The Drake Hotel is arguably Toronto’s most famous boutique hotel! Located at 1150 Queen Street West, on the corner of Beaconsfield and Queen, it has become an ‘oh-I-know-where-I-am-now!’ landmark for the Queen West community – and the entire city!
It’s hard to imagine the City’s west end without it. Truly!
The property was originally the site of Small’s Hotel back in 1890 and was a place of leisure and rest for those arriving in the city via train (the area was a major hub for the Canadian Pacific Railway.) About 70 years ago, in 1949, the property was purchased by new owners and the moniker ‘The Drake’ was attached to the building for the very first time! The hotel had a few wild years, which saw it transition from a flophouse to a punk bar, even becoming a rave den briefly in the early 1990s.
*Photo courtesy of The Drake Hotel’s awesome Instagram: @thedrake
In October 2001, the property was sold and $6 million in renovations was spent to update and transform the space for reopen on Valentine’s Day 2004. Now celebrating 16 years since that transformation, it has become a premier cultural hot spot for Toronto.
Before the restaurant or club became part of their business, The Drake rose to familiarity as a rock n roll boutique hotel. Many original elements remain, mixing the past, with an industrial funky vibe. The rooms are extremely unique, with small and large spaces to explore throughout! This is definitely not the Best Western! Check out one fo their rooms, courtesy of an editorial by BlogTO!
Expanding their success while the getting was good, The Drake Hotel opened with Drake Commissary, Drake One Fifty, Drake General Store, The Drake Devonshire Inn and The Drake Motor Inn (the last two located in Prince Edward County). Each property uniquely reflects the surrounding neighbourhood – to align with The Drake Hotel’s community-centric legacy – inviting guests to experience the food, drinks and local art.
*Photo courtesy of The Drake Hotel’s awesome Instagram: @thedrake
As of 2020, The Drake Hotel began another renovation and expansion. They added on The Annex, giving more space for guests to dine, stay, and enjoy!
Meet The Modern Wing from The Drake Hotel on Vimeo.
Drake’s in-house design team were the ones who dreamed up the modern annex addition and brought it to life alongside Diamond Schmitt Architects, John Tong of +tongtong, and international studio DesignAgency. Drake curator Ashley Mulvihill was behind the art curation.
*Photo courtesy of The Drake Hotel’s awesome Instagram: @thedrake
The Drake Hotel features two patios. The first is their relaxing streetscape patio, where family and friends can dine and enjoy food and drinks together. It’s typical of patios in Toronto, with the added bonus of flowers, greenery and a Queen Street view. On the corner of Queen and Beaconsfield, this award-winning patio is perfect for all occasions; brunch, lunch dinner, drinks or for a quick coffee and a dog-watching session.
If you’re looking for a view, The Sky Yard on the Drake rooftop is a definite must! This terrific terrace features its own bar and seating areas- both covered and open-air! With art installations framing the view of Toronto’s skyline, this hidden gem was named one of the best rooftop bars in the world by Condé Nast!
*Photos courtesy of The Drake Hotel’s awesome Instagram: @thedrake
With COVID-19 still altering our daily lives, here are some things to know before you visit!
Reservations are required but can be made at the door with a limited seating time of up to 2 hours. You must arrive promptly, use debit/credit to pay, and they will only provide one cumulative bill per table to cut down on contact. The Drake has implemented ‘Good Clean Fun’, which is their action plan for employees and locations to help fight against the virus by a new rigorous cleaning policy.
*Photo courtesy of The Drake Hotel’s awesome Instagram: @thedrake
Personally, I love to peruse menus before attending a restaurant, so I’d recommend checking out their website first to see what’s what. For those warm summer nights, I prefer the sangria or one of their yummy cocktails paired with either the Drake Burger (Veggie option available) or the Baked Salmon (drool!)
*Photo courtesy of BlogTO
If you haven’t tried The Drake’s brunch, I suggest you do – it’s not to be missed! Oh! If you get the scones to start and throw in a Maple Almond Latté – trust us – you’ll be living your best life!
*Photo courtesy of The Drake Hotel’s awesome Instagram: @thedrake
Truly, it’s hard to go wrong; their menu has been carefully curated over the years, and close to every single item is a great choice.
It’s always a good time at The Drake, which is possibly why it has become a standout in the Toronto lexicon. Their friendly staff, flavourful food, and fabulous drinks will win you over after one visit, and before long, it’ll be a recurring entry in your calendar!
The Drake is yet another great spot to discover in the West Queen West neighbourhood. (Check out our post called Where To Go & What To Do When You Live At Hip Queen & Dovercourt In Toronto.)
Can you imagine having this awesome boutique hotel with multiple patios and a satisfying menu just a short stroll from your home?
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Also, check out this bright and sunny 2bed urban oasis in Art Condos on Dovercourt Road! With parking & locker, NOW SOLD: The Perfect Canvas At Art Condos Near West Queen West. Finding a well-designed space in a supportive, amenity-rich neighbourhood is no easy task, which is why we’re excited to share this perfectly proportioned and well-situated crisp, contemporary space!
Toronto is a city where intricate patchworks of distinct real estate weave together to form a wide variety of housing options, and dynamic neighbourhood pockets with their own unique character and vibe! Not sure where you fit in? Poke through our Neighbourhood Pages featuring flavour videos, city census data on the area, amenity blogs, and past listings!!
Thank you for reading!
~ Steven
Steven Fudge, Sales Representative
& The Innovative Urbaneer Team
Bosley Real Estate Ltd., Brokerage – (416) 322-8000
– we’re here to earn your trust, then your business –
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