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Gladstone Hotel
Categories: Event Planning & Services Hotels Hotels & Travel Hotels Nightlife Bars Lounges Hotels, Lounges
1214 Queen Street WestToronto, ON M6J 1J6
Neighbourhoods: West Queen West, Beaconsfield Village
(416) 531-4635
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Music:
- DJ, Live
- Best Nights:
- Fri, Sat
- Happy Hour:
- Yes
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- No
- Coat Check:
- Yes
- Noise Level:
- Quiet
- Good For Dancing:
- No
- Ambience:
- Trendy
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
54 reviews for Gladstone Hotel
Review Highlights
"Melody bar at Gladstone hotel is a great time."
(in 13 reviews)
"Also, it was HOT in the ballroom."
(in 10 reviews)
"Not as trendy as the Drake, in a very good way."
(in 10 reviews)
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54 reviews in English
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Review from Jeruen D.
2/5/2012
We were here for brunch last weekend, as our usual brunch spot was still closed while we were already hungry on a Sunday morning. We had the huevos rancheros and French toast, and I added some jasmine tea. That turned out to be a delightful meal.
The thing I like is that the menu items look like any menu item from a stereotypical greasy diner. Except that the food in reality is way way far off that. Way better, in fact.
The tea, oh, the tea. I fell in love with the tea. It's not your generic tea in a bag that comes in individual sachets. It's tea in a translucent bag that is tied around a wooden stick and hanging on top of your mug. Talk about awesome presentation.
The meals were quite amazing too. I was glad that there was the choice to be traditional and get it with fries (or was it potatoes?), or hippie/healthy/[insert adjective here] and get it with a house salad, which was what I did. It looked quite fresh. And yes, fruit comes with the platter as well.
Overall, it is a nice subdued place to have brunch. It's a little on the pricey side, but I think it was well worth every dollar. -
Review from Jennifer L.
Toronto, ON
1/23/2012
Went to the Gladstone for the first time for brunch this past weekend. I had heard good things about the place and have been there for dinner and many other event but just not brunch.
Overall, the food was pretty tasty - I had the eggs benny (as usual) but for some reason the Melody Bar was packed and it slowed down the kitchen dramatically. It took them an hour to get us our food, and I was starving.
The servers were really friendly but that still didn't make up for the incredibly slow service. Not sure if I will try it again as there are many others places in the area to try.
Prices were generally average and lattes were good. -
Review from Coy W.
12/4/2011
I came by for brunch and ordered a typical greasy breakfast that came with eggs, peameal bacon and some gluten free bread.
The breakfast was alright but I had never tried gluten free bread and I don't think I'll be trying it again anytime soon! That thing is heavy!!!
Everything came as expected and filled me up good. I tried my brothers huevos rancheros and it was ok. Definitely not one of the worse ones I've tried in Canada but far from an excellent one.
The Gladstone itself is pretty bad ass though. I love the way it looks and hope to come back for an event or show in the near future. -
Review from Risa D.
11/2/2011
I have to say, I loved my stay at the Gladstone Hotel. My workmate was in a room directly over the performance venue in the hotel and the 30 piece afro-cuban orchestra, while awesome, did not make sleep easy for her, but I slept like a baby. I wandered around enjoying all the art on display. I slept in the Skygazer Room created by artists Celeste Toogood and Christopher Martin which is a dense white on white sculpture full of hidden secrets winks and hellos - incredibly peaceful and kind on the eyes, cozy and beautiful and zen.
The front desk service is funny, cool but not cooler than thou, and incredibly helpful, including changing all my linens at 1 o'clock in the morning when I got back to the hotel and realized I was allergic to everything. Super fun location, especially during the film fests, a little chichi but it's a two minute walk to more kinds of fun on Ossington and, if you're in the right room, a lovely little respite from the noise.Listed in: Just Like in the Movies, Hotels
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Review from Yvonne T.
10/5/2011
I have been privileged throughout my work to be able to stay at many nice hotels in the downtown area. And being an EA, I naturally book and get to select my own.
I stumbled across the Gladstone with its uniquely designed rooms, each designed by a different artist in this hipster-trendy hotel. I was put up in the Trading Post Room which loosely resembles a hunting lodge of sorts with its wooden-framed bed and fur carpets/throws. I especially loved the exposed brick walls.
