to risk another stay anticipating your services to have improved/changed in a few months.
Best Regards
S. Hamid
===========================================
Never heard back from them after my above email. Not even to say sorry you don't wish to accept our 1 Night free offer - Nothing!
Why would I stay in the hotel where I had a terrible time? The above shows that they have a 'process' to deal with customer service - but that is not the same as actually caring for 'Service' - they feel they did their stuff ... I wasn't happy and that's my problem. This strategy of customer service comes and bites you in the butt one day. Truly engaging with intimacy is what they need to do with their customers - not send a couple of emails and forget about it. -
Review from Chad C.
10/17/2011
Simply not up to Four Seasons standard. Dated and in need of renovation in some major areas.
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Review from Taylor O.
1/13/2011
The doily filled rooms would make a grandma proud but I'm not grandma and I wouldn't want this style even in London. I assume when this is torn down the new Four Seasons will be trying to reach a new generation.
The staff is great, even late night, which is a true rarity. Truly trained and pays careful attention to everything. The Yorkville location is nice in some ways, at least for strolling around a bit. Breakfast is packed, way overdressed and literally every single time I tried it, my order was messed up.
Picture a Ferrari, Bentley and Audi R8 parked in one direction with me flying through the wrong direction in a recalled rental Toyota Corolla, toss the keys to the doorman while I mute his protests. You can't turn in from Avenue... because that would be too easy. Confusing back entrance probably more convenient for limo drivers. Morning valet is pointless at a fully business hotel, I could've walked to Eaton Center by the time the car shows up and there isn't enough space.
I'd go back when I need my shoes shined for free. Hang them on the door in the special bag at night and wake to a perfectly cleaned and shined pair. I, however, was consulting for a factory at the time, so my Doc Martens were pristine! -
Review from Ayelet B.
11/2/2010 17 Check-ins Here
This is one of my favourite hotels in Toronto because it's a reliable, gorgeous and very comfortable. I got there early and they had my room available, which was great. I had the trainee and he was good. Yes, they have wireless and it's expensive but at least, they have it and I bought the 5-day plan. Since I had a lot of work to do, it worked out great.
They also have a car service to the financial district in the morning. You just need to book it ahead of time.
The beds are super comfortable and it's just an overall great experience. I hope it will be available next time I am in Toronto. -
Review from Vince A.
7/22/2011
Very good a la carte breakfast at the Studio Cafe. The food is very good and the service is of course everything you would expect. The coffee and lemon ricotta hotcakes were couldn't have been better, unless the hotcakes were soufflé ;-) Beware, the average age of diners here is 80+, jk, but honestly, I would consider it an old crowd.
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Review from Victoria M.
Toronto, ON
3/17/2009
I've stayed at the Four Seasons many times, not just in Toronto but other cities as well. I must say that the Four Seasons Toronto is great considering how long it's been around for. The exterior doesn't look all that great but like people say don't judge a book by its cover.
FOOD: If you're looking for a great place to do lunch I'd suggest either of these restaurants... order their burger you won't be disappointed. If you're looking for a fancier dinner you'll be heading up to Truffles. The menu is great and if I has to make a suggestion it would be the veal or the spaggatini (spelling is wrong i know!). Truffles offers a New Years and Mother's Day brunch which is amazing! You need to make reservations in advance to make sure you'll be able to get in. Sunday morning brunch on the main floor at The Avenue is also a must. They have an array of food and some great desserts.
MAINTENANCE: Over the past few years the suites have been redone, and it was defiantly needed. They also gave the main entrance a face lift in the past 3-5 years.
SERVICE: I have always found their service to be wonderful. The staff is very accommodating and pleasant. Mind you I've come across some servers and hosts that needed an attitude adjustment- they're no longer working there though.
PARKING: If you don't want to spend too much money on parking and you are just going for a meal then I suggest you park at the Green P Parking next door to the hotel... the entrance for the parking is on Cumberland and on Yorkville so you can access it from either street. The reason I say this is because they no longer validate your parking and I know parking can get pricey. For parking at the hotel for 3-4 hours on Sunday for brunch it will cost you $28 but if you park at the Green P it'll only cost you $8.
FYI: I would also suggest not to go here during the Film Festival or any big events in the city like that because it's full of people who just want to see and be seen.
