One Last Kid Free Escape at The King Edward Hotel

Living in downtown Toronto I’ve visited The King Edward Hotel (or King Eddy as we locals like to call it!) on numerous occasions and last year during March Break I even took the kids to enjoy their famous Afternoon Tea. With our upcoming travels where we are going to be with the kids 24-7 for 5 months, the hubs and I decided that we should sneak in a night away from the kids for our sanity. The centrally located Omni King Edward Hotel is a luxury property that’s deeply rooted in history since it opened in 1903.

Disclosure : We were hosted by the King Eddy but, as always, opinions are TOTALLY ours

As you may recall, the hubs and I enjoyed a stay at another Omni property during our romantic getaway in Pittsburgh so we were immediately drawn to the old world charm that the King Eddy oozes. On arrival we were greeted warmly and we checked into our one bedroom suite. From the moment you enter the lobby (where you will often spot beautiful brides having their pictures taken) you will notice the ornate decor and a welcome atmosphere that makes you want to hang out in their lobby (preferably in one of those over-sized purple royal chairs)

To think that famous people like Mark Twain, Rudolph Valentino, Louis Armstrong, Elvis Presley, Margaret Thatcher and Ernest Hemingway  lived here back in the day, is mind boggling! I mean, even The Beatles stayed here during their first visit to Toronto in 1964. Our room was very posh and having a separate living room (with the most gorgeous red couches!) meant that we were able to host a couple friends who wanted to say goodbye to us. Given the central location (right next to one of the best food markets in the world, Lawrence Market) a stay at the Omni King Edward Hotel means you can dine at spots like Barsa Taverna, catch a game, walk by the CN Tower and explore the downtown core on foot! The hotel lobby has a great cozy bar if you’re looking to snuggle up and enjoy a drink or two but since we were looking for something a bit more upbeat, we walked over to the Loose Moose with our friends and ended the night at The Cloak Bar (one of my favourite bars in downtown Toronto).  

As Toronto’s first luxury hotel, the King Edward Hotel today still sets the standard for luxury in Toronto. There’s original works of art displayed throughout the property and I’m always enamored by the chandeliers and the elegant ballrooms within the hotel. We were invited to enjoy a kid free Sunday brunch at the hotel and while it’s a very family friendly affair, for the two of us, having a peaceful brunch without one kid nagging for more treats and another refusing to detach himself from my leg, was a most luxurious time. It was one of the most peacefully silent brunches we’ve had in a long time! If you’re looking for an all you can eat brunch offering in an elegant setting in downtown Toronto, the King Eddy is your destination. This Toronto brunch is usually hosted in the Sovereign Ballroom but due to another event being hosted there during our visit, we got to enjoy brunch in the very classy arch domed Vanity ballroom. The Beef Wellington is amazing here and the dessert spread divine (the best creme brule crust I’ve found in Toronto).

I know many friends love staying at The Omni King Edward Hotel with kids but for us, the ornate setting was the perfect backdrop for a kid free escape. The King Eddy is definitely worth a visit when you’re in Toronto, either for their afternoon tea, brunch or a stay in one of their suites. You’ll receive attentive service and will be within walking distance to many attractions and popular hot spots.