The sheets and bed were so comfortable that you just want to stay in bed all day, but alas, I would arise in the morning for work. Unfortunately I didn't get a chance to visit any of their dining facilities so I cannot comment on that.
Their reservation system is a little bit wonky as I had made a reservation online and they didn't seem to have a paper copy of it. (All reservations are kept in separate envelopes and printed out on paper - old school or wasteful?)
It is a low-rise hotel but the elevator is old-school. Think Titanic where you had a gate and then an elevator operator. I thought it was pretty neat, but if you don't have much luggage I would opt for the stairs.
One major con about the hotel room I was in was how loud the radiator was. They actually provided a set of ear plugs in the hotel room. No doubt it is because the hotel is housed in an old building of some sort that they converted into a hotel. Some call it rustic, I like to call it a dire need for an HVAC upgrade.
Another con is that there is not a whole lot to do in the immediate surrounding area as it is out of the hustle and bustle of central downtown activity.Listed in: 30 Day Yelp Challenge
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Review from Ruth N.
11/19/2011
It is a rare pleasure to be so surrounded by beauty, history, excellent service, and art. I'm sure many reviews will summarize how unique the vibe is here, and that alone would be enough reason to stay. I'm going to focus on my incredibly positive experiences with the staff at the Gladstone, at which I stayed while presenting at a smaller conference for sex-positive professionals that also included evening social activities that were hosted at the Gladstone.
I'm often a budget traveler, not always out of necessity but rather because the nicer places tend to range from pretentious to downright snooty while nickle-and-diming every service. Furthermore, the sleek commercial art/design of those places tends to make me feel like a lonely traveler, because it is slick and pretty but not comfortable (at least, not for me). The Gladstone was a bargain at its mid-range price and I wished I could make a much longer business trip of it. Beautiful, with unique personality, wonderful people (both patrons and staff) and rooms that had real personality. As much as I love the hostel I used to stay at in Toronto, this will be my new go-to place when I visit.
I have presented at many different hotels with meeting rooms all over the USA and south-eastern Canada in events from a few hundred to several thousand in size. As a professional who often speaks to groups, especially on taboo topics related to sexual well-being (even though I'm an academic-type), I frequently feel like we are the host space's secret shame and they wouldn't have taken our group if the economy weren't so tight. I have never been a part of a group that was so welcomed and tended to prior to my stay with The Gladstone. Thank you, Gladstone, for making a point of supporting independent thought and community building with all you do.
Nobody was not great, frankly, if you'll pardon the double-negative. I appreciate this especially because my travel buddy and I frequently needed extra assistance. Between the two of us we covered a few special needs kinda groups: vegetarian, gluten-free, new to the trolly system, and visually dissabled. I never once got the feeling that it annoyed folks to help us. I didn't get to exchange currency to tip anyone until a day or two into our trip, but folks were just as sweet to us before I got Canadian currency after, which was also deeply appreciated. The staff were absolutely amazing every moment of our stay. It would be understandable if a host and attached restaurants left us more or less to our own devices, but that was never the case here. We were welcomed from start to finish and well attended to for our entire stay, including the many meals we ate here. We had breakfast there every morning, a few lunches and a couple of dinners. Most of the rest of our meals were eaten within easy walking distance at various establishments right in the area. All were delicious and delightful!
Oh, and in response to a fellow poster who gave the Gladstone a low rating, I just wanted to note that my experience with my room and toiletries was very positive. The boutique quality toiletries really fit the bill for me, and there was plenty of soap, shampoo, and other things in our bathroom. -
Review from jerrit t.
Toronto, ON
7/18/2011
I'm reviewing this for the ballroom. I attended a concert there, Uma Nota. The people at the door were professional, and the bartender was patient in explaining to me that there is a $50 minimum for credit card transactions at the bar. Not a big fan of that, but at least she took the time to explain, including that you cannot close the tab from 1am-2am. What?!
Also, it was HOT in the ballroom. Don't get me wrong, I like a sweaty place to dance as much as the next dude, but this was ungodly HOT. I'd go back, but would 1. bring cash, 2. wear less clothes. -
Review from A.J. S.
