Welcome to #CheckedIn, a travel series where we take you along to some of the trendiest and most unique hotel experiences around. Join us as we give you the 411 on all the ins and outs of these locations, what to expect and where you should ‘check-in’ next! The STYLE Canada team recently checked-into The Drake Hotel in Toronto’s vibrant Queen West neighbourhood and felt right at home.
The Vibe
Photo provided by The Drake Hotel
The Drake Hotel is an icon on Queen West. You feel the vibe from the streets continue as you step inside its doors. You’re welcomed into a space that feels both art gallery and modern boutique. Local painters, photographers, and sculptors stake their claim here, turning every corner into a conversation. Their renovated lobby welcomes you with a fireplace that keeps things cozy. Each space is an opportunity for a different experience: drinks with the girls…head to the Sky Yard rooftop; meal with the fam…weekend brunch at the restaurant is a staple (and has been my go to for years); fun date night… the Drake Underground has you covered. The Drake has (and frankly has always had) all. the. vibes.
The Neighbourhood
Located in one of the coolest neighbourhoods in the world (thank you Vogue), the Drake Hotel landed in West Queen West over 22 years ago and has made a name for itself and the community. It isn’t too much to say The Drake launched the area. In 2004 Queen West was mostly abandoned warehouses and pawnshops. Enter The Drake. Years later the hotel group did something similar with Drake Devonshire, putting PEC on the radar of many. Within walking distance to places you want to be seen at; local cafes, eclectic restaurants, vibrant art galleries and independent boutiques this neighbourhood has it all; including a front-row seat to the cities creativity.
The Rooms
Photo provided by The Drake Hotel
At The Drake Hotel, no two rooms tell the same story. Designed with intention, the 51 rooms are separated into The Classic and Modern Wings. In the Modern Wing huge windows flood the space with natural light, casting a warm glow over signature Drake details; custom millwork, tufted velvet headboards, and terrazzo shower tiles. The Classic Wing (the original building) channels a more intimate space with high ceilings, exposed brick, and original artwork. The piece de resistance; The Rooftop Terrace Suite which sprawls across 900 curated square feet with two bedrooms, a marble-clad ensuite, and sweeping terrace views of the city.
The Extras
Photo provided by The Drake Hotel
The Lounge is where you want to be seen indulging in an omakase experience at the sushi counter, toasting friends with a curated cocktail or seen on Mondays for steak frites. Led by Executive Chef Daniel Hyam, The Lounge is a creative expression of all that is bold, classic and designed with sharable dishes packed with fusion flavours and local ingredients. The Lounge, with its relaxed vibe, is where it all began, and where you will keep coming back to (whether you’re in town for the day or weekend).
“At The Drake Hotel, vibe dining has long defined the way we bring food, music, and culture together. We’ve always believed that greatnights start around the table and unfold through sound, atmosphere, and experience. Whether it’s modern bistro dining and DJs later night in the Dining Lounge, live music and dance parties in the Underground, or cocktails and BBQ on the SkyYard, our multi levels shape nights that feel social, sensory, and unmistakably Drake.” – Ana Yuristy, Chief People + Brand Officer at The Drake
Photo provided by The Drake Hotel
From there, journey up to the Sky Yard, the Drake’s iconic all-season rooftop. When the lights twinkle in the night sky, and the music turns up, the patio is filled with all those eager to indulge in uniquely crafted cocktails. At the heart of the Sky Yard is their open-fire charcoal grill, a cooking style that sets the Sky Yard apart from anything else in Toronto. It’s not your average BBQ; it’s a globally inspired, elevated approach to live-fire cooking that brings depth, smokiness, and bold character to every dish. The menu travels across flavours and regions; think Bang Bang shrimp, roasted half chicken with spicy harissa, West African and Southeast Asian influences like lemongrass-forward marinades, alongside vibrant favourites like Mexican street corn, and perfectly blistered seasonal vegetables, all unified by the richness of the charcoal flame.
Photo provided by The Drake Hotel
Keep the evening vibe going as you dance through the halls and down to the Drake Underground into their performance venue that hosts folks from the likes of Billie Eilish to Beck. Wherever you may find yourself, find yourself at The Drake to be engrained in the living, breathing cultural heartbeat of the city.
The Verdict
Toronto at The Drake. Yes, please.
