As only the second five-star hotel here, it has raised the bar and redefined expectations. The hotel chain's new strategy of utilising a more contemporary aesthetic and finding synergy with each city works beautifully at this outpost. The wood-heavy lobby features bronze maple leafs cast into its marble floors and the artwork recalls Canada's natural elements.
Ritz-Carlton devotees will still find suitably lavish rooms, with puffed pillows in tones of gold and red, and Bvlgari products in the large marble bathrooms. Both the slinky cocktail/raw bar and the tasteful fireside lounge (with an outdoor deck for summer) are deservedly popular, and the restaurant, TOCA, cocooned in dark oak wood, has a central cheese cave for tastings.
The service is unnervingly smooth (staff have earpieces to alert each other), but perhaps its greatest triumph is its sensational spa (see Play.)