6/5/2011 1 Check-in Here
The Gladstone Hotel is the oldest continuously operating hotel in Toronto. It was originally built in 1889 as a stylish hostelry across from the then existing Parkdale railroad station which serviced the Grand Trunk, the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR), and the Canadian National Railway (CNR) companies. In addition to serving the three major railway companies at the time it provided visitors attending the Canadian National Exhibit (CNE) to have a place to stay. (wiki)
The hotel is still has pretty interesting architecture, and the furniture is stylish as ever. The rooms appeared to be good, and the bar was fairly decent. I was here at the time of an Art show, it was a pretty interesting venue for it. I understand they also have karaoke here, and other events. The bar appeared decent too, and the location was good. -
Review from Vivek S.
5/7/2011 6 Check-ins Here
The Gladstone is wild. There are any number of fun avenues to traverse in this hep and modern community hub and hotel. There's the Melody Bar which serves as a sinister spot for meetups, tweetups and other shindigs. Cover is usually free, and there are a wide swath of events from live music to arty gatherings to their well-known Karaoke nights.
Then there's the café, which is a full service restaurant during the week, and I believe attaches to the ballroom during weekends. All the food is locally sourced and pretty damned tasty. I've grabbed lunch a few times, and I would recommend the cubano: a pressed roast pork sandwich, with bacon and mustard. Mikey (i.e., me) likes it.
I've also visited for a few community events which are often hosted in the spacious ballroom or the gallery upstairs. The over 100-year-old venue makes it a charming spot for such soirées. Be sure to take the stairs as the elevator is slower than molasses in January during a coldspell under the guidance of a well-meaning turtle.
Then there's the hotel, where I've never stayed and as a native Torontonian probably never will. That said, there is much to see and do at the Gladstone. An amazing spot.
Obligatory Title Pun: Let he who is GLAD cast the first STONE.
Menu Readability: Art design at this place is definitely a forte.
Need to mention: This place is pretty much the catalyst for the redevelopment of West Queen West. Respect.
What this place teaches me about myself: Yeah, sometimes I go by Mikey. Other aliases: Laslo Kovacs, Buster H., Dr. Nguyen Van Phuoc, et. al.Listed in: Queen Street Address
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Review from Brandon D.
Toronto, ON
11/7/2011 2 Check-ins Here
This is where my lady and I come to have brunch when we want to deal with as little wait as possible. Never had to wait (been here with 4 people) and the food and service is pretty solid. Great huevos rancheros (although a far cry from the real deal). I would recommend if you're in the area and need a place for a morning in peace.
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Review from Cliff P.
Toronto, ON
11/3/2011 1 Check-in Here
Nice service not great breakfast. Fruit not good. Bread not great. Eggs ok. Beans decent.
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Review from RACHEL K.
5/10/2011
After staying at the Drake and loving it, I decided to stay here to change it up and because I am more of a "hipster" that a yuppie. However it was the worst hotel for the money I have ever stayed at.
#1 The toiletries SUCK! A bar of soap, really? NO shampoo! And the stall was so small that at 5'1 and 100 lbs I could barely fit, much less shave.
#2 Moths in my room. No idea how they got there.
#3 Wine in the room tasted like a dog's foot. Or what I imagine it to taste like.
#4 The man who was working the overnight shift on the 4th rolled his eyes at me as I brought a guy home. It happen to be a guy I have been friends with for 12 years, but that is besides the point. It's 2011 and I don't think it's appropriate to act like that towards guests.
I come to Toronto often and usually stay at the Drake but I decided to change it up. I was very disappointed. -
Review from Saumaya S.
5/1/2011
Went here after going to the Sky Yard at the Drake hotel (see their review too) and being treated like scum. Had the most delicious portobello burger at the most reasonable price. My friend even got both FRIES and SALAD as a side. Wicked service too!!!
Definitely coming back again sometime. -
Review from Janet S.
Toronto, ON
6/11/2011 1 Check-in Here
I visited the restaurant for a concert with a large group of friends.
The food was fine, the drinks were fine, and the prices were fine.
