#TRAVEL: UNION HOTEL PARTNERS WITH GILLER PRIZE ON #BOOKTALK

Union Hotel, an independent lifestyle hotel known for its vibrant, culturally rooted guest experience, is partnering with the Giller Prize to put a unique spin on book clubs with the launch of a new literary series: Union Hotel x Giller Prize Present: #BookTalk, debuting Tuesday, June 24, 2025.

This exclusive and intimate series, rooted in Union Hotel’s storytelling pillar, brings some of Canada’s most acclaimed authors into conversation with notable Canadian interviewers, celebrating CanLit in a way that is thoughtful, contemporary, and community-focused.

“This series is a love letter to Canadian literature, and an invitation to those who love storytelling to see beyond the page,” says Kevin Slean, General Manager, Union Hotel. “We have been inspired by the reading renaissance and revival of book club culture, and of course the popular #BookTok trend, to offer a fresh way to gather, read, and reflect in person.”

Taking place in the Union Hotel lobby, #BookTalk invites guests and literary lovers alike to engage with a Giller Prize-winning, shortlisted, or longlisted author in a relaxed and intimate setting. Each featured author will be interviewed live by a fellow writer or journalist for an evening of thoughtful conversation.

Known for his thought-provoking perspectives, acclaimed author André Alexis kicks off the #BookTalk series on June 24. Interviewed by award-winning journalist and The Globe and Mail’s deputy national editor Rachel Giese, André will discuss his award-winning works, including Fifteen Dogs and his debut novel Childhood, as well as his recently released Other Worlds.

“Canadian stories feed our souls, express our yearnings and are critical elements of our national identity, heritage, and cultural ecosystem. In this current political moment, it is more critical than ever to assert and protect our cultural sovereignty and celebrate our unique narratives, stories that are integral to understanding who we are as a people, who we are in this world,” said Elana Rabinovitch, Executive Director, Giller Prize/The Giller Foundation.

BookTalk Series sessions this summer:

Session One: Tuesday, June 24, 6 p.m. | André Alexis in conversation with Rachel Giese

Session Two: Tuesday, July 15, 6 p.m. | Thomas King (Indians on Vacation, The Back of the Turtle, The Inconvenient Indian)

Session Three: Thursday, August 21, 6 p.m. | Souvankham Thammavongsa (How to Pronounce Knife)

This fall, the Series will host beloved authors Michael Redhill and Ann-Marie Macdonald, as well as the winner of the 2025 Giller Prize in November.

A limited number of tickets for the debut session are now available for purchase. Learn more about Union Hotel x Giller Prize Present: #BookTalk online, visit the image gallery, and engage with Union Hotel on Instagram and TikTok.

About Union Hotel:

Union Hotel is an independent lifestyle property in Toronto’s financial district, steps from Union Station. With 189 thoughtfully designed guest rooms and a vibrant café and lounge, Humble Donkey, Union Hotel celebrates individuality, creativity, and connection. The hotel’s dynamic offerings include a nod to the city’s iconic train station with a Split Flap Display behind the front desk and the UH Marketplace, featuring hyper-local retail offerings that support emerging and small businesses. By weaving local culture into every aspect of the guest experience, Union Hotel invites guests to live life unscripted.

About the Giller Prize:

Founded by Jack Rabinovitch in 1994, the Giller Prize is Canada’s leading and most influential literary prize for fiction. The Giller Effect has been recognized industry-wide as one of the top drivers of book sales in Canada. The Giller Prize awards $100,000 annually to the author of the best Canadian novel, graphic novel or short story collection published in English, and $10,000 to each of the finalists. To date, the Giller Prize has awarded more than two million dollars to Canadian writers. The award is named in honour of Jack Rabinovitch’s wife, the late literary journalist, Doris Giller.

