Diners and travellers in search of exceptional (and luxurious) hospitality have plenty of options in Toronto

Recently, a number of local hotels and restaurants were recognized by the Forbes Travel Guide’s 2026 Star Awards. The Star Awards, which have been running for 68 years, recognize high-end hospitality hotspots (think hotels, restaurants, spas, and even cruises) from around the globe.

According to Forbes, this year’s edition is its most expansive yet, featuring properties in more than 100 countries and including the world’s first five-star cruise (operated by the Ritz-Carlton) and first five-star at-sea restaurant. This year, reviewers also travelled to places previously untouched by Star Awards, such as Bhutan, Croatia, Poland, Tanzania and Uzbekistan. 

Toronto, a city with its fair share of acclaimed luxury dining and hospitality destinations, features prominently on the list, with 1 Hotel Toronto making the “recommended” category. The King West hotel, which opened in 2021, earned accolades for “ushering in a breath of fresh air to the King West neighbourhood.” 

The FTG recognized the hotel for offering what it calls “nature-inspired, sustainability-focused and community-oriented” hospitality that doesn’t skimp on the guest experience, boasting an exquisite aesthetic, on-trend cocktails, memorable restaurants, an on-site gym with high-end equipment, a plunge pool and more. 

Toronto hotels that made FTG’s five-star list include the Four Seasons, the Hazelton Hotel, the Shangri-La and the St. Regis. The Four Seasons, located in Yorkville, was recognized for “warm and professional” service and for being home to one of the city’s most celebrated fine dining establishments–Café Boulud (which, incidentally, also made its way into the “recommended” category). The hotel’s spacious and elegant spa also made the list, earning five stars from the guide. The spa, the largest of all the homegrown hotel chain’s urban properties, was lauded for its floor-to-ceiling windows, snacks, relaxing aromas and spacious treatment rooms. 

Four stars were awarded to several hotels, including the Park Hyatt and the Ritz-Carlton. The guide praised the Park Hyatt’s “discreet luxury and sophistication,” while celebrating the Ritz-Carlton’s ultra-convenient location, elegant lobby, luxurious guest rooms and “top notch” Spa myBlend (which also earned four stars for its 16 treatment rooms, saltwater pool and three relaxation lounges). 

Joni Restaurant in the Park Hyatt also earned four stars from the guide, along with the Ritz-Carlton’s on-site TOCA Restaurant. 

Other restaurants that made the cut include Canoe (four stars), Louix Louis in the St. Regis (four stars), One Restaurant in the Hazelton Hotel (recommended) and Scaramouche (four stars). 

The Spa by Valmont at The Hazelton Hotel also made the list, earning four stars for its exclusivity and comfort. A member of the V35 Club (named after the 35 summits of the Swiss Alps), the guide says the spa offers high-end skincare products, top-notch facials and personalized treatments. 

As for what factors went into Forbes’ decision-making, the guide says that, at the end of the day, exceptional service trumps even the most gorgeous facade or beautifully presented dish. 

“As always, FTG’s ratings are objective, independent and data-driven. Incognito inspectors pose as everyday guests—checking into hotels, boarding cruises, trying spa treatments and dining at restaurants—to test hundreds of exacting standards, and always paying for a stay,” the guide says.  

“While the quality and condition of the facilities remain vital, exceptional service accounts for 70 per cent of a property’s rating, reflecting the human element at the heart of luxury.” 

Other well-known hotels that made the list include the ARIA Sky Suites in Las Vegas, Ashford Castle in Ireland, the Atlantis properties in Dubai, the Auberge Saint-Antoine in Quebec City, The Capitol Hotel Tokyu in Tokyo, Casa Angelina on the Amalfi Coast in Italy, The Connaught in London, U.K. and the Fairmont Chateau Whistler. 

For more info, click here. 

Cover photo from 1 Hotel Toronto’s official Facebook page


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