The Gladstone Hotel: For the Artsy Masalamomma

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MM Travels : Couples Staycations – Gladstone Hotel  

bigstock-Vintage-Top-User-Choice-Label-42049507As much as we Masalamommas love our kids sometimes there’s quite nothing like sneaking away without them. Whether it is a couple’s getaway or babymoon there’s plenty of local oases for Toronto Masalamommas to escape to with their loving partners. Over the next few months Masalamommas will be exploring some of Toronto’s best hotels and boutique accommodations for a getaway without the kids. No matter what type of haven you’re looking for, there’s a spot for the Masalamomma in you!

 

The Gladstone | For the Artsy Masalamomma

By Yashy Selvadurai Murphy @yashyanthi & online at: babyandlife.com

1377365_676692660467_1450377771_nThe Gladstone is known as Toronto’s Boutique Art Hotel and Masalamommas looking for unique hotels immersed in culture are sure to love this trendy Queen West hot spot. Toronto’s oldest continuously operated hotel still pays homage to its 1889 origin throughout the four-story space.

Each of the 37 rooms is uniquely designed by local artists and hence no two stays are ever the same. As Masalamomma’s travel writer my husband and I recently stayed at the Combo Moderna room as we escaped for a one night babymoon in the city before the arrival of baby no.2.

Friendly staff offers a warm welcome and we were escorted to the fourth floor in Toronto’s oldest hand-operated elevator. The elevator is named after Hank Young the Gladstone’s legendary Cowboy who from 1961 to 2009 was often seen at the Gladstone in various roles; performer, elevator operator and all-round go to guy.  Yes Hank even adorns the walls of the Gladstone alongside exhibits and art-deco curated by local artists. I was informed that the art rotates every couple of months so you’re sure to see new exhibits quite frequently.

Our room was a cozy retreat designed by two artists, Kelly Palmer and Melanie Zanker. Kelly’s hand painted wallpaper and Melanie’s handcrafted furniture explores various historical decades and is sure to tickle those Masalamommas who are into art and history. A queen bed adorned with luxurious cotton linen, free Wi-Fi, a basket of locally sourced organic goodies and a Samsung Tablet are all part of the comforts of the room. In keeping with the historical boutique style, most washrooms are on the smaller side but still decorated artistically. Complementary chai and coffee every morning in the lounge was also a lovely touch and we especially enjoyed watching the sun set over the hustle and bustle of the city. Be sure to check out the other rooms to see which one may be perfect for you.

Back in the day the Gladstone was one of the first hotels in Ontario where patrons were able to drink and play shuffleboard in a licensed alcoholic area so it’s no surprise that many a good cocktail can be found in the hotel’s Café and Melody bar. The Pear’D Vanilla was a lovely well-balanced vodka and pear nectar martini while the Big Texan Bourbon magically combined grapefruit with agave and basil.

SEE OUR VIDEO TOUR HERE!

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They also have a rotating tap of craft beers and wines for those looking for something a little less bold. A seasonal menu is always available if you’re looking to have a few nibbles with the drinks. Catching a few good tunes with no kiddy distractions and reveling in each other’s company is just what the doctor ordered!

For those Masalamommas looking to explore the Queen West bounties, catch one of the over 70 art exhibitions hosted at the Gladstone hotel or sneak in a quick getaway that speaks to the artiste in you, the Gladstone is definitely worth exploring.

Stay tuned to see where we explore next!


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