The incident that really ruined it for me was that they refused to allow us to add chairs to our table. Two of us ended up sitting separately at the bar. The bartender was really great though, so I was somewhat satisfied, but the server who didn't let us add chairs to the table should have offered us some explanation and an alternative seating option. -
Review from Andrew G.
Toronto, ON
1/18/2011 3 Check-ins Here
"Go easy on the Gladstone Melody Bar," my conscience tells me. "Sure, they had no record of your reservation for a booth for six, but they did manage to squeeze you into a cruddy table for four - only TWO of your friends had to stand at any one time. Sure, they took over an hour between giving you the cheque, honouring their FourSquare discount and letting you get the heck out of there, but it was a busy night. Sure, there was that one time that you had the scrambled tofu brunch plate, but that... that was actually a good time."
The Melody Bar is a beautiful space, and most of the times that I've been there, it's been for the monthly Simpsons Trivia, which has become such a zoo that you really can't expect decent dinner service. It's still a good time though, but that's despite the Melody Bar staff, not at all because of them. Yes, it's a busy night, but the quality of a restaurant's staff is tested during busy nights, and they've disappointed too many times - it's not like they weren't expecting the rush. Having no record of my reservation, that makes me feel like a chump, a feeling I can do without.
The food itself is decent, but not exactly up to par with the price you pay for it. I go for the portabella burger, which comes filled with hot cheese that burns your face when they're in too much of a rush to tell you that it's filled with hot cheese that burns your face (twice). The poutine is more expensive and less delicious than Poutini's, just a short skip away.
My one good time here was a weekend brunch, when I got some scrambled tofu plate, I don't know, I don't even remember, I'm so upset about the other times. See how that works, Melody Bar?
Oh, I also went once during a Saturday karaoke night, but the place was so incredibly packed, I can't imagine putting my name on the list to get a song in. I've already got my karaoke places, thank you very much.
So, I don't know, conscience. Go easy on the Gladstone Melody Bar? I want to, man. I do. For you. But I gotta tell it like it is. That's me, through and through, to the bitter end, muchacho. -
Review from Laura C.
Toronto, ON
1/23/2011
Went to the Goin' Steady party last night at the Ballroom, and the only reason this isn't rated a is because I was told that we want to keep the awesomeness of this secret. hehe, so it's partially reviewed, but its for the good of the people.
The 1950s and 1960s dance party was pure genius. Some people come dressed to the theme, others are casual, but combined with the decor in the ballroom it was perfect.
The music was anywhere from the Twist, Rock and Roll, Soul, R&B, and it all brings you back to the time where boys and girls danced innocently and just had a clean fun time. Its also no wonder that the women of those days had such skinny waists! The twist takes a lot out of you!
I liked the bar here - they had a great choice of beers and two types of ciders. you can also get tea and coffee! They had a nice sitting area and a water corner for free tap water, genius!
I can't wait to come back here.
Oh and if you're bored in the Ballroom, check out the Melody Bar next door!Listed in: After Dark
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Review from Crystal H.
Vancouver, BC
11/25/2010 3 Check-ins Here
What makes me like the Gladstone and love The Drake even more? The fact that it was The Drake who suggested I stay at the Gladstone on my most recent Toronto trip. It was love at first *lift.* Certainly, there's no denying that the elevator is small - it's circa... old world. Once on the top floor (the 4th to be exact) I quietly tip toed my way through the hardwood floor entrance, past the musings of installers hanging up a new art installation (pink yarn everywhere!) and into my cosy, dimly lit (a la lets get it on) room.
The pink entrance walls greeted me. A shiny purple duvet beckoned me to the big bed and the in-house made bars of soaps, shampoos and moisturizers intrigued me to pack them up into my suitcase! The shower, while small, also has that rare faucet at the bottom to test the temperature, or in my case, relieve my aching tootsies. Luckily there's a pretty decent black out curtain to subdue the neon pink/red bars lighting up the night sky right outside the room I stayed in. Gladstone also provides earplugs, likely to reduce the buzzing cast off of said bars in the night.
While I didn't touch the honour bar, I did take advantage of their "Want some Joe" program. A door hanger sits in the middle of your bed when you arrive. Just check off how you take your coffee and when you'd like it, and a sweet host will knock on your door in the morning. How could I not love this service!
