During the Toronto International Film Festival’s milestone 50th year, the city transforms into a dazzling northern outpost of Hollywood. While screenings and red carpets dominate the public eye, some of the most captivating moments unfold behind the scenes—specifically, in Toronto’s most luxurious hotels. These elegant retreats offer a blend of glamour, comfort, and exclusivity, making them the preferred sanctuaries for celebrities, filmmakers, and festival insiders alike.
Four Seasons Hotel Toronto
60 Yorkville Ave, Toronto, ON M4W 0A4
As the official hospitality partner of TIFF and the global flagship of the Four Seasons brand, this Yorkville gem is both refined and deeply connected to the festival’s pulse. The hotel hosts a series of high-profile events, including BAFTA’s afternoon tea and Champagne gathering, the Road to the Golden Globes Party presented by RBC, and a Vanity Fair soirée hosted by Ethan Hawke, Richard Linklater, Baz Luhrmann, and Alice Winocour. The lobby features a curated photo exhibit in collaboration with the TIFF Film Reference Library, showcasing iconic images of stars like Meryl Streep, Joaquin Phoenix, and Michael Caine from past festivals. Outside, a striking mural adds to the celebratory atmosphere. With 259 newly renovated rooms and suites, a destination spa offering indulgent treatments like the Red-Carpet Glam Facial, and exquisite dining led by celebrity chef Daniel Boulud, the Four Seasons is a festival within itself.
1 Hotel Toronto
550 Wellington St W, Toronto, ON M5V 2V4
Sustainability meets style at 1 Hotel Toronto, where eco-conscious luxury sets the stage for a serene TIFF experience. The hotel’s 112 rooms and suites are designed with natural materials sourced from Ontario, featuring heated floors, live plants, organic linens, yoga mats, and in-room water filtration systems. Until September 9, the Flora Lounge transforms into The Hollywood Reporter Green Room—a chic piano bar offering film-inspired cocktails by Grey Goose from 2 p.m. to midnight, with live music from 8 to 11 p.m. It’s the perfect hideaway for those seeking a more grounded, wellness-focused festival experience.
St. Regis Toronto
325 Bay St., Toronto, ON M5H 4G3
For those who prefer their festival stay with a touch of grandeur, the St. Regis Toronto delivers. Home to Canada’s largest collection of luxury suites, the hotel offers accommodations that feel more like private residences—complete with full kitchens, expansive living areas, spa-like bathrooms with soaking tubs, and closets fit for a stylist. Butler service ensures every detail is handled, from steaming gowns to delivering lattes. The Astor Lounge serves as a discreet yet vibrant hub for industry conversations, offering a refined atmosphere without the fanfare.
Nobu Hotel Toronto
33 Mercer St, Toronto, ON M5V 1H2
Making its TIFF debut, the Nobu Hotel Toronto brings a new level of buzz to the festival scene. Located atop the west tower of the historic Pilkington Glass Factory redevelopment, the 36-room hotel occupies floors 41 to 45, making it the highest hotel in the city. The design blends Japanese minimalism with Toronto’s urban edge—natural woods, neutral tones, and sleek lines accented by dramatic lighting. Guest rooms feature deep soaking tubs, luxurious linens, and wellness-focused amenities like a curated mini bar. The centerpiece is the world-renowned Nobu Restaurant, where signature dishes like yellowtail jalapeño are served alongside industry chatter and flowing sake.
The Hazelton Hotel
118 Yorkville Ave, Toronto, ON M5R 1H5
Nestled in the heart of Yorkville, The Hazelton Hotel offers an intimate yet glamorous escape. Designed by Canadian firm Yabu Pushelberg, the hotel features just 77 rooms, including lavish suites with private balconies and marble bathrooms that channel old Hollywood elegance. Guests can enjoy exclusive perks like the Norman Jewison–named private cinema and the Spa by Valmont. A roaming Macallan Bar Cart brings cocktail service straight to your room, adding a touch of theatrical flair. Just steps away, the TIFF50 Timescape exhibit on Yorkville Avenue offers a multimedia journey through the festival’s history—visible from The Hazelton’s wrap-around patio or private balconies.
Whether you’re in town for the premieres or the parties, these hotels offer more than just a place to stay—they’re an essential part of the TIFF experience.
Source: hollywoodreporter.com