Jun 21

Jun 21 The Above Average Anndore House

As I am located in Chicago now, I’ve decided to support the hometown Hyatt team by staying more there. Hyatt has been lauded for it’s great benefits (especially for top tier Globalist members), but criticized for it’s lack of hotel coverage in non-major city hotels. Thankfully, Toronto is a major city, and so I was able to stay at the Anndore House during my time there.

Overview

The Anndore House is actually a member of JdV hotels by Hyatt (Joie de Vivre), and was initially founded by an MBA grad. But in the need for scale for both chains, JdV was first invested in, then bought by Hyatt. JdV hotels, while disparate in nature, tend to be more boutique-y and incorporate more of their neighborhood than your traditional Marriott’s or Hiltons.

Location

The Anndore House is located quite conveniently for anyone who wants to explore the “middle” of Toronto’s downtown near Bloor Yonge subway station. It’s also next to several tourist attractions, such as the Royal Ontario Museum, luxury shopping at Yorkville, and of course the University of Toronto. The one drawback is that if you are interested in the Toronto’s Waterfront, it can be a bit of a trek down.

For first time visitors, the hotel can be a bit hard to find, as it’s nested in the middle of a side street, and almost look’s like a condo. Actually getting in the hotel can be a challenge as well, as you have to go through this side entrance as opposed to entering the restaurant.

CheckIn

While the hotel looks a bit boring from the outside, it’s character begins to show once inside.

The actual check in area was quite small, as it was a desk manned by two associated.

While I had originally booked a 1 King Bed Loft (which is their standard room), on account of my brother’s Globalist status, I got upgraded to a Master Suite, one of the hotel’s biggest suites. That being said, the hotel did skimp a bit on the breakfast benefit, only giving a $20 credit at the restaurant. Speaking of the restaurant, it was called the Constantine, and aimed to provide a unique Mediterranean experience. And while I did like the design of the restaurant, the actual food wasn’t really good.

I do appreciate the room key, as it reminds me of how the Ritz Carlton make’s its room cards.

The actual hotel is a refurbished Comfort Inn, so I had low expectations going to my room. That being said, the refurbishment was fantastic, and was definitely unique relative to most other’s hotel’s choice of generic palates.

The Room

The hotel advertises the Master Suite as “550-square feet of roomy, impeccably designed living”, and I have to say it lives up to the hype (especially since the hotel itself is billed as a 3 star hotel).

Upon entering the room, on walks into a massive living room.

Beginning from left to right, there is a widescreen TV, paid minibar, vinyl record player, random games, coffee machine. For the last part, there actually isn’t a coffee machine, it’s technically a kettle with instant coffee. Not shown in the above picture is another small table that opens up at the door.

There were also more practical amenities, such as a fridge without a minibar and a safe.

Being a proper suite, there was a clear divide between the living room and the king bed.

The large King bed was decorated with a cute pillow, and was also quite comfortable.

Next to the bed was a useful shelf (for throwing your coats on), as well as a slightly dangerously exposed electrical outlet. Finally there is another large flat screen TV, in case you didn’t want to venture out into the living room.

Next up is the bathroom. While I normally and pretentiously knock off points from hotels for not having a bathtub, I will say I was impressed with this bathroom.

The bathroom is anchored by this really cool sink, with really nice smelling skoah amenities.

There were some amazingly comfortable bathrobes, and I had way too much fun taking pictures and looking like a Sith lord (no pictures will be posted).

One weak spot of the Master Suite was the views: it overlooked a parking lot, and indeed one which was slowly being constructed.

Amenities

Doesn’t really exist. The hotel lacks an onsite pool and gym, though they have remedied it by partnering with a nearby Hone Fitness. TBH I actually think this is a brilliant idea, especially considering the number of hotel guest that actually use the gym.

Downstairs there is also a co-working space, although it’s more just a sitting area.

Now onto breakfast. While Globalists technically have access to a complementary full breakfast, the Anndore House skimps on this a little bit by offering a $20 credit. Guests will have to pay a bit out of pocket, and note that the portions are a bit small.

The Point

For a hotel that bills itself as a 3 star hotel, the Anndore House is pretty good. Multiple guests have noted that the hotel upgrades proactively, and the overall service at the hotel is good. In addition, if you don’t want to explore Toronto’s Waterfront, the location is excellent (and also near a Popeyes). That being said, there are some valid complaints about the hotel, including it’s lack of amenities and skimpy breakfast benefit, with the latter being easily addressed. Overall, would recommend for a couple nights stay in Toronto!