If you know me, you know I love a staycation or checking out hotels/stays in different cities. There’s something about a hotel that really draws me in, whether it’s brand-new with modern features and amenities, or historic and full of stories. The Omni King Edward is one of those historic ones, and when I dove a little deeper into the Toronto spot, I learned about some of the hotel’s most famous guests, and a few other pieces of its past, which dates back to 1903.
The King Edward was a crucial addition to Toronto in 1903, giving the city its own “palace hotel” among other cities, such as New York, Paris, and London.
Earning a reputation as a “symbol of luxury,” it started drawing in the local and international elite.
When the hotel first opened its doors, George Gooderham, the primary financier of the spot, took the honour as The King Edward’s first official guest, and there was certainly no trouble bringing in guests after, especially when high-profile visitors needed somewhere to stay during the race week leading up to the Queen’s Plate on May 23.
The Royal Canadian Yacht Club Ball was held on the 22nd, “showcasing the hotel’s grandeur, with a naval-themed ballroom and lavish supper, leaving a lasting impression on the city’s elite.”
And now for the name-dropping.
In 1957, the King of Rock and Roll himself, Elvis, enjoyed a two-night stay. The singer was there for two shows in one evening at Maple Leaf Gardens, marking his first and only performances in Canada.
The year 1964 was big for The King Edward, welcoming a slew of celebrities. According to the hotel, Richard Burton, Elizabeth Taylor, and The Beatles all stayed there during that year. The Beatles’ visit was extra special, as it marked the band’s first time in Canada. Similar to Elvis, they played their show at Maple Leaf Gardens.
John Lennon returned in 1969 with Yoko Ono, staying as part of the couple’s “bed-in for peace” campaign.
Oh, and those aren’t the only massive names that have been through the doors of The King Edward. The hotel notes that these famous faces are also among the guests who have stayed there:
- Shirley Temple
- Mark Twain
- Ernest Hemingway
- Julie Andrews
- J.P. Morgan
- Paul Newman
- Royals like Queen Elizabeth II, Queen Elizabeth, Prince Philip, and Princess Margaret
- Theodore Roosevelt
In 2013, Omni Hotels & Resorts began managing, partnering with, and operating The King Edward, announcing the full acquisition in 2016 and renaming it to what we know today, The Omni King Edward.
If you learned something new today, same. And of course, The Omni King Edward is still hosting guests from Toronto and around the world to this day. If you’re ever in the area of King and Victoria, go check it out!
The Omni King Edward Hotel
Where: 37 King St. E.
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