A word to those not keen on stairs - there's a lot of them and the lift is slow. But as your twirl down the stairs you'll also run into some very interesting art work, the likes of which I wish I could have lingered over longer. Next time, Gladstone, next time! -
Review from August L.
11/21/2010
Great place to hold events!
VENUE
I was attending an event held in the "melody bar" I think (the room east of the lobby) and I can honestly say this place is great for events.
This room can fit 100+ people, the washrooms are clean and the atmosphere is cozy.
MIX-UP
Unfortunately, the venue accidentally double booked us and we were in the room with a smaller stage. The smaller stage is only big enough for a 4 piece band and minimal equipment.
Eventhough there was a mix-up, the staff still acted professional and tried their best to make the event run smoothly.
STAFF
The staff were very attentive, patient and quick. Excellent!
MY SHOE
There is a ramp area to walk to the back of the room. There must have been a hole or something b/c my heel got caught, I fell and part of my heel broke off.
Other than that, I would definitely suggest this place to hold events. -
Review from Mariko M.
10/17/2010
Came here tonight (Saturday) for a friend's birthday. Initially we were planning to go to the Drake, but the line was uber long and my pumps were killing me so we decided to check out the Gladstone.
I was impressed! This is a bar you should check out if you're between the ages of 25 and 30.
No cover... always a plus! I ordered a gin and diet coke, which was $6; the drinks aren't insanely priced for Toronto, but it's also not cheap. Saturday nights have Torontonians congregating here to sing their hearts out at the Karaoke Night. Looking at everyone's faces, all patrons looked like they were genuinely having a great time.
I will be back !! -
Review from Francis R.
Toronto, ON
5/19/2011
The cafe room in the hotel is a great space with high ceilings and is typically never oppressively busy. It's a great place for sunday brunch- laid back atmosphere and the food is good. The fact that you don't have to line up is great along with all the sunday papers they have incuding the New York Times.
Better than a lot of other establishments along Queen West IMHO. -
Review from Derek L.
Oakville, ON
11/24/2010
This review is based soley on the Melody bar, not the hotel.
Melody bar at Gladstone hotel is a great time! I've been here a few times for Karaoke, and its always fun. Its a small place, with Karaoke at the front, and tables, and pool table at the back.
It looks like a dive, but that's also part of the appeal. They serve liquor here and getting boozed up is a must. Come here if you enjoy drinks and karaoke, and singing along with the crowd. Highly recommended for fri/sat night karaoke -
Review from Melinda M.
Toronto, ON
8/9/2011
I am a huge fan of the Gladstone. The Melody Bar hosts wonderful free concerts in the evening, and the karaoke is a laugh riot! The food in the restaurant is incredible and seasonal. I have been to many shows in the back room - NXNE, comedy, you name it. The Gladstone offers tons of free and reasonably priced entertainment most nights, and serves an eclectic crowd. Not as trendy as the Drake, in a very good way.
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Review from vivian v.
Aurora, ON
4/27/2011 1 Check-in Here
it's a cute little bar, but most bars in toronto are cute enough. there isn't anything extravagant about it. i've been there for karaoke a few times and more recently for a "tweetup" so i guess they cater to a bunch of different types of events which is pretty nice.
it's nice to actually go to the bar and get acknowledged unlike most places where they just ignore you for the fact that they are too busy chatting with their friends and you don't look cool enough. coughdrakecough. i'm not holding any grudges.
i'm sure the hotel is just as snazzy from what i've heard, the front entrance was nice enough, but living so close to the city and in the city just recently, i've never had to test it out. but i'd refer you to miriam's review for the hotel stuff. -
Review from Miriam W.
4/25/2009
It's rather impossible to stay at the Gladstone and not compare it to the Drake. I love the Gladstone's common areas, their beautiful hand-cranked elevator (the only one still in operation in Toronto), and the wide staircases that lead up to the guest rooms. However, based on rooms alone, the Drake handily wins out.
Here's why:
- The "European-style showers" at the Gladstone are too tiny. There's no way you can bend over in one without touching the walls (and I'm not exactly a giant.)
- No iPod docking stations in the rooms at the Gladstone. One of the things I love most about checking into the Drake is entering my room and immediately filling it with music. My music.
