10 hotel bars for staycation libations in Toronto

By Patricia Noonan

So, you can’t get away this summer? Need a break from your usual neighborhood watering hole or after work hangout? Fear not … here are some of the best bets for the hotel bar experience in Toronto. [Photo credit: courtesy of the Ritz-Carlton, Toronto]

Ritz-Carlton Hotel

• The Ritz Bar exudes style and has a curvy long bar, lots of space and an always interesting cocktail program. Just steps from the front door, this is a five-star experience.
• DEQ Bar at The Ritz Carlton, has a summery blue and white ‘Cottage Social’ themed pop-up sponsored by Grey Goose vodka for the summer months. Drink of choice is the Frozen Rose.

The Beverly Hotel

• Rooftop
  This intimate outdoor space sports concrete walls with echoes of city graffiti from the streets nearby. The Rooftop team is headed up by master mixologist Moses McIntee. Drink of choice? My Only Vice, a watermelon sour minus the egg whites … so summery.

Four Season’s Yorkville

• dBar
  Feeling like you need a dose of glam? Then head over to dBar. Multi-level with sky high windows gives it an airy feel. Cocktail program headed up by Shannon Marshall.

Intercontinental Toronto Yorkville

• Proof Bar & Lounge
  This recently opened and the drink specialties are classic cocktails but most importantly, martinis.

The Shangri La Hotel

• The Bar
  Just past the lounge in the entry of the hotel is The Bar, headed up by Shane Mulvaney who was Canada’s World Class Bartender of the year in 2016. Classic cocktails await, along with a roster of creative and vintage cocktails. Shane even has his own cocktail ‘bible’ for your reading pleasure.

The Drake Hotel

• Sky Yard
  The Drake lobby lounge is one of Toronto’s original boutique hotel bar institutions but Sky Yard is really where it’s at with boho art installations. Sip and stargaze all year.

Park Hyatt Toronto

• The Roof Lounge
  This is a legendary bar, eighteen floors up from Avenue Road and Bloor Street west. Open all four seasons, it’s a perfect setting to sip, dine and view the city. And people watch always!

Thompson Toronto
With several bars to choose from, the best bet is the Rooftop Lounge with stunning views and great people watching to match. Oh, and if you’re in the mood for a swim, there’s an infinity pool! Wow!

Cheers!