A neglected convenience store inspired a creative family from Hong Kong to open an art gallery in 2006. Unlike many Hong Kong Chinese who repatriated to suburban pockets of Greater Toronto, these amiable owners continue to relish urban living. Five unique bedrooms were added upstairs, with an uncluttered contemporary style showcasing selected pieces by owner/artist Lee Ka Sing. Each room has a TV and elegant private bathroom, and local calls from the hallway phone are free, as is Internet access.
A continental breakfast (including homemade bread) is taken in the pleasant environs of the ground-floor art gallery. Just west of here is Parkdale – a rather raw, emerging locale with imaginative jewellery and clothes shops. But for now, this remote bed-and-breakfast's proximity to the restaurants and bars of The Drake and Gladstone does it a big favour - otherwise it's a streetcar or taxi ride downtown.