The Broadview Hotel

The Broadview Hotel is a masterclass in adaptive reuse, transforming a storied 1891 Romanesque Revival landmark into the anchor of Riverside. Originally built as Dingman Hall, the building spent decades as a gritty, legendary rooming house and home to the infamous Jilly’s strip club before its meticulous restoration by Streetcar Developments and Dream Unlimited. Today, it serves as a sophisticated boutique hotel that respects its Victorian roots while embracing a modern, polished aesthetic. The Rooftop, its crown jewel, is where the city’s history meets its future; the space features a 360-degree glass facade and a pyramidal skylight that keeps the atmosphere vibrant year-round. It is the kind of place that feels both grand and intimate, offering a perspective on Toronto that you simply cannot get from the downtown core.

For a first-timer, the experience is all about the view, so aim for a spot on the outdoor terrace if the weather cooperates, though the indoor lounge is equally stunning. The menu leans into elevated bar snacks and shareable plates; the truffle fries and crispy Calabrian cauliflower are reliable crowd-pleasers, and the cocktail list is consistently sharp. Prices are on the higher side, reflecting the premium location and atmosphere. While the indoor lounge accepts reservations, the outdoor terrace operates on a first-come, first-served basis, so arrive early on sunny weekends to secure your spot. If you want to avoid the peak crowds, visit during a weekday afternoon for a quieter, more relaxed vibe, or drop by for their daily happy hour to get a taste of the experience without the full price tag.