Ignite the Spark with That Special Someone at Toronto's Most Romantic Hotels

Mary Pickford and Douglas Fairbanks, Liz Taylor and Richard Burton and John Lennon and Yoko Ono are just some of the celebrity couples who have made the King Edward Hotel their home in Toronto over the years. Lennon and Ono even staged one of their infamous bed-ins for peace here in 1969, an honourable challenge for any couple. A designated historic property, Torontonians have fondly referred to this grand Edwardian hotel as the King Eddy since its opening in 1903. The hotel's glory slowly faded until renovations reshaped it in the 1980s and it retains much of its charm and romance today. Carved marble columns adorn the lobby, and high ceilings and large windows make the guest rooms seem even more spacious than they are. Make time for high tea on weekend afternoons, a King Eddy tradition since the 1920s. Or, you know, just stay in bed.

There is a whimsical look to the Shangri-La that warrants a second glance, even amidst the commotion of the busy location. University and King is one of the hubs of activity in Toronto and the Shangri-La keeps up, making their attention to detail appear effortless. Expect luxurious classiness at every corner, with everything from high tea to a Turkish fitness centre available onsite. The Shangri-La is excellent at providing top-notch service, such as nightly live music in the lobby to decadent chocolates in your room. The Luxurious Romance package comes with breakfast for two at the award winning restaurant Bosk, truffles, a bottle of champagne and a reserved cabana at the Health Club. If you are in the dog house for any reason at all, it will most certainly get you out.

This 53-storey tower includes 267 hotel rooms on its first 20 floors, with 159 condo residences occupying the top floors. Both residents and hotel guests at the Ritz have access to a wealth of luxurious amenities. The fifth-floor spa and fitness centre offer body treatments and training sessions, yoga, as well as professional hair and makeup services and a lap pool surrounded by views of the city. The menu at TOCA draws from Canada's bounty, from Quebec foie gras to Alberta bison, served in a dining room rich with dark wood accents (ask for a tour of the cheese cave to really impress your date). Romantic guests can retreat early to spacious rooms featuring floor-to-ceiling windows, heated floors and spa bathrooms.

The Four Seasons was started by a Canadian businessman and this Yorkville location has only been open since 2012. 55 stories high and in the heart of the glamorous, there are 259 guest rooms including 42 suites. This Toronto location of the luxury brand is frequently held as a wedding venue and it holds all of the markers for a romantic break. With Michelin starred chef Daniel Boulud blending French flavours with the cosmopolitan flair of Canadian cuisine, there is ample opportunity to wine and dine. The plush rooms include down duvets and light-as-a-feather pillows. If your romantic weekend involves a lot of time in bed, you can order room service from the in-room iPad. The spa is an impressive 300,000 square feet and the ultimate place to indulge in a couple's massage.

The Fairmont Royal York is one of Toronto's most distinguished hotels, dominating Toronto's skyline until bigger skyscrapers took over the downtown landscape in the 1960s. Prominently located near Union Station, The Fairmont was built by the Canadian Pacific Railway and was one of the buildings that put Toronto on the map. When it opened in 1930, it was a city in itself with a private hospital, 12,000 book library and French bakery. Today, it is filled with modern amenities, such as IPad checkin for seamless guest arrival. There are a whopping 1363 guest rooms that are luxuriously decorated and one-of-a-kind suites which can be as large as 1500 square feet (where Prince Harry reportedly stayed). The Royal Romance Package involves a night's accommodation, sparkling wine, chocolate covered strawberries and late checkout.

Walking into the velvet adorned lobby of the Bisha Hotel will immediately sweep you into a different, less busy dimension (even though it is smack dab in the centre of Toronto). 85 guest rooms, 10 luxury suites and a two-floor, Lenny Kravitz-designed "Bisha suite" are decked in natural stone, dark leather and effortless cool. The 70s theme is by no means gaudy, with rooms awash in eclectic photographs, exquisite drink carts and televisions that fade into mirror when not in use (although romance and television don't really mix). If the two of you can distance yourself from your bathrobes, the infinity pool and unmissable Kost restaurant on the 44th floor are well worth a moment of your time to whisper sweet nothings over cocktails.

Part of what makes the Drake the perfect romantic retreat lies in its history. The hotel opened in 1890 as an upscale retreat for railway travellers stopping in what is now Toronto's west end. As the neighbourhood fell on hard times, the building became little more than a seedy flophouse but after 2001 received millions of dollars in upgrades. Today, the Drake Hotel houses a great restaurant and several bars and lounges where creative drinks, great live music and DJs draw crowds nightly. It is one of Toronto's hottest social hubs. Hotel aside, the Drake is the perfect place for a date. The Drake's 19 rooms are ready to overnight guests in spaces that are small, but neatly designed in a mix of modern artistic and old-time charm. Couples can delight in ordering a "pleasure package" for in-room fun that extends far beyond room service.

The Ivy describes itself as a European boutique hotel. However, a hotel doesn't have to be in Europe in order to bring romance to life through flourishing touches and impeccable service. The French inspired rooms are uniquely designed, each with king sized Hasten beds that are soft and welcoming, which is perfect if you plan on spending much of your stay there with your beloved (ahem). Each room also comes with a small balcony overlooking an 18th century courtyard where you can read the paper while you enjoy the breakfast tray that will be at your door in the morning. The showers are massive and built for more than one person to be comfortable and clean. (To which I say again: ahem.)

The St. Regis is the all-out, opulent choice for telling your beloved that they matter. They matter enough to have a butler service, heated bathroom floors and nightly champagne reception. They matter enough to have bellmen who open your doors with a smile and a front desk who makes it seem like they really want to help you. Half of the rooms have gas fireplaces to cozy up to, while the dark carpets, velvet furniture and crystal chandeliers encourage flirtation. If you can afford it, all you have to do is show up at the St. Regis and you will be deemed romantic.

The Hazelton Hotel may not be the budget choice, but this boutique hotel certainly doesn't scrimp when it comes to luxury. Custom-designed furnishings, French doors that open onto Juliet balconies and modern touches such as heated bathroom floors evoke both classic Parisian elegance and 21st century convenience. Room service in bed is an option for amorous couples. There is also a deep soaking tub in each room that can certainly accommodate more than one. Other interesting features at the Hazelton Hotel include a health club, salt water lap pool and a 25-seat state-of-the art theatre available for private movie screenings. Two certainly counts as private, right?