Lastly, keep in mind they're also building another Four Seasons Hotel and Residence at Yorkville and Bay so they won't be doing any major renovations anytime soon, unless it's completely necessary... so probably not likely.. -
Review from kai s.
Toronto, ON
11/15/2008
Reader Warning: This review is not for the hotel itself, but for its wonderful washroom facility.
For most urban rats, having a mental list of public washrooms in different hoods that are clean, convenient and comfortable is a must. When you're in Yorkville, the Four Seasons Hotel is your best bet. You enter by the hotel's side entrance--avoiding the judgmental doormen--on Avenue Road, just north of Bloor. Upon entry, you make a quick right up the escalators. There you will be greeted by a beautiful grand washroom with fully enclosed private toilets, hand towels and toiletries. Bliss! -
Review from Tommy H.
1/11/2010
Not the best Four Seasons Hotel you will stay at but a great place to stay in Toronto. The rooms are a decent size, there is a small gym and pool with a hot tub. There isn't a spa though nor a place to get a massage. They have to call in outside help if you want to schedule something...
Restaurants and the bar are excellent EXCEPT the wine list sucks...but I found most of the restaurants in Toronto lacked good wine lists and those that did have them had HUGE mark ups... -
Review from Lan T.
Toronto, ON
8/16/2009
I just had afternoon tea at the Four Seasons with my girlfriend and seven month old daughter. Now that the baby is more civilized, we are able to enjoy such events as afternoon tea. The staff were hospitable and a warm gentleman who worked there came by to greet the baby and made her smile.
It's my first time having afternoon tea and I thoroughly enoyed it. Unlike other establishments, they don't charge a fee for sharing. It always irks me when restaurants have these types of policies. However, I am such a big eater I opted to get my own and ate some of my friend's food. Maybe because it was a hot day, they threw in a cool refreshing fruit beverage. A fun way to spend the afternoon. -
Review from Matthew S.
Toronto, ON
1/28/2010 6 photos
I'm not usually in the habit of staying in upscale hotels, especially when they're about 10 minutes from my house. But, when my company held an all-expense-paid event at the Four Seasons, which included a night's stay for me and my partner in crime, I wasn't about to pass up the opportunity.
Apart from a couple minor complaints, which I'll list below, our experience at the Four Seasons was awesome. Everything from the staff to the room to the food was great. I give the experience 4.5 stars and I'll round it down to 4 stars to account for the fact that I may be being less critical since I didn't pay for anything.
Service: Flawless. More than anything else I was surprised by how great the staff were. Very efficient, yet friendly and courteous. Checking in was a breeze, the wait staff were attentive, and there always seemed to be someone to open a door or answer a question.
Room: We stayed in a basic king bed room that had fairly recently been renovated or redecorated. It was classically decorated, which I liked, and a good size. We had a great view of downtown Toronto.
Bed: Crazy comfortable, soft sheets, fluffy pillows, warm duvet. And, king size is so much better than the queen that I'm used to.
Bathroom: Could have been a little better. The bathroom was a bit on the small side and had a boring tub. I was hoping for a deluxe model with whirlpool jets and such.
Freebies: The obligatory free toiletries were actually excellent. Everything was from L'Occitane and super nice. We were given a free Globe and Mail in the morning and a free disposable bathing suit (see Pro Tips below).
Non-Freebies: Points off for not having free wireless though wired internet is provided for free. Also, and this is a huge pet peeve of mine at nice hotels, two large bottles of Evian were provided with a lovely little sign that read: "A nine dollar change will be applied to your account". I find this ridiculous in a room that costs almost $200 a night.
Pool: The pool was one of the highlights for us. It's half indoor and half outdoor and the outdoor part is open year round. There's nothing like going for a swim outside in -10 degree weather. The pool's warm enough that you won't even feel the cold. Fun game: jump out of the pool and see who can withstand the freezing air the longest. Also available in the same area were a huge whirlpool hot tub, a small gym area, saunas (guys and girls are separate), and refreshments (water, juice, and apples).
Food: I had dinner in the ballroom and breakfast at the Windows restaurant on the top floor. Both were company events but food was provided by the hotel and was amazing. The risotto turned out to be the best I've ever had. And, that's saying something since it was the dreaded "vegetarian option" and they were catering a huge event.
I'm not the type to drop a couple hundred on a hotel room but for those that are I'd recommend checking this place out.
