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This weekend was my birthday- thank you so much for all the wonderful kind words. I felt utterly spoiled- one big reason is that we treated ourselves to some much needed rest and relaxation with a little stay-cation in the city at Trump Tower Toronto.
Here's a secret (or not so secret) fun money saving tip for luxury hotel bookings- Priceline. We were able to get our gorgeous room at a significant discount by booking via this website where you bid on a location and a star level of hotels (we bid 5-star, financial district Toronto). The actual hotel you get is a surprise, so you have to be OK with that- for us it was a welcome surprise to stay somewhere new.
Pardon the length on this one- so much to say in this very honest review!!!
THE GOOD:
Let's start with design- our room was full of incredible design details. My favourite was the trim. I am a big time fan of trim. It elevates a room in a way that I think is only rivaled by wallpaper (use them together- like in this space- and you're golden). Take note of the applied moulding on the ceiling and above the bed, and the way the bed and window has been emphasized by modern casing. Also love how recessed pot lights and sparkly sconces are built into these trim details.
If you follow me on Instagram you might notice I am a slight fan of tufting. So I was a big fan of this bed. Sheets were as to be expected- fluffy and soft, and a fun bonus is Trump offers a pillow bar- meaning you can order to your room for use during your stay pillows of different firmness. These little details matter to people like me who try to educate clients on these details as well!!!
No popcorn ceilings here- beautiful lighting plan, applied moulding and crown making the 5th wall in the suite just as special as its wallpapered friends beside it.
The bathroom was full of design goodness too. Heated floors, TV in mirror, generously sized soaker tub and separate shower. Toilet was in a separate water closet which is always lovely and the shampoos etc. came in bottles so consistent with the Trump brand- big and beautiful! Small details like this- like the silver tray the soap sits on or how the garbage can is placed on a matching black leather tray are design details that I take note of, and so appreciate.
The entire suite was automated- so on both nightstands sits a panel that operates the lights, heat and window coverings. Similar panels exist in the bathroom and front door (front door boasts a privacy please button- no plastic door hanging do not disturb thingy at the Trump!)
Let's talk service- we were greeted so warmly, with lavender scented moist towelettes (to ease our weary commute from the top of the subway line!) at the check-in desk. My bags were so seamlessly taken from me I did not even notice. One thing I did notice as everything was done with two hands- meaning, when they gave you your room key, or took your credit card, it was done so with two hands holding the item. If I am not mistaken this is a sign of great respect in Korea and other countries. It was a detail I totally noticed and did interpret as being respectful and hospitable.
We had a few minor things with the room- the fridge wasn't working and the batteries on our TV remote were out. You would have thought something terrible had happened with the expediency they dealt with both issues.
Turn down service consisted of complimentary water placed next to a glass on a silver tray, the lights programmed to a dimmed night setting, and jazz music streaming from the Bose player.
Finally, when we got our car from the valet, we were offered complimentary bottles of water for the ride home. Again, a small gesture but so appreciated.
Really finally- about a day after our stay, I got an (automated) email from Donald Trump himself asking me how my stay was. Regardless of the fact it was automated, it was just another consistent extension and experience of the brand, again so appreciated by people like me who care about branding and creating great experiences for customers.
Let's talk amenities- so this pool. Lots of design details to appreciate- marble book matched feature walls, all the doors in consistent black with more gorgeous applied moulding, fabulous change room again decked out in generous complimentary toiletries like shaving kits, toothbrushes, mouthwash and the like.
I took a quick peek into the gym- reasonably sized with a pilates extension machine and a ballet barre plus the standard faire equipment. Again complimentary headphones, water, apples, towels make for a very pleasant gym experience.
Finally you have to walk through the spa to get to the pool and again with more delicious design details- I did not book any spa services on this visit but how relaxing would it be to get a massage and sleepily go back to your room? Oh- and another fun perk- instead of hard copy newspapers you get access to their digital library of newspapers and magazines.
THE NOT SO GOOD:
With the exception of those 2 super small extremely minor inconveniences of our fridge and remote control not working, our stay was a seamless, really luxurious retreat. We thought hard while writing this post and honestly could not think of anything bad to say.
Fun final note- they are running a contest for a free stay! Post a Valentines inspired video with the hashtag #lovetrumptoronto and tag @trumptoronto for your chance to win. Contest rules here.
Photos courtesy Trump Tower Toronto.
