The Rex Hotel

The food is good, the beer is cold, and Andy is a great waiter. I’m pretty sure he’s the same guy who served us when we came here a few years ago, though we live out of town. It’s such a welcome change from standard "pub fare", and a truly unique experience that’s hard to find these days. Looking forward to our next visit in several years.

I’ve always liked this place best in Toronto. It’s cozy and welcoming, the bartenders treat you like a friend, the music is great, and the food is good. My wife and I stayed in the hotel rooms about 15 years ago, before we got married. They were old and nothing special, but somehow special all the same. The building and its history are awesome. Go for drinks, food, and music, and forget about the BS outside for a while.

That room has always felt like part of Toronto to me. I’ve spent plenty of nights and money at The Rex Hotel Jazz & Blues Bar over the years, bringing friends, dates, and visiting musicians for the world-class music and the usual lively atmosphere. Last night was completely different. Our waitress was lovely, friendly, and attentive, but the bartender kept aggressively shushing people across the room. It happened over and over, to whole tables and individual guests who were just talking at a normal volume. The place got tense, with people checking around as if they might be told off for ordering a drink. I’ve been coming intermittently for decades and haven’t seen anything like that. Jazz clubs have music, conversation, and a low buzz from people enjoying both. This felt more like detention. I hope it was just a bad night, because if this is the new house policy, I’m not in a hurry to return.

The rooms are basic, but comfortable enough, and the price was great. They gave me a fan that drowned out the street noise so I could sleep well. Front desk staff also kept my bags for the day, which made it much easier to explore Toronto without carrying everything around during a one-night stay.