It immediately attracted superstars such as James Franco, Milla Jovovich and Marion Cotillard as well as the ever-discerning Sir. Richard Branson. Strikingly minimal, stark and dark, the bold aesthetic broke new ground in this city.
The moody lobby – with its squiggled Toronto skyline mural by Spanish artist Javier Mariscal – has a rectangular bar for drinks before dining; in Scarpetta (see Eat), the carb-friendly 24/7diner, The Counter, or even in Japanese Wabora. Black hallways with strip overhead lighting will lead you to your chamber – large rooms with white curtains, wood floors and statement tones of orange and brown. White, spacious marble bathrooms also have a futuristic feel.
The roof terrace with its cocktail bar (accessible only to guests) and 360-degree city view has a small jewel of a pool with sun loungers for the lucky few.