#TRAVEL: TORONTO’S UNION HOTEL IS NOW OPEN

Union Hotel, an independent lifestyle property inspired by Toronto’s rich and diverse culture, is now open at 60 York St. Steps from historic Union Station, this 189-room hotel offers a transformative hospitality experience in the heart of Toronto’s financial district. It champions individuality, creativity, and meaningful connections.

Created for those who think differently, Union Hotel provides a welcoming space where guests are encouraged to live life unscripted and feel at home. Locally inspired touches are woven into every detail – from design and amenities to culinary offerings and the entire guest experience, Union Hotel celebrates the cultural richness of Toronto. Guests can immerse themselves in the city’s theatre, sports, shopping, and culinary scenes, all within walking distance.

“Union Hotel is more than just a place to stay; it’s a place to connect,” said Kevin Slean, General Manager, Union Hotel. “Our mission is to inspire ambition, nurture courage, and empower our guests to defy convention while discovering the local neighbourhood gems this global city offers.”
Union Hotel’s design is a testament to the tapestry of Toronto. FRANK Architecture & Interiors’ layered, eclectic aesthetic tells the story of the city, the hotel, and all those who experience what it has to offer. The 12-story building’s façade has been updated with charcoal brick and expansive windows, to draw in guests and local passersby. Beyond the framed view of the interior is a thoughtfully created space with an approachable, warm palette and quirky, nostalgic details inspired by the past – the perfect space to continue the story.
Through art, curated programming, simple yet elevated food and beverage offerings, and an incredible independent spirit, Union Hotel invites guests to discover Toronto and chart their own paths while here.

A Celebration of Community, Creativity, and Canadiana

● Canadian creators tell Union Hotel’s story: Local artists bring to life the uniqueness of the hotel’s story with works in every room and throughout the property. Emily Mae Rose’s raccoon mural pays homage to Toronto’s unofficial mascot, Victoria Day’s mural is inspired by the proximity to the historic Union Station, and Hello Kirsten’s mural is an expression of the hotel’s textile industry past.

● Nod to Toronto’s Textile History: Toronto industrial designer Gino Marocco meticulously hand-crafted each team member’s uniform, drawing inspiration from the textile-rich heritage of Union Hotel’s neighbourhood. Using durable materials like denim, canvas, and sateen, no two uniforms are exactly alike—each features subtle differences that reflect the custom nature of every piece. Emphasizing Union Hotel’s commitment to sustainability, Marocco upcycled excess fabric to create a limited-edition line of tote bags, available at the Union Hotel (UH) Marketplace near the front desk.

● Curated In-Room Experience: Four room styles: Chic, Groovy, Swanky, and the Posh Suite. Each room’s walls are adorned with original artwork from local artists inspired by Toronto, the nostalgia of the hotel’s location, and the unity of people. Details in the room were curated to reflect the Union Hotel’s commitment to creating a unique guest experience. The hotel worked with Whence, a hospitality marketplace and procurement studio, to curate and co-design thoughtful products such as Montreal-based circular design company Cyrc’s soap dishes, trays, and tissue box covers, bamboo toilet paper, amenities by woman-owned Routine Natural Beauty, a bespoke tea and third wave coffee experience with temperature controlled kettles, and alarm clocks that provide guests with soothing sleep sounds and sleep stories.

● Chart Your Own Path: Union Hotel’s meticulous attention to detail goes beyond its rooms and extends to all aspects of the property. The Split Flat Display at the front desk gives guests a travel-themed ASMR experience at check-in. The UH Marketplace in the lobby was designed to allow guests to make their own choices when it comes to small snack and drink options – from salty and sweet treats to matcha and wine, guests aren’t restricted to the pre-determined choices of an in-room mini bar. The UH Marketplace is also filled with branded merchandise and signature raccoon stuffies.

● Celebrating Canadiana: In partnership with the Giller Prize, each room at Union Hotel will have a Giller Prize-listed or winning book waiting to be read. The selection of authors includes Margaret Atwood, Joseph Boyden, Wayson Choy, Omar El Akkad, André Alexis, Shani Mootoo, and Miriam Toews. A beautiful CanLit Library filled with Giller Prize books is featured by the front desk.

