The Sutton Place Hotel was one of Toronto’s most luxurious hotels for several decades, known for aggressively pursuing a high-end clientele and frequently hosting dignitaries and celebrities. The hotel was located at 955 Bay Street and operated from 1967 to 2012.
The Birth of a Toronto Landmark
The Sutton Place Hotel was built in response to Toronto’s rapidly growing international presence in the 1960s. As Toronto emerged as a business and cultural hub, there was a pressing need for a world-class hotel that could host high-end clientele seeking luxury accommodations.
The hotel was designed by the architectural firm Webb Zerafa Menkès Housden and opened its doors in 1967. The hotel’s grandiose exterior caught the attention of many, and its prime location in the heart of downtown Toronto made it a popular destination for tourists, conventioneers, and business travelers alike.
A Haven for the Elite
From the very beginning, the Sutton Place Hotel established itself as a hotel that knew how to cater to its high-end clientele. The hotel was renowned for its opulent furnishings, lavish guest rooms, and world-class service.
The hotel’s willingness to cater to celebrity guests also helped build its reputation as a destination for the elite. The list of stars who stayed at the hotel over the years reads like a who’s who of Hollywood legends: Elizabeth Taylor, Glenn Ford, Billy Crystal, and John Travolta are just a few of the many celebrities that have stayed at the Sutton Place Hotel.
Changing Ownership
Despite its success, the Sutton Place Hotel underwent several ownership changes over the years. In 2002, the hotel was sold to Vancouver-based Sutton Place Hotels, which promised to maintain the hotel’s focus on luxury and upscale accommodations.
In 2011, it was announced that the hotel would undergo a rebranding effort and become part of the Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts chain. This new direction led to considerable renovation of the hotel’s public spaces, guest rooms, and amenities to enhance the guest experience. The hotel closed its doors for good in 2012 as part of this renovation, transitioning to its new life as the Shangri-La Hotel Toronto.
The Legacy of the Sutton Place Hotel
While the Sutton Place Hotel may no longer be welcoming guests, its status as a Toronto landmark is secure. The hotel was a fixture of downtown Toronto for over four decades and was a byword for luxury and sophistication. Its glamorous reputation helped put Toronto on the global map as a destination for high-end travelers, and its legacy lives on in the many Toronto hotels that have followed in its footsteps.
Conclusion
The Sutton Place Hotel was a landmark hotel for Toronto and one of the city’s most prestigious and luxurious accommodations for over 40 years. With its grandiose exterior, opulent furnishings, and world-class service, the Sutton Place Hotel proudly represented all that was great about Toronto’s thriving hospitality industry in the 1960s and beyond. Although it is no longer open for business, its legacy lives on, serving as a testament to the city’s international reputation for luxury and sophistication.
FAQ
What is the history of Sutton Place?
Sutton Place is a small, exclusive neighborhood on the east side of Manhattan in New York City. It is known for its upscale residences, luxurious apartments, and scenic views of the East River. The neighborhood is bounded by the East River to the east, and First Avenue to the west, running from 53rd to 59th Streets.
The history of Sutton Place dates back to the mid-19th century when it was an industrial area named Avenue A. It was a bustling port area filled with shipping docks, gasworks, and factories. However, in the late 1800s, the area began to change when Effingham B. Sutton, a shipping magnate, and entrepreneur developed the area into a row of brownstones. Sutton made a fortune during California’s 1849 gold rush and used his wealth to invest in New York City real estate.
At the time, the neighborhood was sandwiched between two of New York City’s most exclusive areas, Fifth Avenue to the west, and the Upper East Side to the north. Sutton saw an opportunity to develop the area into a more upscale neighborhood and began constructing brownstones that would attract wealthy residents. He built his own mansion between East 57th and 58th Streets, and eventually sold the other lots to wealthy buyers who built grand mansions and townhouses.
By the early 1900s, the neighborhood had become an enclave for the upper class, attracting wealthy entrepreneurs, socialites, and politicians. The area continued to grow and evolve through the 20th century, with landmark buildings such as the River House, built-in 1931, and the Sutton East building, which replaced the old Sutton Place Hotel in the 1960s.
Today, Sutton Place maintains its status as an exclusive and desirable neighborhood, with residents drawn to its historic architecture, stunning views, and quiet ambiance. The area has resisted some of the modern developments seen in other parts of Manhattan, with landmark laws protecting the carefully preserved townhouses and mansions. Sutton Place remains a haven for the city’s elite and continues to be one of the most sought-after addresses in New York City.
Who built Sutton House?
Sutton House is a historic house located in Hackney, London, England. It was built during the Tudor period, back in the early 16th century. The exact date of construction is uncertain, but it is believed to have been built between 1535 and 1540 by Sir Ralph Sadleir, a statesman and diplomat during the reigns of Henry VIII, Edward VI, Queen Mary I, and Queen Elizabeth I.
Sir Ralph Sadleir was born into a family of respectable gentlefolk, and he started his public career serving in the household of Thomas Cromwell. It was at Cromwell’s house that Sadleir met his wife Helen Barre, who was working there as a laundress. This connection to Thomas Cromwell likely contributed to Sadleir’s quick rise in the ranks of government.
In 1535, Sadleir was able to build his family a grand three-storey brick house in what was then semi-rural Hackney. The house became known as ‘the bryk place’, and it was built using high-quality materials and construction techniques that have ensured its survival to the present day. It is a testament to Sadleir’s wealth and power, as well as his taste in architecture.
Over the centuries, Sutton House has had many different owners and tenants. It has been used as a family home, a school, a depot for the army during World War II, and as a community centre. Today, it is owned and managed by the National Trust, who have worked to preserve its rich history and make it accessible to visitors. Sutton House is now a popular attraction in Hackney, offering a glimpse into the lives of those who lived there over the past five hundred years.
How old is Chesterfield hotel?
The Chesterfield Hotel, located in the town center of Chesterfield in England, is a historic hotel that has been standing for over a century. The hotel was built in 1876-1877, a few years after the Midland Railway rebuilt its station in Chesterfield on its present site, just a short distance north of the first station that was built in 1840.
The Chesterfield Hotel has been a significant part of the town’s history, having welcomed guests from all over the world for over a hundred years. Over the years, the hotel has undergone several renovations, but it still bears the original architecture that was present when it was first built. The hotel has been able to retain its historical significance, and visitors who stay there often marvel at its unique character.
The hotel features 73 rooms of various types and sizes, which have modern amenities, including en-suite bathrooms, air conditioning, and complimentary Wi-Fi. The establishment is well-equipped to cater to all types of travelers, from solo travelers to families, groups, and couples.
The management of the hotel has been extraordinary in maintaining the hotel’s historical significance, incorporating modern amenities that meet the needs of modern travelers. With its rich history and unique architecture, the Chesterfield Hotel still remains a popular destination for tourists who want to experience a piece of history.