Last week, I had the distinct pleasure of being a guest of the Four Seasons Hotel Toronto. We enjoyed family-friendly amenities without sacrificing refinement, and explored the city’s most lavish surroundings while making lasting memories. Our flawless stay included a romantic dinner for mom and dad (sans kids!) at Café Boulud; an in-room family movie night; breakfast in bed; an aromatherapy massage at The Spa for mom while dad and the kids enjoyed the pool; lunch at d|bar, and more.
And while I have so many aspects of our incredible stay that I’d love to cover, today, let’s discuss the little details that make Four Seasons Hotel Toronto a luxury family-friendly destination.
Stepping into their dazzling lobby, I was greeted by whimsical artwork and overflowing floral arrangements, lending a peculiar combination of warmth and chic opulence all at once. My instinct was to hush the boys, who, after a long car journey peppered with summer construction, were ready to stretch their legs (and voices).
Yet within moments of checking in, the friendly representative came from behind the front desk and took my boys to strategically hidden vending machines, where they were each offered a coin and a treat. If I believed for a second that Four Seasons Hotel Toronto was not geared towards young families, this one act of candy courtship effectively erased that doubt. We were presented with our room keys, and herded the boys (who were now blowing kisses to their new friend) into the elevator.
Upon entering our double suite, a special welcome gift awaited Ryder and Reid’s arrival – jumbo chocolate chunk cookies with the boys’ favourite – M&Ms. It was a simple yet thoughtful gesture, and this mom’s only concern was that they would get chocolate fingers on the pristine cream sofa (they didn’t).
We barely had a chance to unpack before my husband and I made our way to our romantic rendezvous at Cafe Boulud. Fortunately, we had a caregiver look after the boys while we dined, but for those who don’t travel with a nanny or au pair, Four Seasons Hotel Toronto will arrange reliable babysitting services for your little ones with eight hours notice – and will do everything possible to accommodate requests with shorter notice. It’s a fortunate amenity as it allows mom and dad a little freedom and space when they need it, whether it be during a meal, a trip to the Spa, or even drinks à deux after a family dinner.
Returning from our world-class dining experience, we enjoyed a family movie night in our suite.
To make your stay extra special, select from the 2014 Amenity Collection, where you can arrange for popcorn and sweets for the kiddos. It was the perfect way to wind down the evening, as the movie effectively calmed the boys and readied them for slumber. (Though they did stay up way past their bedtime.)
The next morning, we enjoyed in-room service for breakfast in our suite. I am a huge fan of keeping it casual and eating in pajamas. Especially when travelling with children, it can be difficult to rouse them for a seated breakfast; more often than not, my boys pick at their food because they’re simply not ready for a restaurant experience at 8:00am.
Hence, it was a treat to offer them fresh fruit and a selection of pastries – all from the comfort of our spacious suite. All weekends should begin this way!
After breakfast, I indulged in an aromatherapy massage at the Spa. While I succumbed to the able hands of my masseuse, my husband took the boys to the stunning Four Seasons indoor relaxation pool, which overlooks the city through floor-to-ceiling windows. There, they splashed in tepid water – their own form of relaxation.
Finally, after a leisurely morning, we were ready for a family lunch at d|bar. Immediately upon entering the resto-lounge, the boys were offered crayons and colouring sheets. My husband and I exchanged surprised glances; the kid-friendly touch was something we would expect from a chain restaurant, not an acclaimed bar. Nonetheless, it was very welcome, as we were seated in the middle of the lounge, and distracted school aged children are a good thing.
(Especially when Mr. Property Brother himself – Drew Scott – was seated behind us. In case you’re wondering, he ordered the Crispy Duck Egg, and then ducked out.)
We ordered the hamburger for Reid off the children’s menu, and were duly impressed when a gourmet, not-so-pint-sized burger arrived at the table. To give him credit, he almost finished the burger – and probably would have, had I not stolen it to sample myself.
