Lobby/Check In:
This lobby is what you would expect of a lobby from any Park Hyatt: Classic décor with high ceilings, marble flooring akin to some Georgian townhome of Belgravia in London and a concierge desk ready to cater to every whim.
If you are driving to the hotel, be assured there is valet parking for a charge per night. As you approach the entrance, you immediately see the check-in counter manned by a two-person team. Check-in is very personal with a lot of Mr./Mrs.-Last-Name and a myriad of questions/explanations intended to ensure your stay is as perfect as can be: Explanation of hotel features, a key to the mini-bar, newspaper preference (local, national, international), any last requests, and finally, directions to the elevator of your room and a have-a-pleasant-stay-and-if-there-is-anything-we-can-do-do-not-hesitate-to-ask. *Pearly White Smile*
I have stayed at this Park Hyatt many times, and really, I am always pleased. The mark of a good hotel (one of many marks in my mind) is that everyone greets you and asks you how you are - from front staff, to cleaning staff, to heck! Any staff that walks by. To some, this might seem intrusive or annoying, but to me, it means that they really do care! (or if not, appearances are everything right?) This also provides ample opportunity in voicing any concerns you might have at any given moment.
Various Room Numbers:
I always reserve the Park King, away from the elevators and a quiet room. Yes, when booking, you can choose many options, such as the ones I listed, and also if you prefer staying at a low/high floor, smoking or non smoking, etc... My Park King rooms are very nice and large which means huge bed and a sitting area over looking Avenue Road. I like the idea of a sitting area as it adds a further dimension to just-a-shoe-box room and provides a seperate area where you can chill or even invite friends over for drinks. Yes, the Park King does accommodate the idea of a small get-together because the room is that big. The Park King is the most basic room category.
Bathrooms are always clean and for a 5 star hotel, the hairdryer is detached. (Hotels are given 5 star rankings based on many criteria including hairdryers - if it is detached versus on the wall). My most recent visit to the Park Toronto had amenities from Le Labo which is a boutique cosmetic company heralding from Paris (and only sold in one store in Toronto). Two robes are provided, slippers, shoe shine kit, dry-cleaning service and ironing board, and the bathroom includes a bathtub and shower. Pure Heaven.
Noise-Level:
QUIET! Because I always ask for a quiet room away from the elevator, I hear nothing.
Extras:
The concierge really can do anything for you. One time I forgot my BB charger, they had one for me to borrow. Another time, I had to go to a party and did not have time to buy a bottle of wine at the LCBO. Well, voila the concierge for getting me two excellent bottles of wine at 10pm to take. I don't think the concierge at this Hyatt is a Cle D'or, but really, total love for the concierge. They will bend over backwards to make anything happen for you - a tip here and there is always appreciated.
There is a resident Hyatt limo service where it can take you anywhere in the downtown core - free of charge. This is great if you don't feel like taking a taxi and if you plan on boozing, this is a great feature for hotel guests. Take advantage.
The concierge on the main floor provides large umbrellas for unexpected rainy days - ask and they will gladly provide.
Park Hyatt Rooftop bar is still one of my favorite places to chill. It is so convenient as it is within the hotel and there is also the main restaurant (Annona). One of my favorite things to do is order room-service breakfast at this hotel and just eat and watch tv.
Conclusion:
This would be a definite in my books - it meets all the basics and then some...and then some...and then some more. This is more than a hotel - it is a place you come back to because people know you, your preferences are always remembered, and of course, it is a Park Hyatt. Every stay has been on a weekend and the average rate of a Park King Room is around $399-$450 (various dependents) not including tax and additional hotel charges. If you are looking for an above and beyond stay, this is it! Moreover, it is very close to the Bloor-Yorkville area which means plenty of things to do and the metro is so close (Museum Station). This is one of my favorite hotels to stay in Toronto.
Hotel Rewards Program.
I am part of the Hyatt Gold Program (free of charge). Similar to other hotel rewards programs, having a Hyatt number means you get points per stay to use for future stays. There are no number of stays or pre-requisites to become a Hyatt Gold member - just sign up. For more information on this hotel rewards program, here is the link: http://www.hyatt.com/gp/en/index.jsp?language=en