If you’ve lived in Toronto for any length of time, you’ve probably heard of "the Old Mill." Maybe you went there for a fancy brunch when you were ten, or perhaps you know someone who got married in the candlelit chapel. It’s one of those places that feels like it’s been there forever, mostly because it has. But honestly, there’s a bit of a misconception that the Old Mill Toronto Hotel is some ancient medieval castle. It isn’t.
While the property itself breathes history, the actual hotel portion didn't open its doors until October 2001. That’s right—it’s younger than some of the interns working at the front desk. Yet, when you walk through the lobby, you’d swear you were in a different century. The stone walls, the heavy wood beams, and the faint scent of woodsmoke from the fireplaces make it feel like a Tudor-style manor hidden in the Humber Valley. It’s a weirdly effective trick of architecture that makes you forget you’re just a three-minute walk from a modern subway station.
The Robert Home Smith Vision: More Than Just a Tea Room
To understand why this place exists, you have to look back at a guy named Robert Home Smith. Back in 1914—literally on the day war was declared—he opened the Old Mill Tea Garden. People thought he was a bit nuts, but he had a vision for the Kingsway neighborhood. He wanted to create a "bit of England" in Canada. He wasn't just building a restaurant; he was selling a lifestyle to the wealthy business sector of the time.
The history of the site is actually a bit chaotic. It’s been plagued by fire. Multiple mills stood on this spot in the 1800s, and most of them burned down. The ruins you see today (or the ones integrated into the structure) are the remnants of William Gamble’s 1848 grist mill. Home Smith took that charred legacy and turned it into a place for dancing and big band music.
In the 1920s, the Old Mill was the place to be. You’d put on your best suit or gown, head down to the valley, and dance to a live orchestra. What’s cool is that they’ve actually kept that alive. While most modern hotels are trying to be "minimalist" and "industrial," the Old Mill Toronto Hotel doubles down on the nostalgia. They still host dinner and dance nights with big bands. It’s a specific vibe, and if you’re into that "Old World" charm, nothing else in the city really compares.
Inside the Rooms: Fireplaces and Jet Tubs
Here is the thing about the guest rooms: they are huge. I mean, compared to those tiny "boutique" pods you get downtown where you can barely open your suitcase, these rooms are sprawling. There are only 57 of them, which keeps it feeling more like an inn than a massive corporate hotel.
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- Every single room has an all-season fireplace. It doesn't matter if it's July; you can turn that thing on and pretend you're in a cottage in the Cotswolds.
- Most rooms feature whirlpool tubs. We're talking big, deep tubs meant for actually soaking, not just standing in.
- The decor is... let's call it "traditional." You’ll see a lot of floral patterns, heavy drapes, and mahogany-toned furniture.
Some might call it "dated," but that’s sort of missing the point. If you wanted a glass-and-steel condo vibe, you’d stay at the Ritz or the Shangri-La. You come here because you want the Egyptian cotton sheets and the feeling that you’re hiding from the 21st century.
The Spa and the "Secret" Amenities
One of the big draws here is the spa. It’s actually one of the few places in North America that uses Clarins products exclusively in its treatments. It’s won a bunch of awards, but beyond the accolades, it’s just very quiet. Because the hotel is tucked away in the Humber Valley, you don’t hear the sirens of Bloor Street or the rumble of the Gardiner Expressway. You just hear the wind in the trees.
If you’re a nature person, you’ve got Etienne Brûlé Park right outside the door. In the fall, you can literally walk down to the river and watch the salmon run. It’s a wild sight—huge fish jumping up the weirs right in the middle of the city. You can also rent kayaks or canoes nearby if you want to actually get on the water. It’s a side of Toronto that most tourists (and even many locals) never see because they’re too busy staring at the CN Tower.
The Food Situation: Brunch, Tea, and Buffets
Let’s talk about the buffet. The Old Mill buffet is a Toronto institution. On weekends, people descend on this place for the brunch and dinner spreads. We’re talking carving stations with prime rib and turkey, seafood platters, and a massive dessert table that usually includes a chocolate fountain. It’s the kind of place where you see three generations of a family sitting together.
- Afternoon Tea: Served Thursday to Sunday. It’s the real deal with finger sandwiches, scones, and clotted cream.
- The Terrace Room: Great for smaller, more intimate meals.
- Jazz Lounge: If you want some live music with your cocktail, this is where you go.
Is it the "hippest" food scene in Toronto? Probably not. You won't find deconstructed avocado toast or fusion tacos here. But you will find a very well-executed Sunday roast and a glass of wine by the fire. Sometimes, that’s exactly what the doctor ordered.
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Weddings: The 16th-Century Vibe
You can't mention the Old Mill Toronto Hotel without talking about weddings. They have 16 different event spaces. That is a staggering amount for a boutique property. The "jewel" is the candlelit chapel. It has stained glass windows and wooden pews, and it feels incredibly solemn and ancient, even though it was built much later than the 16th century (it's designed in that style).
The Secret Garden is another big one. It has an ivy-covered trellis that looks like something out of a Brontë sister's novel. If you’re planning a wedding here, the perk is that your out-of-town guests just have to walk a few steps to get to their rooms. No shuttles, no navigating Toronto traffic.
A Few Realities to Consider
Look, no place is perfect. If you’re staying at the Old Mill Toronto Hotel, you need to know a few things so you aren't surprised.
First, the location. It’s in the West End. If your goal is to spend every night at a club in the Entertainment District, you’re going to be spending a lot of money on Ubers or spending 25 minutes on the TTC. However, the Old Mill Subway station is literally right there, so getting downtown is easy, it just takes a bit of time.
Second, the "old" factor. Because it’s a heritage-style building, the layout can be a bit of a labyrinth. There are lots of hallways and different levels. It’s charming if you like exploring, but it can be a bit confusing the first time you’re trying to find the spa.
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Third, the price. It isn't a budget motel. You are paying for the "boutique" experience and the historical ambiance.
Actionable Steps for Your Visit
If you're planning a stay or even just a day trip to the Old Mill Toronto Hotel, here is how to make the most of it:
- Book the Spa in Advance: It fills up fast, especially on weekends when wedding parties are in town. Don't expect to walk in and get a massage on a Saturday afternoon.
- Check the Jazz Schedule: Look at their calendar before you go. Seeing a live show in the Home Smith Jazz Bar is a much better experience than just sitting in your room.
- Walk the Trail: Bring comfortable shoes. The path along the Humber River is one of the best walking trails in the city. It’s flat, easy, and gorgeous.
- Subway Over Driving: Parking can be a bit of a pain and it’s paid. If you can, take the Line 2 (Bloor-Danforth) subway to Old Mill station. It’s a beautiful walk across the bridge to the hotel.
- Request a Valley View: When booking your room, ask for one overlooking the Humber Valley rather than the courtyard or the street. The view of the trees is much more relaxing.
Whether you're looking for a romantic staycation or you just want to see a piece of Toronto's history that isn't a glass skyscraper, this place holds its own. It’s an anachronism, sure. But in a city that’s changing as fast as Toronto, there’s something nice about a place that stays exactly the same.
Next Steps: Check the current seasonal menu for the Dining Room, as they often rotate their buffet offerings based on local Ontario produce. If you’re visiting in the autumn, time your stay for the salmon run in early October to see the river at its most active.