Hotel Hangouts — v i c k i h a l l

Can you even believe the long weekend is upon us already? Where has May gone? May is my favourite month of the year. Not only is it the start of Spring, but then there's Mother's Day, my birthday and of course my namesake holiday weekend. Although if I'm to be completely honest with you...I wasn't named Victoria after the Queen (although I should have been), I was named after The Kinks single Victoria off of their album Arthur which was released in October of '69. I was born in May of '70. My 14 year old brother thought the name would befit his newest little sister. But enough about me, lets do a quick round of up of some of the hotels I've visited during this busy month. Maybe you'll be able to work a couple of these suggestions into your long weekend.

Kost at the Bisha Hotel

If you want the feeling of a mini vacation, but you only have a few hours - I highly recommend a visit to Kost restaurant at the Bisha Hotel. I recently visited Kost on a fab day when this California inspired restaurant was in it's full glory. Coincidentally it was also my birthday! Kost sits atop the new Bisha Hotel on Blue Jays Way in downtown Toronto. While the Toronto skyline can steal the show, the menu is just as fabulous. I've been to Kost twice and both times I've chosen the the small share plates. After all, it's always nicer to share. I would highly recommend trying the Red Beet Salad, the Ahi Tuna Ceviche and the Hawaiian Kanpachi Ceviche. The oyster area also delicious. I was a little taken aback when they served our wine in plastic stemware, but I'm going to guess it's because there's so much incredible patio at Kost that it's easier to keep all stemware plastic in the spring/summer months. We got over it pretty quickly.

The Thompson Hotel

Still hanging in as one of Toronto's top luxury boutique hotels is The Thompson. Nestled in on Wellington Street, the Thompson rests in the popular King West district which overflows with fabulous restaurants and night spots. My husband I and I opted for cocktails and charcuterie at Cibo and then a late dinner at of my favourite restaurants in the city Le Select Bistro. After a peaceful sleep at The Thompson (no dog, no teenagers waking us up at 2 a.m.) we had breakfast at The Thompson Diner. This was a great mini getaway. We arrived home feeling refreshed and kids didn't trash the house - bonus!

Andaz Hotel - Ottawa

I stole my son away for a quick University tour weekend at the beginning of the May. Ottawa is home to two Ontario Universities, so we thought we should make the trek to check em' out. I of course was interested in staying at the new(ish) Andaz Hotel located in trendy Byward Market area of the city. The hotel boasts one of the prettiest views of the city and Parliament Buildings from it's rooftop lounge. Did you know that no building in Ottawa can be higher than the Peace Tower at the Parliament Buildings? I learned that on the Carleton University tour. The rooms at the Andaz are fresh, modern and spacious and the hotel boasts an impressive collection of art from local artists. It's location is walkable to the main attractions (museums, Parliament Buildings, Byward Market shopping and restaurants) and to the Rideau Center for some great shopping - Nordstrom included!