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| - Ah yes... the Thompson. A place of good times, good friends and many enjoyable memories.
The place where I met Harvey Weinstein (surrounded by a bunch of awed middle-aged women) at a private film festival party, then ran past Oliver Stone on my way out. Laughing along with my co-workers at two girls who claimed they were models who came all the way from... Hamilton. Standing in the midst of total chaos on your average Wednesday evening, as people mill all around you and you feel lost in a sea of beautiful people. Grabbing drinks and catching up with people I hadn't seen in years, yet still felt like I had just been talking to them a day before. Standing outside the hotel with no one else around, then having a couple come and invite me to an "after-after party" they were having with their friends. Seeing Faye Dunaway turned away at the door for a TIFF party because a PR rep didn't know who she was.
I have had many fond (and amusing) memories of the Thompson, which still feels like a hotel that's "off the beaten path", despite still being in the proximity of a major transit artery via Spadina. I actually have a former acquaintance who owns one of the residences in the hotel, and I've always been impressed by the sprawling setups and attention to detail in each room.
It also has one of the best rooftop views in the city. There's nothing quite like being here on a busy Friday and seeing the city skyline in the distance.
I was here last night for a good friend's birthday party. I'll say this - if you know the right people, you're treated like royalty. Rushed past the line into the private elevator for the rooftop patio, and we had a great night downing drinks and enjoying the local flora and fauna. The hostess didn't even seem to mind that we were sitting at a reserved table (didn't realize it at the time), and was very cordial. Found another table easily, and everything was alright.
The one thing I love about the Thompson is how relaxed everything is. You come in, and you feel like you know everybody. People stop by and chat every now and then, it's not a zoo (outside of film festival events), and there's a very laid-back atmosphere to the whole place.
Yes, it's definitely an upper-class establishment, and I can see why some people may not like it (namely, not understanding how firm the staff are in regards to certain things), but they have a stringent reputation to keep, and I appreciate that. Definitely keeps the riff-raff out. All the staff there are amazing and classy people - the doorman, coat check clerk, bartender, hostesses, you name it.
And sometimes, maybe, just maybe, you'll see a celebrity going incognito on their way to and from a party. Seeing Erin Karpluk being escorted by two of her Being Erica co-stars and having her greet me warmly, after I had taken her photo at the red carpet for a TIFF party. Seeing Michael Pitt rushing out to catch a cab somewhere. Seeing Catherine O'Hara step out of an elevator before I stared at her for a few moments in amazement before she walked off.
If this sounds like a love letter to a hotel, it is. It's one of my favorite destinations in the city, and offers unparalleled opportunities, incredible views of Toronto and a great atmosphere. You come up to the rooftop terrace, and this wave passes over you, like you know you've made it. I still haven't tried out the rooftop pool, but I'll get to it one of these days.
The Thompson Toronto is a place I highly, highly recommend you visit at least once. Will be back again soon.
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