- Odd bath products. I lived in the San Francisco Bay Area for nearly 10 years and these offerings - little slivers of nubby soap - were still a bit too crunchy granola. A little liquid shampoo would've gone a long way for me.
Everybody's got their something. Mine are music and showers and nice-smelling bath products. It makes me especially happy when I can have all three at the same time
At the current exchange rate, a standard room at the Gladstone is under $150 USD. Given the hotel's unique charms, free wifi and super soft linens this is a steal. -
Review from Kat F.
The Gladstone Hotel is divided into three funhouses - one is the hotel itself, which few Toronto natives will really know about, another is the ballroom café to the left of the lobby, which serves brunch, lunch and dinner and then hosts DJ nights, afterparties and many years ago, the Fake Prom. The third part, the "Melody Bar", is to the right of the lobby and it's the tavern area that people may also know as the home of weeknight karaoke but during the day is frequented with old pals, business people and other random locals.
As I sit here in the tavern munching on my sandwich, I'm enjoying reliable, open wifi (no password required - it just works!), peoplewatching and listening to Christmas carols (no joke - Frosty The Snowman played first and Silent Night followed shortly afterward). What more could you ask for from a work spot, really?
The menu is wonderfully inventive - there's a "fry bar" that includes over a dozen fry toppings and eight sauces, duck samosas, deep-fried brie cheese, a ploughman's sandwich, pulled Berkshire pork and a veggie burger that's reputed to be one of the best in the city.
I ordered the grilled cheese with cheddar, Jarlsberg and warm sliced apples on Ace's raisin walnut bread, and it was served with a small green salad and tomatoes plus paprika spiced fries.
That's called gettin' 'er done in West Queen West!Listed in: Reliable Wi-Fi In Toronto, Grill 'Em! Toronto's Best…
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Review from Samantha F.
York, ON
4/3/2009 ROTD 5/8/2009
I don't go to the Gladdy for karaoke, or Friday or Saturday night fun. Instead I host some work events there, or go after work for drinks and dinner. I adore this place. aDORE!
The Gladstone Café is one of my fave places to eat in the whole city. I love the décor, love the staff, always feel well taken care of and happy. The main ballroom is great for our corporate events, and equally great for other fun shows like the Burlesque comedy show I checked out a few months ago. The other side, where karaoke is held, is a little more divey, but the menu is still superb, with an awesome staff. Neither myself nor my friends have ever eaten anything here that wasn't completely delicious. AND they serve a ploughman's meal like I remember from the Old Country, complete with Branston pickle!
Ooh, I love the washrooms too.
Some friends of mine from out of town recently took my advice and stayed in two of the artist-designed rooms, and had a blast. I checked out one of their rooms and it was beautiful. There's such a retro kitsch feel to this place, that you can't help but feel good. Plus the manual operated elevator is super fun.
Sure it gets full of hipsters on the weekend, but what place doesn't? Sometimes it's good to just enjoy a place because it's good and use the hipsters as fun eye-candy and conversation pieces.
And the piece de resistance? My favorite grilled cheese in the city. A few types of cheese, hot, but not soggy apples, and raisin-walnut bread. Can I has now? Mmmmmm. -
Review from Zach S.
7/2/2011
Very cool hotel. Each room is individually designed and there is art in the hallways and in every space. Staff is friendly. However, regular rooms are VERY small - the shower is barely big enough for 1 person - and it gets noisy at night. That said, the rooms were comfortable enough and if I was in Toronto again, I would probably stay there again.
Didn't eat there or get food, but places looked nice and clean. -
Review from Kat T.
8/9/2008
See the movie, "Last Call at the Gladstone" for the history of this hotel. Artists and open-minded folks renovated. Though sad to see the way people lived in here before the reno's, it has become a centre of interesting culture. The rooms are amazingly interesting and are a good value.
Every night of the week, there are people in the bars, and in the ballroom. -
Review from Tom G.
Toronto, ON
4/19/2009
Just took in brunch today at the café... can't remember what it's called (the other side from the Melody Bar)... anyway... it was great.
