One of Toronto’s best-known hotels, the Park Hyatt, is set to open its doors again in September after being closed for nearly four years. Fully restored, the famed luxury property promises a return to former glory with a distinctive nod to Canadian heritage, art deco, and especially literature.

Located at Bloor Street and Avenue Road in Yorkville, across the street from the Royal Ontario Museum and University of Toronto, the hotel opened as the Park Plaza in 1936, before joining the Hyatt fold in 1999. Considered past its prime and surpassed by the neighbouring Four Seasons, which itself had opened a new flagship property a block from its original location in 2012, it closed for renovations in 2017.

In 2021, the re-imagined Park Hyatt Toronto will introduce luxury, sophistication, and glamour courtesy of noted designer Alessandro Munge of Studio Munge, who drew inspiration from Canada’s striking seasons and natural landscapes.

A former haunt for the literary set in the city, the hotel will also be rooted in celebrating the sophistication of the arts, its “historical significance as a gathering spot for great minds,” and the amazing views of the Toronto skyline.

For example, the iconic 17th-floor cocktail bar, familiar to Torontonians and international travellers alike, will be known as the “Writers Room,” paying homage to the history of literary legends that patronized the hotel in the past, such as Margaret Attwood, Mordecai Richler, and Hugh Garner.

The hotel will announce a new culinary destination, influenced by the spirit of Toronto’s vibrant arts and culture scene, in the coming weeks.

The restoration of the hotel comes as part of a wider redevelopment of the site into a mixed-use destination by its owner, Oxford Properties. In addition to Park Hyatt Toronto guest suites, the redevelopment has created 65 luxury rental apartments in the heritage-designated south tower, which has been completely restored and retained, making it one of the largest heritage restoration projects in Canada.

The complex will also feature 6,100 sq. m. of prime retail over two floors in the restored south tower with 30 m. of frontage along each of Bloor Street and Avenue Road.

“We felt a deep sense of obligation to create a destination that not only respects and embraces Park Hyatt Toronto’s storied history, but one that also reflects Toronto’s emergence as a truly global city,” says Oxford Properties head of hotels, Tyler Seaman. “This project is a celebration of the best of Canada. It’s reflected in its design palette, which is influenced by the Group of Seven, the curated art on display, and right down to the materials we used including limestone-flooring from Owen Sound (Ont.) It will be one of the best hotel experiences in Canada and the finest address in the city to live at.”

The hotel will feature a significant permanent art collection highlighting spectacular pieces from noteworthy Canadian and indigenous artists. The lobby features a large-scale tapestry designed by Canadian artist Shannon Bool, while the 219 guest rooms – including 40 luxurious suites – will balance residential comfort with contemporary design.

A spa and wellness destination will host personalized treatments with a collection of highly curated relaxation services to treat the body and calm the mind.

Park Hyatt currently operates 45 hotels around the globe, with destination ranging from Abu Dhabi to Zurich, Switzerland.