Pro Tips:
1. My partner in crime forgot her bathing suit and was bummed she wasn't going to get a chance to enjoy the whirlpool and outdoor pool. The hotel came to the rescue with a disposable bathing suit. You're not going to get onto the cover of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition with one of these but they're not as sketchy as they sound. Best of all, they didn't even charge for it.
2. It's been a few years since I escaped grad school but I'm still a sucker for free food. The 3rd floor of the Four Seasons houses the conference rooms and it's worth exploring this area to see what treats you can glean from the food tables. -
Review from H S.
6/19/2010
I won't overly-repeat what others have said: yes the rooms are a bit smaller and the green carpeting shows its age, and yes the bathrooms are not going to have you itching to spend extra time in.....BUT: It is truly a Four Seasons - outstanding.
We arrived and left at busy times with a very large group, yet never had to wait for a thing (check-in, bell hop). We'd notified them our 13 year old son was with us and he found a box of popcorn and a strawberry-lemonade soda waiting for him in the room - and felt 10 feel tall when the bellman addressed him by name.
One night we dined as a large group and my son whispered that he wasn't thrilled with the menu ...the waiter must have intuitively sensed this as he subtly whispered that he could bring him chicken nuggets and fries - which were outstanding according to our son.
Our room faced Avenue Street, and the windows didn't drown out the sounds of the cars at night despite our being 24 floors up. Of course, in Yorktown the "cars" we heard were the distinct vroom of the Lambourghini and Ferrari's from the nightlife folks on Yorkville. It is truly a fantastic central location for all things Toronto - from shopping on Bloor to the nightlife on Cumberland and Yorkville Ave.
Oh - we neglected to pack our own shampoo/conditioner and requested an extra set from the desk - they had 3 complete extra sets sent up (of everything) in less than 10 minutes ...and we were only staying two nights. Ask, and it's yours -- it's the Four Seasons. -
Review from Kimberley K.
10/14/2009
I have never been disappointed with the Four Seasons brand until I booked a night at the Four Seasons Hotel in Toronto. I wanted to pamper myself to a spa day followed by a relaxing stay in one of their suites. I lived in the neighborhood, but a girl needs a little pampering sometimes.
I checked in around 4pm and went up to my room to order room service while I showered and got ready for my spa treatment. The food, overpriced and bland, arrived a bit too late and I had to basically swallow it whole in order to get down to the spa in time.
When I arrived for my appointment, I met with my masseuse who then guided me out of the spa area and into the elevators. We went up one floor and he took me to a guest room where the furniture had been replaced by massage tables. Are you kidding me? They don't have a designated area in their spa for massage services? Ridiculous.
He told me that he was going to step into the restroom while I got undressed and to holler when I was ready for him to come out. What the fudge is that? The massage was good but I could never get into serenity mode.
I returned back to my room, did some reading and when I was getting ready to turn the lights out all I heard was banging from upstairs. Kids running around and screaming and babies crying. I called down to the front desk and they said they would take care of it. Which they didn't. Another call down to the front desk led them to moving me to another room.
For anybody that is thinking about staying here, opt for the Hazelton or the Hyatt across the street where they have a spa with good reviews. -
Review from Krystin I.
8/24/2010
So dated! Couldn't believe I was at Four Seasons compared to their other properties. Do they think that if they leave classical music playing in your room that you'll look past the old carpets, the flat screens from 1995, and the overall dinginess? Yes, the location is great, but you could probably find better rooms, tvs, and linens at a Hamptons Inn. Very disappointing.
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Review from Kim L.
7/7/2010
I was here for my sister's wedding a few years back. Location-wise, it is perfect; nearby high-end shopping boutiques like CHANEL, Louis Vuitton, Dior, etc. The hotel rooms were a bit small, and the lobby was small as well. However, the view of the city and luxury of space & decor; it's ideal for the Toronto city mood. The banquet hall was absolutely fabulous! My sister's wedding there was a success and the guests absolutely loved it! The whole tux-gown feel sets the fabulous experience overall. We booked many of our close relatives their rooms there for the weekend, and they too enjoyed the experience and the service.
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Review from Alden H.
8/12/2008
I have to admit, I was a bit disappointed with the quality of the rooms at this property. I have found that their properties in general are fantastic. Rooms , service, facilities, etc are all excellent at most properties. Service , food, and facilities were all excellent at this property, but the rooms a re a bit old. Its a good hotel in Toronto, but its substandard as far as the Four Seasons name goes.
