Gladstone Hotel

Specialties

Our historic Victorian/​turned Art Hotel is recognized internationally as one of the best in the world. Not only are our 37 artist-​designed guest rooms truly distinct works of art, but our entire building is dedicated to art. With a full-​time curator who organizes over 90 exhibitions a year in our 4 galleries, we regularly host arts-​related functions each month as well as live performances, bands, DJs, burlesque and foodie events.

Each of our guest rooms is based on the artist’s vision while adhering to the need for both inspiration and comfort. Every room is stylistically different, from minimalist to maximalist we’ve got a room for everyone’s taste.

We also serve delectable local food with Executive Chef Michael G. Smith’s cultural flair in two unique dining spaces, the Gladstone Café and the Melody Bar.

The Gladstone Hotel is a gateway to the Toronto arts scene with artist-​inspired rooms, art exhibitions, events and food that reflect the diversity and talent of the city.

History

Established in 1889.

The Gladstone Hotel is the oldest continuously operating hotel in Toronto. It was originally built as a stylish hostelry across from the then existing Parkdale railroad station which serviced the Grand Trunk, the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR), and the Canadian National Railway (CNR) companies.

The Gladstone Hotel has a long history of providing respite for artists and performers. In its early days, it was the «last stop» on the edge of Toronto’s city limits before heading west (usually by train). Many artists stayed here after performances at Massey Hall before heading out of town. It was also a favorite spot for vaudeville performers during the CNE.

The Zeidler family bought the hotel in 2000 and in 2003, Christina Zeidler began work to restore the hotel and enliven the business, maintaining the old staff and patrons while bringing in new communities.

Meet the Business Owner

Christina Z.

Business Owner

Christina Zeidler is a film and video artist with over twenty titles in distribution, which have shown internationally at festivals and appeared on television. In 2003 Christina was named one of Toronto’s 10 Best Filmmakers by Cameron Bailey, and won the Best Canadian Media award at the 2004 Images Film Festival. Christina has been the Developer and President of the Gladstone Hotel since 2003, focusing on the renovation and revitalization of the building through a community based approach. She was the creator of the Artist-​Designed Room Project (inviting 37 local artist/​designers to implement individually designed hotel rooms) and co-​curator of CUTMR, with Pamila Matharu since its inception in 2004.