After lunch, we retired to our suite to pack. (Technically, my husband packed while I enjoyed a 45-minute nap on the über-comfortable signature Four Seasons bed.) And just like that, our weekend family getaway had come to an end; yet we emerged from the hotel rested, rejuvenated and reveling in the splendour and opulence we had experienced over the past two days. When travelling this summer, consider the Four Seasons Hotel Toronto your preferred luxury family destination.
Looks awesome ! Love the pic of the kids , that is so sweet ! Everything looks just great !
Thanks Amie!
Wow everything looks amazing! Love this!
You should definitely visit, Kristen!
wow looks like they really went out of their way to make sure you enjoyed every part of your stay. I’d love to take my wife
It was truly a flawless stay!
looks so fabulous I wanna win it!
Fingers crossed for you Chandra!
looks amazing – would love to stay there!
The perfect option when staying in Toronto, Nicky :)
What a beautiful place to spend some time! The picture of your boys is priceless!
Thank you Anne! It was a fabulous weekend!
Wow that looks amazing! never been to toronto except for the airport
Well now you have a reason to venture into the city!
Sounds like a great hotel, will have to try and remember for the next time we are in the area and need a place to stay!
Please do Judy! You would love it!
So nice to hear that more and more places are becoming “kid-friendly”. Love the reception area “treat” idea and the welcome cookies and M&M’s were a nice touch too.
And from what I could see of your suite, it was “sweet” :)
Yes it was Flora! Truly, it is an excellent hotel for family getaways!
Love everything about this post! From the welcome chocolates to the pool…..wow!
That sums it up, Sarah! It was “wow!”
burgers ‘n fries. now you’re talking!
Sometimes, it’s the simple things in life that are most delicious!
The simple things made luxurious. Look at the size of that patty.
Oh the food…
Indeed…. :)
I love the cookies and M&M’s for the boys! Such a nice touch. The pool looks amazing too!
It was a wonderful stay, from start to finish!
Looks like your stay was amazing, your boys must have had such a great time too!!
They did Renee! They’re still talking about it!
I wish I can stay there someday!
If you’re in Toronto or visiting the city, be sure to look it up!
Love the ambience and service delivered at Four Seasons. Worked at the corporate office out of university. I have the FS bed at home – definitely makes it hard to leave in the morning and get up to start your day. So comfy!!
Ah, that sounds divine My Linh!
First impressions are so important.
Absolutely, it sets the tone for the rest of the stay!
Never thought of Four Seasons being such an amazing hotel! Would love to spend a weekend at this hotel. Thanks for the tip Lena and great post and pictures!
Thanks Marissa! The new FS Toronto is definitely a must-stay in Toronto.
We stayed here once the night before my sister’s wedding, it’s so nice!
That is awesome Amy, so happy you enjoyed your stay!
I never thought of the Four Seasons as a family-friendly hotel, but it sure seems like you and your family had a great experience.
It absolutely is, if you know what to look for! I’m happy I was able to share my experience with you all!
I stayed at the four seasons once before, amazing service and staff.
Couldn’t agree more!
Hadn’t considered the Four Seasons for a family getaway but will now! Looks great and your boys are such cuties!
Thanks Yash – I know you and your family will adore it!
OK I’m jealous
Ha! Go experience it for yourself, so you can love it too!
Loved the review Lena. Thanks for sharing your perspective.
You’re very welcome Jynni!
Wow! It looks like you all had a great time! Thanks for writing from a family travel perspective. I have two girls about your boys ages so this gives me new inspiration for our next trip to TO.
That is awesome Amanda! Let me know if you need any more info!
Looks like fun!
It was a dream!
Wow I want to go for the giant cookies
Hahaha they were very good :)
I would love to go there one day!
I definitely think you should plan a vacay!
wow looks like an amazing place to stay :)
Wow This place looks amazing and the food and snacks look delicious but the pool is the best part and I bet your kids felt the same
This certainly looks like a wonderful spot to stay,love the photo of the boys!