Toronto’s Annex Hotel is on to something.
A savvy hybrid when it comes to hotel models, it combines the comfort and design of a boutique hotel with the techy ease of an Airbnb property. Book online, get a key code on the day of your arrival and check yourself in. And don’t worry, even though there isn’t a proper front desk/reception area, staff is always around to assist should there be any questions or technical glitches. The USP here: no phones, no parking lot, no gym, no room service - it’s more like a real home in the city where guests feel at ease coming and going.
If you didn’t know about it, you’d be hard pressed to find it. Set on a lane, next to a parking lot, off a side street, with a side door entry, it could be easily passed by, which I think makes it all the more intriguing.
There are 24 rooms over two floors in a century-old building. Designed by Toronto’s Studio AC, the spaces are bright and airy and I love the views to the Annex’s back laneways, garages and the CN Tower. I’m a bit of a nosy parker and felt like I could sit there for hours and watch people come and go, try to park, take smoke breaks. It feels very Toronto and owners Justin Fong, Andrew Peek and Trevor Speis wouldn’t have it any other way as their mandate was for guests to experience real city life.
There are “hipster” touches like turntables and a selection of vinyl but they’re not gratuitous.
The Annex really gets it and offers comforts to rival the city’s “luxury” hotels. The sleep-inducing mattresses are from Stearns & Foster (who also supply beds to the likes of The Four Seasons); there are blackout blinds and the soundproofing means digs are strangely quiet – blissful for sleeping. I love the “wet room” beside the bed: a rain shower separated from the floating toilet by a glass panel. The sink and mirror are just outside the enclosure.
Delicious-smelling toiletries are from Malin + Goetz.
The minibar features Canadian goodies and original snacks, like protein bars made with crickets.
I love any minibar that stocks premixed Negroni, especially when the provenance is a Niagara distillery.
There’s no TV, but a 13-inch iPad with Netflix.
Local artwork decorates each room and it’s good to inquire about any pieces you like as many of the artists can often be found on site.
A corner of the iconic Honest Ed’s sign.
The lobby bar offers a small snack menu, an extensive wine list (including biodynamic pours) and cocktails like this La Bouche, a sweet and herbal take on a margarita. In the morning, Reunion Island coffee is served along with menu items that run the gamut from healthy (a bowl of bone broth perhaps) to hearty (a yummy elk burger sandwich with egg and cheddar).
The Annex’s tagline is, “A street-level hotel made to feel like home,” and they’ve excelled at making it happen. I’ve stayed at many of the city’s luxury stalwarts and can honestly say that The Annex is just as comfortable in terms of amenities that matter - great bedding, toiletries, peace and quiet - all for a fraction of the price (the most expensive room here is $250 a night).
But it’s not just about the great value; there’s a lot of thought that went into this unique hotel. The result is a level of ease and comfort that I look forward to experiencing again. And next time, I’m heading to The Commons, the hotel’s onsite food hall featuring local fare like killer tacos from Kensington’s Seven Lives and sublime slices from Big Trouble Pizza. That way I can hang out, sleep and nosh like a local. Perfect city living.
