WINGING IT: Toronto’s Drake Hotel gets bigger, bolder with expansion

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Guests of The Drake Hotel might not typically use words such as quiet and contemplative to describe the hip and highly creative west-end Toronto boutique destination.

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These are not typical times, however.

So it was, with the latest government-imposed pandemic lockdown in full swing, our Saturday night stay at the Drake’s recently opened Modern Wing — an expansion which includes a new lobby and 32 guestrooms plus a chic rooftop suite, all adjoined to the original hotel — was a decidedly muted affair.

Without the option of traditional sit-down food and beverage service (until Jan. 26 at minimum), the Drake — and the West Queen West neighbourhood in general — had an almost soundless quality about it on this particular weekend, with only a few guests seen trickling into the usually bustling property.

Trust us when we say it won’t always be this way.

Anyone who has ever stepped foot inside the Drake — originally Small’s Hotel in 1890, the current ownership opened it as the Drake in 2004 — understands it’s a see-and-be-seen kind of vibe, an action-packed hub with creative energy constantly swirling in the air.

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The Modern Wing is a seriously expansive expansion that instantly elevates that buzz factor and we’ll suggest it just might be this city’s trendiest new accommodation offering.

And, no, it’s not owned by a certain Toronto rapper.

ART FOR ALL

Drake properties have always been big on artistic offerings, and the Modern Wing, which opened Dec. 1, takes things even further. Aside from the interesting assemblage of furniture — a mingling of custom-made and vintage to formulate a sort of living room vibe complete with cozy fireplace — what really jumps out upon entering the inviting new lobby are the various works of art, all commissioned for the Drake. The work is found throughout the Modern Wing and comes mostly from Canadians, with 75% by home-grown talent and the rest international.

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Didactic panels are located next to each piece, including Ecuadorian-Canadian Jasmine Cardenas’ ‘Broken Telephone’ project throughout the fifth floor and rooftop suite. The Hamilton-based artist’s project carries a theme of nostalgia and the series is “rooted in collecting personal memories,” while the shapes “explore the process of making and the ways in which we recall memories.”

Toronto-based artist Luke van H’s Garden Series, found on the fourth floor, is an eye-popping and intriguing fictional garden paired with a found, real-life glove covered in epoxy.

The main lobby projects are being exhibited on a two-year cycle.

CREATIVE COMFORT

Complementing the Classic Wing’s 19 established guest rooms, the new building’s 32 guest rooms range in size (from 135 to 255 sq. ft.) and style, giving visitors options galore with amenities throughout the wing that include 24-hour concierge, a central courtyard visible from each floor, exclusive Malin+Goetz toiletries, in-room safe, custom furniture and free Wifi.

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We were somehow deemed worthy to stay in the rooftop suite, which will attract a niche customer base. The suite was designed with touring musicians and luminaries in mind, and the space would work well for a special occasion such as a small wedding, ideally in warmer months when guests can make full use of the massive terrace overlooking Queen St. W. to the south and the cityscape to the east.

The 1,000-square-foot apartment in the sky includes two bedrooms, two washrooms (and the only soaker tub in the wing), a kitchenette with a wet bar, and a living area. The art-deco wall tiles in both washrooms are showstoppers while the floor-to-ceiling windows could never get old.

The suite’s exterior is clad in polished stainless steel, making it pop in the sunshine from the sidewalk below.

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All rooms feature a fully stocked bar and snack cubby with many locally sourced offerings.

A FOODIE’S DELIGHT

Part of what draws people to the community hub that is the Drake is its exciting food and drink scene.

The hotel’s executive chef, Laura Maxwell, crafts fantastic plates based on a local, sustainable, from-scratch approach. For our in-room dining experience, we enjoyed baby gem salads to start, followed by excellent mains of roasted chicken and vegetables, and steak frites. We finished with a tasty carrot cake and somehow flourless chocolate brownie for dessert.

Once restrictions are lifted, one can easily imagine the Drake Lounge, reimagined Sky Yard, an entirely new street-facing lobby bar, and cafe bustling and allowing the entire property to reclaim its intended vibrant feel.

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The Drake Underground, a wonderfully small music venue that has played host to the likes of Beck, M.I.A. and Billie Eilish, will also reopen in accordance with government regulations.

While many of the guest rooms brim with intrigue and a kaleidoscope of colour, the shared areas shine equally bright on Drake properties, which can also be found in Prince Edward County.

JUST THE DEETS

— The Drake Hotel’s new Modern Wing is located at 1150 Queen St. W. in Toronto and houses a 32-room, five-storey expansion.

— As of Feb. 1, full vaccination will be required for all employees and guests, with proof of vaccination required at check-in and to enter all property venues.

— Design collaborations with Diamond Schmitt Architects, DesignAgency, John Tong, in-house team of Joyce Lo and Carlo Colacci, art curation by the Drake’s visual art curator, Ashley Mulvihill, re-imagination of The Sky Yard and original lobby by CompanyCompany.

— Guests can pre-book parking spaces. Availability is limited.

— To book, or for more information, visit thedrake.ca .

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