A new era begins at Gladstone House
The former Gladstone Hotel has reopened as Gladstone House, paying homage to the original ‘Gladstone House’ engravings on the stone exterior of the building, following an extensive renovation.
The iconic 55 guestroom property has been a staple to West Queen West in Toronto since 1889. Designed by Elastic Interiors, the updated hotel features restored exposed brick walls and original architecture. The Bistro and Bar, located in the lobby, is now open for daily dining and cocktails. Gladstone House will also be launching three new studios, featuring lifestyle, fitness and art programs. Melody Bar, home to the popular Drag Brunch, will reopen its doors later this fall.
Travel Courier caught up with Kieran Roberts, General Manager, Gladstone House, to find out more about the renovations, its connection to The Broadview Hotel, what sets the boutique property apart and much more.
Can you give us an overview of what’s new at Gladstone House and how long has this been in the works?
The Gladstone has long been an integral part of the West Queen West community and we wanted to continue to foster that legacy as we usher in a new era of the hotel. The revitalization of Gladstone House was designed to bring out the best of the hotel and its rich history.
Art, culture and community are the primary focus for us and I’ve got to give a shout out to our new art program, which is the brainchild of our resident Curator, Lee Petrie. The program has been a major undertaking and included an extensive “Call for Submissions,” which attracted over 500 entries. A panel of jurors, made up of local art curators and experts, selected more than 50 pieces of work, which have all been installed throughout the majority of the hotel’s 55 guestrooms and surrounding public spaces.
Gladstone House also has some new spaces to discover. It will be home to a newly renovated Art Studio, located on the Studio Level, where local artists will have a dedicated space to create original artwork for the hotel. Guests and locals will be invited to participate in various art programming in this studio. This new Studio Level, which is part of the never-before-seen lower level of Gladstone House, will also feature new fitness and wellness studios.
The renovations have been ongoing since the spring of 2020 and we are so excited to be welcoming our beloved community back into the newly reimagined space!
What can visitors expect and why are you excited to usher in a new era at this iconic property?
Gladstone House really is the modern reimagination of a historical landmark in Toronto. Since 1889, Gladstone House has been a staple in Toronto and we are confident that the hotel’s spirit will continue to shine through in the revamped space.
Guests will be treated to a mix of unexpected and modern elements, contrasted with colourful contemporary artwork throughout the space. The hotel now carries a new breath of life with restored exposed brick walls and innovative lighting applications, as well as local art installed throughout the guest rooms and public spaces.
The Bistro + Bar and Melody Bar have exciting new food and beverage offerings available to the community and guests, and we will be launching the three new spaces on the studio level. featuring fitness and art programs.
Programming, including Drag Brunch, is a big part of our connection to the community — and will continue to be a focus for us. Stay tuned for more on this.
In your opinion, what should someone not leave Gladstone House without seeing, doing or eating?
A true Gladstone House experience should cater to all five senses. Firstly, you can’t leave Gladstone House without a tasty and aromatic dining experience. That’s the perfect way to refuel after getting lost in the immersive, art-filled daydream that characterizes the hotel — the other thing you must do.
What’s the connection to the Broadview Hotel?
The Broadview Hotel is now our sister hotel, which is located in the East end of the city. The neighbourhoods and clientele of both properties are different, and the respective properties to some degree are reflective of that. However, we now have the opportunity to help bridge the gap between the East and the West through our offerings, and can bring what our guests love about each property to the other.
Do you have anything to add?
Make sure to stay on the lookout for our upcoming programming announcements and the reopening of Melody Bar next month or — very soon!