The Gladstone kitchen has been serving better-than-average-hotel/bar fare for a while (those french fries, the roasted nuts... all good stuff) but I have to say, my brunch food was spot on.
I had the Huevos Rancheros and this dish is often massacred by kitchens that think mixing salsa with eggs makes it "Rancheros". Not so the Gladstone--they really used the soft corn tortillas, chilli, and fresh salsa to make a great egg dish.
The room was bright and clean (if a little hot), service was fast fast fast and friendly. Good music (don't bring grandma)... and a good looking crowd--shallow? yes, but don't pretend it doesn't matter ;-) -
Review from Vanessa G.
Toronto, ON
9/12/2008
Alright, I know The Gladstone is a Toronto landmark and a totally happening spot for all the hipsters in the city, but I totally don't get it. Every time I go here, it's just terrible drunken college kids belting out karaoke tunes with no sense of pitch or tone. The service is terrible and the bar itself is outdated and bland.
Maybe its just me, but I think there are way better bars in West Queen West in which to get your drink on. I shant be returning here anytime soon, and my ears will certainly thank me for it. -
Review from Micaela L.
4/6/2009
The Gladstone is my second-favorite place to stay in Toronto (after the posh Le Germain downtown, though one can't always spring for the best!). The rooms are individually themed with amazingly artful decor, and the staff is super-nice and helpful. The bar & cafe on the main level are lovely; both great places to visit even if you live in the city. I highly recommend the apple flapjacks, which are available during brunch on the weekends. They serve great coffee, too.
The surrounding neighborhood of West Queen West is up-and-coming, with tons of interesting shops & restaurants. This is a great place to stay if you're young and looking to have fun in one of the most interesting parts of Toronto. -
Review from Melissa F.
Toronto, ON
3/4/2009
Great room, and great options- you can go to the bar right next to it that usually has events and a nicer bar area.
I'm a fan, but I'm under the impression that people who liked the "old days" will hate this place. It isn't as gritty as promised and is kind of a faux-hipster scene. -
Review from Connie T.
Toronto, ON
1/6/2009 1 Check-in Here
As a standalone venue, the Gladstone is charming, and I certainly wouldn't mind checking out a room here, even as a local. Furthermore, if you're thinking of a place to drink and chill in the late afternoon, the Gladstone is great. Not to get all romantic and all, but sometimes the sun just hits the hotel corner justttttt right, making a wonderful companion to your pint.
However, I've gone to their Goin' Steady dance night, as well as one of their karaoke programs, and I felt like I was on the outside of a college-aged clique. It wasn't horrible, but both times have kind of scarred me from considering the Gladstone as a venue I'd spend another Saturday night. -
Review from Tara Z.
11/2/2010
Mmm, brunch at the Gladstone cafe! The food is tasty and the place isn't crowded (on Saturday, anyway--Sundays might be a different story), so it's a nice, relaxed place to start your weekend. Try the organic hot chocolate sweetened with maple syrup--so yummy!
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Review from Luisa S.
Vancouver, BC
10/9/2008
A hip little hotel near the end of Queen West's main drag. Can't really say much in regards to the bar in terms of atmosphere. Their cocktails are nice and strong (always a good sign) but other than two other girls, we were the only ones patronizing the place on that particular night (granted, it was a Sunday night).
Yes, that sounds a bit lackluster but this place is worth the extended trek for the old elevator alone! Fully restored, it's the kind that requires a full-time bellhop to get it operational. Rooms here are on the pricey side ($300 or so during the off-season, more during peak) but the ambiance is cool (though maybe not worth more than a cocktail or two). -
Review from Denise M.
Toronto, ON
10/13/2008
I'm surprised the Gladstone hasn't gotten better reviews because it's a pretty great place to stay (especially when they have room specials during the off-season).
I stayed one night with my BF in one of the mid-sized "give me more" rooms for about $170ish. It was an excellent deal considering what type of generic, chain room you would get at another hotel in this city for the same price. All the rooms have their own unique decor and you get to pick which one you want. The rooms also come with cozy beds and not your usual ammenities like organic handmade soaps and shampoos,
I haven't been to the venue bar but went for a drink in the restaurant which had good food and a nice vibe.
This place really made me feel like I was on vacation when I stayed even though my apartment was a 15 minute drive away. -
Review from Todd V.
