If you are going to Toronto, make sure you check out the Templar Hotel, a new boutique hotel that has opened in the entertainment district. Beyond the narrow entrance, visitors find glowing modern art installations and specially-designed Poliform furnishings giving the lobby an air of cool, custom-built luxury. This modern eight-story building was custom built by local […]
Opus Hotel: chic boutique hotel is the ideal place to stay in Vancouver
August 10, 2010 by
What makes a particular hotel the ideal place to stay in a city? For me there are 5 criteria: (1) proximity to public transportation; (2) fun, lively neighborhood where locals shop and eat out, plus a walkable, livable physical environment; (3) interior decor; (4) excellent service; and (5) quiet, comfortable rooms. The Opus Hotel scores […]
Mapplr’s favorite hotels in Toronto
June 17, 2009 by
There’s no reason to stay in a drab, soulless chain hotel when you are visiting Toronto whether for business or pleasure. I’ve put together a list of my favorite hotels that offer much more than the usual bland interior decor that infests many urban hotels. For example, the Gladstone Hotel’s 37 rooms are designed by […]
Mapplr’s favorite hotels in Montreal
June 13, 2009 by
If you are going to Montreal, check out these gorgeous hotels, from the very hip Hotel St. Paul (pictured above) to the stately, more traditional (but still contemporary) Hotel Le Germain. There’s no reason anymore to stay in a charmless, depressing business hotel if you have options such as these. Make sure you check out […]
Mapplr’s favorite restaurants in Vancouver
November 10, 2008 by
Vancouver is well-known for the variety of ethnic restaurants and the quality of its seafood. In the last decade, immigrants from Asia and young innovative chefs have raised the standard of cooking in the city. There are enough restaurants to choose from, but here are my favorites. Vij’s Restaurant 1480 11th Avenue West Vancouver, BC […]
Mapplr’s favorite restaurants in Toronto
May 8, 2008 by
Toronto is a beautiful cosmopolitan city that has very good restaurants and a fabulous night life (and an excellent ice hockey team). There are a lot of excellent ethnic places to dine, especially in Chinatown, where you can also find Vietnamese food. C5 Restaurant Lounge Royal Ontario Museum, 100 Queen’s Park, 5th Fl. Toronto, Canada […]
Mapplr’s favorite restaurants in Montreal
April 28, 2008 by
Montreal has so many good restaurants that putting together a list of favorites is asking for trouble. Inevitably someone will disagree with you. So let’s just say that this is a place to start and if you find better ones, let me know. Bazaar 365 Laurier St. W. Montreal, Canada +1 514 276 6999 Mediterranean, […]
