With its sleek and modern design, architecture fans will appreciate stepping into the Shangri-La Toronto.
The hotel features a dramatic glass facade and meticulously designed interiors that reflect the city’s dynamic urban landscape. Located between the financial and cultural districts, Shangri-La offers convenient access to both areas, plus impressive views of Toronto’s skyline, including a closer look at the CN Tower.
Opened in 2012, the hotel’s strategic location allows easy access to the city's vibrant neighbourhoods, arts venues and shopping districts, making it an ideal base for both leisure and business travellers.
The National checked in to the five-star hotel to see whether its architectural and experiential offerings make it a worthy splurge in Toronto’s bustling cityscape.
The welcome
The drive from Toronto Pearson Airport is smooth and it takes less than 30 minutes to reach the hotel. Upon arrival, I am warmly greeted by staff who take my bags and check me in quickly after I hand over my passport. The lobby is cosy with high floor-to-ceiling windows that bring in tons of natural light.
It also doubles as a bar and lounge with crystal chandeliers, contemporary artwork and couture gowns on display that line the area. The warm and inviting ambience is enhanced by comfortable seating and a homey fireplace.
The neighbourhood
Shangri-La is located in the financial district of downtown Toronto. Although surrounded by corporate headquarters, it also has close proximity to cultural attractions such as the Hockey Hall of Fame, Campbell House Museum, the Royal Alexandra Theatre and the Tiff Bell Lightbox, which hosts the Toronto International Film Festival.
An array of dining options are also available nearby, from high-end restaurants to chic cafes. The hotel is easily walkable and there are popular shopping destinations nearby. However, the real gem of the location is the amazing view of the CN Tower, one of the tallest buildings in the world.
The room
The 202-room property resides within the first 17 floors of the 66-story landmark tower. The rooms and suites range from the 45-square-metre deluxe room to the 204-square-metre Shangri-La Suite on the 17th floor.
I’m in a deluxe one-bedroom suite on the 14th floor, which is a corner unit. The suite has warm earth tones and rich mahogany panelling that create a welcoming atmosphere, while large windows provide sweeping views of downtown Toronto.
The separate living room has a queen-size convertible sofa bed and a guest bathroom with a stand-alone shower. The master bedroom comes with a comfortable king-size bed with its own en-suite bathroom that boasts marble finishes, a walk-in shower and a deep-soaking bathtub. There’s even a TV in the mirror. Thanks to the corner floor-to-ceiling windows, there are also spectacular up-close views of the CN Tower and downtown.
Amenities include L’Occitane toiletries, luxury linens and a Nespresso coffee machine. The hotel even provides a complimentary bath soak to help create a spa-like experience.
The service
It feels like Canadian hospitality at its finest. The hotel has an international staff with many able to speak a second language. I particularly enjoyed a conversation with Alice, who works in housekeeping. She is originally from Hong Kong like my mother, and we have a conversation in Cantonese, during which she reassures me my language skills are up to par despite my doubts.
The quick but fun interaction puts a smile on my face. Other members are also very helpful, enthusiastically sharing their tips on what to see, where to eat and where to go.
The scene
Although the hotel lobby is quiet when I arrive for check-in, it transforms into a lively hub after work hours. Almost every seat in the lounge is occupied, creating a vibrant atmosphere as business people and friends gather. There's a pianist who enchants guests in the lobby with her live performance, also adding to the energetic vibe. It no longer feels like just a hotel, but rather like a sophisticated social scene.
There’s a 24-hour fitness centre with a yoga, Pilates and aerobic studio, as well as an indoor 20-metre lap pool – meaning that swimming is always an option no matter the season – with a skylight and cabanas. For those who might want to unwind, there’s the Miraj Hammam Spa on the fifth floor, which offers traditional Middle Eastern Hammam and Gommage treatments.
The food
Bosk, which serves Italian cuisine, is the only restaurant on site. Located on the lobby level of the hotel, it is a sleek-yet-welcoming space with warm wood accents and floor-to-ceiling windows.
During my visit, Bosk’s head chef Troy Cabarios had created a special four-course set menu showcasing seasonal ingredients and modern Canadian dishes with a global spin. Personal favourites included the beet salad with whipped gorgonzola and buttermilk dressing, chestnut ravioli, osso buco (Quebec milk-fed veal shank) and torta caprese (chocolate Amarena cherry cake).
Despite the lack of dining venues in the hotel, there is an extensive in-room food menu. One morning for breakfast, I give room service a try. I get the house-made granola (Dh44), a bakery basket (Dh49), which consists of banana bread, coffee cake and carrot bread and a latte with oat milk (Dh26). Although it takes a little longer to come to my room, the food is tasty and a good way to start the day.
Highs and lows
The hotel’s location in downtown Toronto is hard to beat. Top tourist attractions are within walking distance, including the CN Tower and Rogers Centre. It's also close to Yonge Street for entertainment and shopping options.
There’s not a lot to fault. However, if I had to pick out one thing, it would perhaps be that because the lobby is so popular, it can get full very quickly, especially after work hours which may not be ideal for those staying at the hotel.
The insider tip
It’s worth booking a corner room if there is availability. The views of the city are marvellous during the day and at night.
