After a few days in Mexico, I stopped home, swapped suitcases and headed to Toronto for two (very long) weeks. I don’t think I’ve ever been so happy to see my bed before. Or cook. Or nap. Or read. Or anything at my house (except unpack).

I spent a chunk of my time at the Fairmont Royal York for a convention and it was just what it sounds like – old and stuffy. So, when my sis-in-law arrived for the last couple days of the trip, I was most happy to test drive (read: haul our luggage two miles through a construction site) the Thompson Toronto. If you know me, you know my obsession with the boutique Thompson chain. The Thompson Beach House in Playa del Carmen is sexy and fun with a rooftop pool and NYC outpost of Catch. The Cape in Cabo is basically the all-time favorite spot to beat for me.

The Thompson Toronto had a totally different vibe from its Mexican cousins. Located in a great, bustling neighborhood, it definitely felt integrated with the city. The staff was accommodating, but I must say, the property was a bit tired. The room furniture was scratched and bruised – though clean. The bathroom had heated floors! The rooftop looked like it had seen many a party and had these strange tiny beach towels sponsored by Corona. (It’s Toronto – I need a massive towel to hide under when the wind kicks up).  A killer space, just very well-loved. Perhaps it’s time for a refresh?

Anyway, how can you beat this gorgeous view from a rooftop infinity pool? In Toronto!

The room had the comfiest beds EVER. I have considered writing the concierge several times now to inquire as to WTF kind of clouds these are exactly.  Pro-tip:  I upgraded our room to two bed via a quick call to the property. This was a fraction of the cost of booking a double room online.

The orange accents throughout were fun, but the room just didn’t have the posh vibe of its sister properties.

The mini bar was well-stocked, but we didn’t touch it as we had a birthday bottle of prosecco complements of the house. (Thank you!)

That free prosecco glow….

The closet was well-equipped with robes (cold Toronto could use some slippers!), a fun orange umbrella, and thoughtful waterproof tote to use poolside.

The view from our room was…. odd. Most days it looked like this, but on the last day hundreds of workout fiends congregated for synchronized jumping planks (or something). The DJ and miked instructor were beyond annoying when trying to snooze on a Saturday morning. Beware.

We spent two afternoons at the pool and enjoyed the pitchers of cocktails. There was also a sushi menu that was served in a weird lower region of the pool deck. No food at the chairs! Or outside drinks (including water bottles)! So many rules….

The lobby was fun and had a very city vibe.

The lobby bar was definitely the least worn piece of the property… probably because NO ONE was there. Either night. We were shocked! There was such a good happy hour. Grey Goose cocktails for $7 CAD?? For three hours?? Was there asbestos in here or something?

The last day we tried the Thompson dinner. (We never made it to the Hibachi joint).

The whole diner looked like something out of Palm Springs – which I loved. The bar was extra fun with gold old-school stools and I wasn’t the only one photographing it.

The entrance sign was also a good time.

I nearly didn’t order their signature brown rice bowl in favor of more traditional hangover food. Thank goodness I did! This was DELICIOUS. Brown rice tossed in pesto that was somehow soft, but crunchy. Topped with radish, picked onion, avocado, egg, feta, and hot sauce. Seriously, it was so good that I’ve been home 24 hours and immediately tried to recreate it.

All in all, I’d say the Thompson Toronto was a really great weekend. If you can catch it on a sale, definitely stay here. Can’t beat the neighborhood, bars, and restaurants nearby. I’d  return and just recommend the property a minor facelift to some of the more tired furnishings. Thompson you were overall great, but I hope to stay out of Toronto for some time- I was there for so long I should have dual citizenship.