Toronto, ON
10/24/2008
Is it possible to do a review on the Gladstone and not draw some comparison to The Drake (http://www.yelp.ca/biz...) that also got itself all cleaned up and ready for the impending gentrification of Parkdale? Oops. Too late. Yes, both of these places have been worked on from the ground up and provide fully functional hotel facilities, dining, performance venues and décor that is a complete throwback to the Art-Deco times of old.
The main difference between the Gladstone and the Drake probably boils down to a point of artistry. Whereas the Drake appears poised to provide one of the great performance venues in the city, the Gladstone provides another option. This is not to say that the Gladstone is ill-equipped for a show. It is more than able to put on a great live performance for music, comedy, what have you. The Gladstone's differential is that it steers more towards art than performance art. On the Gladstone website (http://www.gladstoneho...), you find links to not only its event venues, but also a schedule of the art exhibitions and events that are being performed. Add to this that many if not all of the rooms are designed by local artists, and you can see the tack they have wised to take.
The Drake and the Gladstone: The same but different. But in either case, definitely worth checking out. -
Review from AJ T.
4/2/2010
I love the idea behind the Gladstone. Part gallery featuring local artists, part hotel, part bar, part cafe... but strangely enough with all these components, I felt like something was missing. Maybe they're trying to do too many things at once, rather than do fewer things, but do them really well?
Some notes about the Gladstone, mostly about the hotel portion:
-The rooms are pretty small, so be prepared to have your buffer zone infiltrated. We were able to stay in two different rooms (418 and 412(?) )during our stay, since the first one was too loud (due to a music festival event in the ballroom directly below). Both rooms are about the same size, maybe one (412) ever so slightly larger than the other (418).
-Clean bathroom, but the shower was tiny and it could have used a tad more counter space.
-Girls (or guys) with long hair, BRING YOUR OWN SHAMPOO AND CONDITIONER! In an effort to be unique and green, the Gladstone uses bar shampoo/conditioner (two in one). It was fine after Day 1, but by Day 3 my now bird nest hair was begging me for conditioner.
-Free wifi, but they charge for all phone calls made, even local calls
-Nice karaoke bar downstairs filled with what seemed like a mostly twentysomething hipster crowd
All in all a good experience. Beautiful hotel, cool elevator, clean rooms, good location for those not wanting to stay in the middle of a tourist area, friendly staff... though I probably wouldn't recommend this hotel to my parents or other families, since it seems to get pretty loud in the evenings. -
Review from James E.
York, ON
3/18/2010 1 Check-in Here
This review is based solely on the food at the Melody Bar at the Gladstone Hotel.
The melody bar is a great little space and I was there on St. Patrick's Day for dinner and a show. The service was okay and the food is somewhere between a 1 and 2 stars. There were 3 of us who ate and we had the following: Poutine (flavorless gravy with a few cheese curds on some okay french fries) a sandwich (my brain just blanked out, cannot recall what kind, but it too was very bland and the third person had dessert (apple crisp with ice cream). The dessert was the best of the 3, but it was nothing to write home about. The beer was good, the show was excellent and I love the location and space. We will go back, but we will eat prior to doing so and just drink while there. -
Review from Erin H.
Toronto, ON
8/26/2008 1 photo
The Gladstone Hotel
In Toronto's recently gentrified West End District artists, scenesters, and the in-the-knows gather at the once downtrodden and now happily happening Gladstone Hotel. But thankfully the Gladstone hotel does not adopt its new-fangled success by cutting off its past entirely. The décor of the bar, lobby, and restaurant is a mélange of antique brick, wood and chandeliers, sparking a perfect marriage between the hotel's slummy history and sassy present.
The bar and café are always action-packed, especially notable is the hilarious karaoke on weekends and the fresh peach Bellini's for the morning after. If you are too drunk to drive home, your voice is too hoarse from belting out "Sweet Caroline" repeatedly, and you have PLENTY of cash in your wallet, then stay the night in one of the rooms, each room is unique and designed by a different Toronto designer. My favorites are the Red Room and the Sky Gazer but you can take your pick, there is a photo album conveniently placed on the lobby desk for you to peruse.
