Windsor Arms: Toronto’s full-service luxury boutique hotel

Imagine the benefits of a luxury boutique hotel – intimate size, gorgeous design, and impeccable service – with the amenities of a larger, name-brand hotel.  From an afternoon tea service that would impress the most fastidious Brit, to a salt water pool and spa/wellness center perfect for relaxing after a long day of shopping and touring. Toronto’s Windsor Arms embodies intimate opulence and sacrifices nothing. The Tea Room For over 85 years Windsor Arms has been serving elegant afternoon tea.  The ceiling-to-floor velvet curtains against stained panel windows set the mood of each of the three tearooms; select from a bright white, rich purple or decedent red décor. Guests may choose their tea from a tome of classic and modern varieties, but do not feel overwhelmed, as the staff is eager to help you find a tea to suit your tastes. While lingering over a steeping pot, enjoy hand-crafted finger sandwiches painstakingly rolled with delicious cream cheeses and chicken salad. Chocolate delicacies with raspberry sauce cap the memorable experience of a time-honored tradition at Windsor Arms. Spa and wellness While most boutique hotels do not offer the benefits of spa and wellness, Windsor Arms delivers an over-the-top experience.  Guests will find the 4th floor saltwater pool relaxing, with tempered light and a peaceful ambiance.  After a soothing swim, retire to the large terrace to read the paper or have a drink while taking in the panoramic views of the city. The spa offers pampering for everyone, including brides-to-be and vacationing couples.  In addition to traditional spa services, visitors can select from body wraps, airbrush tanning, reflexology, and more.  Be sure to arrange your services ahead of time, as the Wellness Center is popular among non-hotel guests, as well. The Living Room Windsor Arms has mastered the mix of luxury and comfort, and their newest addition, The Living Room, is no exception.  Walk into this restaurant, and you immediately stroll into a scene from The Great Gatsby. Tartan wall-fabrics, tufted sofas and masculine textiles create cohesion among a series of intimate gathering places designed for relaxing and eating with friends, or conducting business. Unique amenities Comfort is again the theme within each suite; the unique in-room amenities at Windsor Arms help you feel at home.  Built-in speakers inconspicuously dress each room, wired to the radio station of your choice or an iPod docking station.  Controls are conveniently situated by the bed.  Start your morning with a brew from the in-room Nespresso maker. Wash away any lingering burdens in the over-sized soaker tub, or walk-in shower with a rainmaker-style fixture (Feeling amorous? It is large enough for two!) Breakfast delivered while you are still bathing? Not a problem. A unique butler’s pantry allows you to send and receive laundry and room services dishes without being disturbed by the staff. Finally, a signature amenity that returning guest have grown to love. Each room houses a musical instrument, staged as “room décor,” but longing to be played by the room’s guest.  Selections include a guitar, a harp, and in larger suites, a grand piano. Sunday jazz brunch The two-story grand courtyard, with late morning light filtering in from upper windows, resonate the music of local and visiting jazz artists. Couples and families dine together on plush benches and behind grand nooks.  The far wall is backdrop to a magnificent buffet fit for royalty. Cold food selections include monstrous pre-cracked crab legs, poached prawns, and fruits and salads galore.  Select Danishes and scones, croissants and muffins.  Move to warm delectables such as prime rib, kabobs, and vegetables rich with herbs.  If you should have room, the center tables hold sweet desserts: chocolate covered strawberries, chocolate mousse, raspberry tarts, and other sugary concoctions, which taste as glorious as they appear.