Saturday, May 24, 2025

TOOR Hotel Opens Near Future Ontario Line, Creating Destination in Toronto’s Garden District

Manga Hotel Group has officially opened the doors to TOOR Hotel, a 33-storey mixed-use development at 203 Jarvis Street that positions itself as a destination anchor in Toronto’s evolving Garden District. Operating under the JdV by Hyatt brand, the property combines 232 hotel rooms with 181 premium residential units to create what its developer calls “a built-in community” for neighbourhood activation.

In an interview with 6ix Retail, Sukhdev Toor, President and CEO of Manga Hotel Group, shared his vision for the development’s role in transforming the area.

A Destination Beyond Accommodation

Muse Bistro + Bar (Image: TOOR Hotel Toronto)
Sukhdev Toor

The property’s centerpiece offering is Muse Bistro + Bar, a two-level dining venue spanning over 2,500 square feet that Toor positions as more than simply a hotel amenity.

“When we envisioned TOOR Hotel, we knew the dining experience needed to feel just as considered and elevated as the rest of the property,” said Toor. “Muse Bistro + Bar is designed to be more than just a hotel restaurant—it’s meant to be a destination.”

The French-inspired restaurant, developed with culinary direction from The Fifteen Group and designed by Mackaywong, features distinct concepts on each floor: a casual café environment at street level and a more refined dining room above.

“With its two-level layout, it offers a casual yet stylish café vibe on the ground floor and a more refined dining room above, complete with incredible city views,” Toor explained. “Whether you’re meeting for a coffee, grabbing a bite with friends, or winding down with a cocktail, Muse fits right into the rhythm of downtown Toronto.”

This dual-concept approach aligns with changing consumer preferences for flexible, multi-purpose dining spaces that can transition from daytime workspace to evening social venue.

Strategic Location in Transforming Neighborhood

Future Ontario Line Station from TOOR Hotel in Downtown Toronto (Image: 6ix Retail)

TOOR Hotel’s position directly across from Moss Park places it at the center of one of Toronto’s most rapidly evolving corridors, with the upcoming Ontario Line subway expansion promising significant changes to the area’s dynamics.

The Moss Park Station, part of the new 15.6-km Ontario Line, is slated to dramatically improve the neighborhood’s transportation connectivity, with an estimated 7,300 commuters expected to use the station during peak hours once completed.

The Ontario Line connection will link the Garden District more effectively to Toronto’s transit network. The development’s proximity to this major transit project positions it to benefit from the expected increase in pedestrian traffic and neighborhood transformation.

“Centrally located in the Garden District, TOOR Hotel is the perfect hub to access the financial district, historic sites, green spaces, world-class shopping, dining, arts, and theatre,” Toor explained. “It is also steps away from the new Moss Park subway station, providing seamless accessibility across the city.”

The transit hub is expected to generate approximately 1,500 transfers during peak travel hours, creating consistent pedestrian flow past the development. With over 4,100 car-free households in the vicinity, according to Ontario Line projections, locations in walkable proximity to transit become particularly valuable.

Local Sourcing as Brand Strategy

Retail Selection at TOOR Hotel in Downtown Toronto (Image: 6ix Retail)

TOOR Hotel has made Canadian sourcing central to its identity, reflecting the property’s positioning as a gateway to Toronto experiences.

“Sourcing local was a priority for us from the start. Toronto is such a culturally rich and creative city—it only made sense that the design of TOOR reflect that,” Toor said.

The property’s Garden District location directly influenced its design language, with Toronto-based DesignAgency creating interiors that reference the city’s urban grid and Victorian architecture. According to Matt Davis, Founding Partner of DesignAgency, the team “drew inspiration by incorporating elements from the city grid forms and Victorian architecture like arches and round towers.”

From guest rooms to public spaces, this emphasis on local connection extends throughout the property. “From the retail boutique to our in-room offerings and details throughout the hotel is a strong sense of place—thoughtfully chosen materials, local art, and a tone that feels unmistakably Toronto,” Toor added.

Mixed-Use Model Creates Community

TOOR Hotel with Future Signage (Rendering: TOOR Hotel)

The combination of hotel rooms with The 203 Residences rental units represents a strategic approach to creating consistent activity beyond traditional tourism patterns.

“That built-in community was very intentional,” Toor emphasized. “With 232 hotel rooms and suites and 181 rental units above, there’s a constant energy within and around the building.”

This integrated model positions the property to benefit surrounding operations as well. “When you have residents, travellers, and locals enjoying the space, you naturally create opportunities for retail and dining to thrive. We see Muse and all of its offerings as part of a larger downtown lifestyle—not siloed off, but woven into the community.”

Competitive Differentiation Through Amenities

TOOR Hotel in Downtown Toronto (Image: 6ix Retail)

In Toronto’s increasingly competitive luxury hotel market, TOOR Hotel has developed distinctive facilities targeting both business and leisure consumers.

“We designed TOOR with the modern traveller in mind—someone who expects style, functionality, and experience in equal measure,” Toor said. “Whether you’re here for work or to unwind, we’ve curated thoughtful amenities: a 1,500-square-foot fitness centre and yoga studio with best-in-class equipment, flexible meeting space, and even a 3,000-square-foot terrace where you can take in the skyline.”

The property features four distinct event venues: the Garden Room (255 square feet overlooking the city streets), the Lake Room (a 277-square-foot boardroom), the 14th-floor Terrace (2,715 square feet of outdoor space), and Muse on the Mezzanine (accommodating up to 150 guests).

Guest rooms feature floor-to-ceiling windows, Lutron smart lighting systems, 55-inch televisions, and Nespresso machines.

“It’s these touches—personal, efficient, elevated alongside our excellent customer service—that set us apart,” Toor noted.

Expansion Plans Signal Growing Portfolio

TOOR Hotel in Downtown Toronto (Image: 6ix Retail)

TOOR Hotel represents the first of four boutique TOOR Hotel Collection properties scheduled to open in downtown Toronto locations over the next five years. According to company statements, “The collection will range from lifestyle to luxury 5-star hotels, with each property curated to be a unique reflection of its neighbourhood’s aesthetic and atmosphere.”

Beyond Toronto, Manga Hotel Group is also preparing to expand the TOOR Hotel brand to New York City’s Soho district later this year.

“We’re incredibly excited about the Soho project,” said Toor. “What we’re working on in New York will carry the same DNA as TOOR Toronto—elegant design, a strong sense of locality, and hospitality that feels personal.”

The expansion will adapt the Toronto model to Soho’s distinctive character. “Soho has this iconic blend of art, fashion, and edge, and we want TOOR to feel at home in that,” Toor explained. “We’re planning to collaborate with local creatives and bring in design elements that reflect the area’s unique spirit.”

This location-specific approach will guide the brand’s expansion strategy. “It won’t be a copy-and-paste—it’ll be a continuation of what we believe TOOR can be in any global city: thoughtful, stylish, and rooted in place,” Toor concluded.

View of TOOR Hotel in Downtown Toronto from Queen Street E (Image: 6ix Retail)

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