The bottom
Rates start at Dh1,245 for the deluxe room. Check-in is from 3pm and checkout is at noon.
This review was conducted at the invitation of the hotel and reflects hotel standards during this time. Services may change in the future.
Neil Thomson – THE BIO
Family: I am happily married to my wife Liz and we have two children together.
Favourite music: Rock music. I started at a young age due to my father’s influence. He played in an Indian rock band The Flintstones who were once asked by Apple Records to fly over to England to perform there.
Favourite book: I constantly find myself reading The Bible.
Favourite film: The Greatest Showman.
Favourite holiday destination: I love visiting Melbourne as I have family there and it’s a wonderful place. New York at Christmas is also magical.
Favourite food: I went to boarding school so I like any cuisine really.
Essentials
The flights
Emirates, Etihad and Malaysia Airlines all fly direct from the UAE to Kuala Lumpur and on to Penang from about Dh2,300 return, including taxes.
Where to stay
In Kuala Lumpur, Element is a recently opened, futuristic hotel high up in a Norman Foster-designed skyscraper. Rooms cost from Dh400 per night, including taxes. Hotel Stripes, also in KL, is a great value design hotel, with an infinity rooftop pool. Rooms cost from Dh310, including taxes.
In Penang, Ren i Tang is a boutique b&b in what was once an ancient Chinese Medicine Hall in the centre of Little India. Rooms cost from Dh220, including taxes.
23 Love Lane in Penang is a luxury boutique heritage hotel in a converted mansion, with private tropical gardens. Rooms cost from Dh400, including taxes.
In Langkawi, Temple Tree is a unique architectural villa hotel consisting of antique houses from all across Malaysia. Rooms cost from Dh350, including taxes.
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Sole survivors
- Cecelia Crocker was on board Northwest Airlines Flight 255 in 1987 when it crashed in Detroit, killing 154 people, including her parents and brother. The plane had hit a light pole on take off
- George Lamson Jr, from Minnesota, was on a Galaxy Airlines flight that crashed in Reno in 1985, killing 68 people. His entire seat was launched out of the plane
- Bahia Bakari, then 12, survived when a Yemenia Airways flight crashed near the Comoros in 2009, killing 152. She was found clinging to wreckage after floating in the ocean for 13 hours.
- Jim Polehinke was the co-pilot and sole survivor of a 2006 Comair flight that crashed in Lexington, Kentucky, killing 49.
What can victims do?
Always use only regulated platforms
Stop all transactions and communication on suspicion
Save all evidence (screenshots, chat logs, transaction IDs)
Report to local authorities
Warn others to prevent further harm
Courtesy: Crystal Intelligence
KILLING OF QASSEM SULEIMANI
The specs
AT4 Ultimate, as tested
Engine: 6.2-litre V8
Power: 420hp
Torque: 623Nm
Transmission: 10-speed automatic
Price: From Dh330,800 (Elevation: Dh236,400; AT4: Dh286,800; Denali: Dh345,800)
On sale: Now
More from Neighbourhood Watch:
ESSENTIALS
The flights
Emirates flies from Dubai to Phnom Penh via Yangon from Dh2,700 return including taxes. Cambodia Bayon Airlines and Cambodia Angkor Air offer return flights from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap from Dh250 return including taxes. The flight takes about 45 minutes.
The hotels
Rooms at the Raffles Le Royal in Phnom Penh cost from $225 (Dh826) per night including taxes. Rooms at the Grand Hotel d'Angkor cost from $261 (Dh960) per night including taxes.
The tours
A cyclo architecture tour of Phnom Penh costs from $20 (Dh75) per person for about three hours, with Khmer Architecture Tours. Tailor-made tours of all of Cambodia, or sites like Angkor alone, can be arranged by About Asia Travel. Emirates Holidays also offers packages.
Dust and sand storms compared
Sand storm
- Particle size: Larger, heavier sand grains
- Visibility: Often dramatic with thick "walls" of sand
- Duration: Short-lived, typically localised
- Travel distance: Limited
- Source: Open desert areas with strong winds
Dust storm
- Particle size: Much finer, lightweight particles
- Visibility: Hazy skies but less intense
- Duration: Can linger for days
- Travel distance: Long-range, up to thousands of kilometres
- Source: Can be carried from distant regions
Important questions to consider
1. Where on the plane does my pet travel?
There are different types of travel available for pets:
- Manifest cargo
- Excess luggage in the hold
- Excess luggage in the cabin
Each option is safe. The feasibility of each option is based on the size and breed of your pet, the airline they are traveling on and country they are travelling to.
2. What is the difference between my pet traveling as manifest cargo or as excess luggage?
If traveling as manifest cargo, your pet is traveling in the front hold of the plane and can travel with or without you being on the same plane. The cost of your pets travel is based on volumetric weight, in other words, the size of their travel crate.
If traveling as excess luggage, your pet will be in the rear hold of the plane and must be traveling under the ticket of a human passenger. The cost of your pets travel is based on the actual (combined) weight of your pet in their crate.
3. What happens when my pet arrives in the country they are traveling to?
As soon as the flight arrives, your pet will be taken from the plane straight to the airport terminal.
