#TRAVEL: BISHA, A LUXURY COLLECTION HOTEL

After seven successful years since opening its doors November 2017, Bisha Hotel is entering a new era. After recent news of it being acquired by Sunray Group, the stunning boutique hotel on Blue Jays Way, quite literally in the heart of Toronto’s Entertainment District, has rebranded as BISHA, a Luxury Collection Hotel. It has the distinction of being Canada’s first property under Marriott’s Luxury Collection brand.

The Hotel saw a huge profile boost during TIFF ’24 where it hosted prolific DEADLINE Studio. Any and every A-Lister (we’re talking Angelina Jolie, Cate Blanchett, Selena Gomez, Demi Moore) or rising star (recent Oscar winner Mikey Madison) passed through its famous black doors. Not to mention, the Hotel houses suites designed by non other than Rock God, Lenny Kravitz.

Still home to some of the City’s finest dining including restaurants AKIRA BACK, KŌST, MISTER C, and FRENCH MADE – which continue to be managed by founder INK Entertainment – the building still holds the same sophistication, precise service and timeless elegance it has. The same attentive and friendly service team are still there to make this a thoughtful stay. But what the future holds with the power of bring a Marriott Luxury Collection property is both enticing and exciting.

We enjoyed a stay at BISHA recently after having admired it for many years, dining at its establishments, and attending many an event there. It exceeds all expectations on every account, standing side-by-side with any five-star hotel in the City. Whether it be its aesthetic, its service, its cleanliness, its views and proximity to anything you could ever need, there are so many reasons to make this your home away from home in Toronto.

The Hotel’s 96 suites and rooms, inspired by and named after some of the greats, include:

The Nina

The Frank

The Yves

The Andy

The Oscar

The Grace

The Stella

The Marilyn

The Olivia

The Alexander

The Bisha Suite

The Nina Mobility/Hearing Accessible Roll-in Shower

The Frank Mobility/ Hearing Accessible Roll-in Shower

The Yves Mobility/ Hearing Accessible Roll-in Shower

The Stella Mobility/ Hearing Accessible Roll-in Shower

We stayed in a double Queen-bed suite, THE GRACE, which felt oversized and intimate, adorned with gorgeous fixtures. Its bed and pillows, primed for a great night of sleep. A small living room set-up by the window was perfect for lounging and enjoying a nibble and sip upon check-in. A desk to do a little bit of work was very handy to have, and perfect for those who are coming to the City for business.

Its bathroom exuded pure style with a walk-in shower and vanity all in black and white marble. The toilet is separated in its own enclosure for privacy.

We appreciated having a Nespresso machine ready for us always, plus a fully-stocked drink and snack bar with only the finest confections and beverages available. And we are literally obsessed with our television, which had access to wide array of channels, embedded within a glass panel.

And most importantly, our hearts were touched by the pet-welcoming setup which included dishes for water and food, plus a sizey bed for our beanie. Our little girl is very anxious in new surroundings, but settled-in very well as you will see from our highlight video below. It is a huge help that our suite was away from the bustle and noise. A challenge with being in Entertainment District is finding a bit of greenery for walks, but just around the corner on Wellington is a very dog-friendly park that also has a leash-free enclosure.

A fitness facility is available on the Hotel’s third floor as well, if you must. Valet Parking also is available for those driving in. And a reminder that CN Tower, Rogers Centre, Ripley’s Aquarium, TIFF Lightbox, Princess of Wales Theatre, Royal Alexandra Theatre, Roy Thomson Hall, Metro Convention Centre, and Scotiabank Area are all a short walk away.

The presence of hotspot THE WELL has given the area a huge boost. There is an endless variety of great food for all budgets and appetites, retail, and spas like the outstanding ETIKET if you need some rejuvenation.

Our stay was very timely as BISHA was hosting on its 43rd floor Sky Suite, a Women’s Day Market Pop-Up which showcased Canadian businesses led by females. Supporters showed-up in large numbers for a chance to get a free express facial by CAUDALIE, scalp analysis by PALM SUNDAY, Bone Broth Coffee and Hot Chocolate by BECK’S BROTH and more. beanie and I were thrilled to show our support in a time when it is so important to support our local economy.

Some highlights from our weekend:

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A post shared by William Wong (@mrwillwong)

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A post shared by William Wong (@mrwillwong)

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A post shared by William Wong (@mrwillwong)

Reserve now.

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)

#TRAVEL: BISHA HOTEL KICKS-OFF LOVER LOUNGE

Yesterday, Bisha Hotel—just steps from the Rogers Centre, where thousands of Swifties gathered for Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour—unveiled its Lover Lounge. This imaginative reimagination of the hotel’s lobby bar has become the pre-concert destination for fans and hotel guests.

At the Lover Lounge, guests can immerse themselves in:

-A photobooth for capturing Swift-inspired memories.
-A bracelet-making station to trade custom friendship bracelets.
-A glam bar featuring face freckles, temporary tattoos, stickers, and everything needed for concert-ready glam.
-Sunglasses and more!

On opening day, the energy was electric as hundreds of fans—from parents with children to die-hard Swifties who traveled from Colorado, Ohio, and Connecticut—gathered to celebrate.

The Lover Lounge is open from 12–6 PM this Friday and Saturday, and again from Thursday, Nov. 21, to Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024 during Taylor Swift’s concert dates.

#FOOD: CELEBRATE TAYLOR SWIFT’S “ERAS TOUR” AT FRENCH MADE AND KŌST

With the Taylor Swift ERA’s Tour making its way to Toronto, French Made and KŌST have curated a Taylor-inspired menu that will have every Swiftie singing with joy! From Enchanted Hot Chocolate to the irresistible Pain Au Love Story croissant, these exclusive menu items are available for a limited time, Nov 12–24. Both establishments are inside Bisha Hotel, which also has Taylor-inspired suites and floors during the tour!

At French Made, enjoy treats like the Dream Macaron and Pain Au Love Story, or sip on the Lavender Lover latte and Shake it Off iced matcha. At KŌST, the Lavender Haze cocktail and Midnight Rain mocktail sparkle with edible glitter, making them the perfect celebratory drinks for the occasion.

We’d love for you to share these exciting limited-time offerings with your readers and followers—don’t let them miss out on these delicious, Taylor-inspired creations!

Menu Highlights:

FRENCH MADE

Drinks

Enchanted: Hot Chocolate, Whipped Cream & Sprinkles
Lavender Lover: Lavender Latte
Shake it Off: Iced Matcha with Strawberry Matcha

Pastries

Dream Macaron: Vanilla Bean Marshmallow & Ontario Strawberry Jam
Pain Au Love Story: Croissant Dough, Valrhona Almond Inspiration Couverture & Frangipane (Price: $7)
Macaron ($5 per piece or a box of 5 for $20)

KŌST

Cocktails

Lavender Haze: Tanqueray Gin, St-Germain, Butterfly Pea Powder, Passion Fruit Juice, Hibiscus Syrup, Miss Better’s Bitter, Lime (contains edible glitter)

Mocktails

Midnight Rain: Seedlip Non-Alcoholic Spirit, Butterfly Pea Powder, Passion Fruit Juice, Hibiscus Syrup (contains edible glitter)