● Spaces for Connection: The lobby features several distinct spaces, including Humble Donkey Café and Lounge, the communal table, and private work booths. The second floor offers “the 6ix,” a social space with outdoor courtyard access that can be rented out for private events, and a fitness centre equipped for yoga, weight training, and wellness.

● Prime Location: Steps away from Union Station, Union Hotel offers unparalleled access to Toronto’s iconic landmarks and experiences. Additionally, Toronto’s main airports are easily accessible with UP Express to Pearson and the shuttle for Billy Bishop Airport just across the street.

● Discover Neighbourhood Gems: Union Hotel focuses on connecting guests to Toronto’s best-kept secrets and neighbourhood gems. The team keeps a rolling list of what visitors and residents shouldn’t miss while in the area.

The central hub of Union Hotel is Humble Donkey, the hotel’s lobby café and lounge. The casual yet sophisticated space transitions seamlessly from morning espressos to evening espresso martinis. It’s the place for guests and residents to gather and connect, whether meeting a friend, networking, or unwinding after exploring the city. Humble Donkey’s menu is carefully curated and features the comfort foods the city loves. And, Toronto’s beloved Sam James Coffee Bar is the coffee of choice for the restaurant along with a bursting pastry selection from local bakery Breadhead.

“We’ve paid exceptional attention to the details to ensure our guests have every opportunity to explore Toronto on their own. It’s about living without a script because that is where the best experiences happen,” says Slean. “I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve brought to life; it reflects our team’s commitment to creating memorable experiences for both travellers and city residents. By championing boldness and individuality, Union Hotel is redefining what it means to stay and play in the heart of Toronto.”

Union Hotel is now open and reservations are available at unionhoteltoronto.com. More information can be found on the website, on Instagram @unionhotelto, or by signing up for the hotel’s newsletter, The State of the Union.

About Union Hotel:
Union Hotel is an independent lifestyle property in Toronto’s financial district, steps from Union Station. With 189 thoughtfully designed guest rooms and a vibrant café and lounge, Humble Donkey, Union Hotel celebrates individuality, creativity, and connection. The hotel’s dynamic offerings include a nod to the city’s iconic train station with a Split Flap Display behind the front desk and the UH Marketplace, featuring hyper-local retail offerings that support emerging and small businesses. By weaving local culture into every aspect of the guest experience, Union Hotel invites guests to live life unscripted.

#TRAVEL: TORONTO’S UNION HOTEL OPENS ITS DOORS JANUARY 2025

Opening January 2025, Union Hotel brings a bold new take on locally inspired hospitality to the heart of Toronto’s financial district. It blends the city’s dynamic history and modern energy into an unforgettable experience.

The hotel is owned by Silver Hotel Group, the same team behind Anndore House in Toronto and The Westley in Calgary.

Located just steps from the iconic Union Station in Toronto, this hidden gem is anything but ordinary. Highlights include:

–A bold charcoal facade featuring a mural that pays tribute to Toronto’s unofficial raccoon mascot 

–189 uniquely styled rooms, designed with vintage flair and nostalgic charm. A few even come with a raccoon view.

–Curated in-room experience that includes customized music and thoughtfully selected amenities including products by sustainable innovators Cryc.

–Art from local artists that celebrate Toronto’s culture and diversity can be found at every turn.

–Thoughtfully selected amenities that showcase At the heart of it all is Humble Donkey, the hotel’s chic café and lounge. Equal parts relaxed, friendly, and refreshing, it’s your go-to spot for Sam James Coffee Bar brews by day and expertly crafted espresso martinis by night.

Union Hotel is now accepting reservations – be the first to experience it! Visit unionhoteltoronto.com, follow along on Instagram at @unionhotelto for sneak peeks and exciting updates, and get a first look at Union Hotel rooms here.

Located at: 60 York St, Toronto Ontario, M5J 1S8