If your pet is traveling as excess luggage, they will taken to the oversized luggage area in the arrival hall. Once you clear passport control, you will be able to collect them at the same time as your normal luggage. As you exit the airport via the ‘something to declare’ customs channel you will be asked to present your pets travel paperwork to the customs official and / or the vet on duty.
If your pet is traveling as manifest cargo, they will be taken to the Animal Reception Centre. There, their documentation will be reviewed by the staff of the ARC to ensure all is in order. At the same time, relevant customs formalities will be completed by staff based at the arriving airport.
4. How long does the travel paperwork and other travel preparations take?
This depends entirely on the location that your pet is traveling to. Your pet relocation compnay will provide you with an accurate timeline of how long the relevant preparations will take and at what point in the process the various steps must be taken.
In some cases they can get your pet ‘travel ready’ in a few days. In others it can be up to six months or more.
5. What vaccinations does my pet need to travel?
Regardless of where your pet is traveling, they will need certain vaccinations. The exact vaccinations they need are entirely dependent on the location they are traveling to. The one vaccination that is mandatory for every country your pet may travel to is a rabies vaccination.
Other vaccinations may also be necessary. These will be advised to you as relevant. In every situation, it is essential to keep your vaccinations current and to not miss a due date, even by one day. To do so could severely hinder your pets travel plans.
Source: Pawsome Pets UAE
Tips to stay safe during hot weather
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, especially water. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can increase dehydration.
- Seek cool environments: Use air conditioning, fans, or visit community spaces with climate control.
- Limit outdoor activities: Avoid strenuous activity during peak heat. If outside, seek shade and wear a wide-brimmed hat.
- Dress appropriately: Wear lightweight, loose and light-coloured clothing to facilitate heat loss.
- Check on vulnerable people: Regularly check in on elderly neighbours, young children and those with health conditions.
- Home adaptations: Use blinds or curtains to block sunlight, avoid using ovens or stoves, and ventilate living spaces during cooler hours.
- Recognise heat illness: Learn the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke (dizziness, confusion, rapid pulse, nausea), and seek medical attention if symptoms occur.
Tearful appearance
Chancellor Rachel Reeves set markets on edge as she appeared visibly distraught in parliament on Wednesday.
Legislative setbacks for the government have blown a new hole in the budgetary calculations at a time when the deficit is stubbornly large and the economy is struggling to grow.
She appeared with Keir Starmer on Thursday and the pair embraced, but he had failed to give her his backing as she cried a day earlier.
A spokesman said her upset demeanour was due to a personal matter.
Uefa Nations League: How it works
The Uefa Nations League, introduced last year, has reached its final stage, to be played over five days in northern Portugal. The format of its closing tournament is compact, spread over two semi-finals, with the first, Portugal versus Switzerland in Porto on Wednesday evening, and the second, England against the Netherlands, in Guimaraes, on Thursday.
The winners of each semi will then meet at Porto’s Dragao stadium on Sunday, with the losing semi-finalists contesting a third-place play-off in Guimaraes earlier that day.
Qualifying for the final stage was via League A of the inaugural Nations League, in which the top 12 European countries according to Uefa's co-efficient seeding system were divided into four groups, the teams playing each other twice between September and November. Portugal, who finished above Italy and Poland, successfully bid to host the finals.
Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
- Priority access to new homes from participating developers
- Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
- Flexible payment plans from developers
- Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
- DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
We Weren’t Supposed to Survive But We Did
We weren’t supposed to survive but we did.
We weren’t supposed to remember but we did.
We weren’t supposed to write but we did.
We weren’t supposed to fight but we did.
We weren’t supposed to organise but we did.
We weren’t supposed to rap but we did.
We weren’t supposed to find allies but we did.
We weren’t supposed to grow communities but we did.
We weren’t supposed to return but WE ARE.
Amira Sakalla
UAE v Gibraltar
What: International friendly
When: 7pm kick off
Where: Rugby Park, Dubai Sports City
Admission: Free
Online: The match will be broadcast live on Dubai Exiles’ Facebook page
UAE squad: Lucas Waddington (Dubai Exiles), Gio Fourie (Exiles), Craig Nutt (Abu Dhabi Harlequins), Phil Brady (Harlequins), Daniel Perry (Dubai Hurricanes), Esekaia Dranibota (Harlequins), Matt Mills (Exiles), Jaen Botes (Exiles), Kristian Stinson (Exiles), Murray Reason (Abu Dhabi Saracens), Dave Knight (Hurricanes), Ross Samson (Jebel Ali Dragons), DuRandt Gerber (Exiles), Saki Naisau (Dragons), Andrew Powell (Hurricanes), Emosi Vacanau (Harlequins), Niko Volavola (Dragons), Matt Richards (Dragons), Luke Stevenson (Harlequins), Josh Ives (Dubai Sports City Eagles), Sean Stevens (Saracens), Thinus Steyn (Exiles)
Honeymoonish
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SPECS
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Jetour T1 specs
Engine: 2-litre turbocharged
Power: 254hp
Torque: 390Nm
Price: From Dh126,000
Available: Now
