TORONTO — Marriott International has announced plans to transform its Toronto Marriott Bloor Yorkville Hotel into the W Toronto, marking the upscale brand’s debut in the city.

The nine-storey, 255-room property, located at 90 Bloor Street East in Toronto’s Yorkville neighbourhood, is surrounded by high-end boutiques, galleries, design studios, cafes, bars and fine-dining restaurants, says Marriott.

The US$40 million design transformation, which began in July 2019, will reimagine the property’s guest rooms, restaurants and amenities. The property is expected to open as W Toronto in summer 2020.

Paul Cahill, Area Vice President, Eastern Canada for Marriott International, says: “We are applying a unique, vibrant sensibility to the upcoming W Toronto, one that has not been seen before in Toronto. The exciting evolution of this property into Toronto’s first W hotel is consistent with the ongoing evolution of this Toronto neighbourhood whose vibrancy, sophistication, and density continues to grow. This is a strategic location for the brand, and we foresee it welcoming international business and leisure travellers, but also becoming a destination for urban thrill-seekers.”

The hotel is expected to feature multiple food and beverage venues including an indoor/outdoor lobby bar and lounge with a DJ booth/recording studio for collaborating, broadcasting and recording podcasts; a specialty restaurant and a ninth floor roof top restaurant, accessible from street level with a glass exterior elevator; and a coffee and cocktail bar.

The hotel will also be home to a 3,300 square foot fitness facility and 4,800 square feet of meeting space to serve as a unique venue for social and corporate events.

Marriott’s luxury portfolio now includes seven hotels in operation with more luxury hotel project announcements coming before year-end.