The flagship of the incomparable Fairmont hotels throughout Canada, the Fairmont Royal York has entertained royals and politicians, celebrities and commoners alike.
Built by the Canadian Pacific Railway Company and unveiled on June 11, 1929, the Fairmont Royal York was the tallest building in the British Commonwealth and set a new standard of luxury for the day.
Upon opening, a room at the Royal York cost $2 per person, and guests could order a grilled Lake Ontario trout for $.85 or a filet mignon for $1.75 in the dining room.
Over the years, Toronto's grandest hotel was added to, renovated, and restored. Yet many of the original features remain intact and are a source of awe and admiration to this day. They include the lobby's hand-painted ceiling, travertine pillars, ornate furnishings, and glistening crystal chandeliers.
Toronto has often been a favorite location of moviemakers, and the Fairmont Royal York played a role in many films including "That Old Feeling" starring Bette Midler, "Murder at 1600" starring Wesley Snipes, Sylvester Stallone’s “Champs”, "Bait" with Jamie Fox, John Cusack’s romantic comedy, “Serendipity”, and Russell Crowe’s boxing epic “Cinderella Man."
