The Rex Hotel Jazz & Blues Bar

This hotel offers a unique urban experience, distinguished by its vibrant jazz and blues bar that hosts live music daily, making it a memorable destination. Its prime central location in downtown Toronto is consistently highlighted, placing guests within easy reach of major attractions and public transit. The hotel is particularly well-suited for music enthusiasts and budget-conscious travelers seeking an affordable yet well-located base. Sightseers and urban explorers will appreciate the walkability to shops, restaurants, and landmarks, while solo travelers and couples find the functional, if compact, rooms suitable for short stays. To enhance your visit, be prepared for stairs as there is no elevator, and consider booking a room with a private bathroom for added convenience.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel's signature jazz bar is a central amenity, providing live music and a lively atmosphere, though some guests note a cover charge for hotel residents to attend performances. Many rooms feature shared bathrooms, a common setup that is generally kept clean, while private options are also available. Guests frequently mention the absence of an elevator, requiring reliance on stairs, which can be challenging for those with heavy luggage or mobility concerns. In-room amenities are minimal, with no kettle, coffee maker, mini-fridge, or iron provided, which some guests found inconvenient. While free Wi-Fi is available, a few guests reported it to be slow or unreliable at times.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests generally find the rooms to be clean, with particular praise for the spotless beds, linens, and towels. However, the rooms are consistently described as small or basic, designed primarily for sleeping rather than extended stays. While the beds are often found to be comfortable, some guests noted them to be on the firmer side or smaller in size. Noise levels receive mixed feedback; street noise from the busy downtown location, including traffic and sirens, is a common observation. Conversely, the jazz bar music is often reported as not overly intrusive and typically concludes at a reasonable hour, allowing for a peaceful night's sleep for most. Private bathrooms, when available, are functional but often described as cramped or dated in appearance.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel offers breakfast in the adjoining jazz bar, typically consisting of basic items like toast, coffee, and juice. Many guests found the 9:30 AM start time for breakfast to be too late, especially for those with early morning plans. The restaurant and bar serve a selection of food, which receives varied feedback; some guests enjoyed the pub-style fare, with specific mentions of good jerk chicken and tofu sandwiches, while others found the food quality to be mediocre or basic. A recurring point of contention among guests is the requirement to pay a cover charge to enter the jazz bar, even for hotel residents, which some felt should be a complimentary perk of their stay.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is overwhelmingly praised as its strongest asset, providing unparalleled convenience for exploring Toronto. Guests appreciate being within easy walking distance of numerous major attractions, including the CN Tower, Rogers Centre, and the Eaton Centre, as well as a vast array of shops and restaurants. The proximity to public transit, particularly the Osgoode subway station and streetcar lines, makes navigating the city effortless. While parking is available in the vicinity, guests note that it can be quite expensive. The surrounding area is described as a vibrant area, bustling with activity and offering a lively urban atmosphere, contributing significantly to the overall positive guest experience.

Staff & Service
The staff at the hotel consistently receive high praise for their friendliness, helpfulness, and welcoming demeanor. Guests frequently highlight their attentiveness and willingness to assist with various requests, contributing to a positive overall experience. The check-in process is generally described as smooth and efficient, with many appreciating the option for early check-in and the convenient luggage storage service after check-out. Staff members are often commended for providing useful local tips and for their prompt response in addressing any minor room issues. While a few isolated instances of less enthusiastic service were noted, the overwhelming majority of reviews emphasize the dedicated and accommodating nature of the team.

Additional Information
This hotel is widely recognized as a historic and character property, offering a unique charm that sets it apart from more modern establishments. A significant point for many guests is the absence of an elevator, meaning all access to rooms requires climbing stairs, which can be a challenge for those with heavy luggage or mobility concerns. Furthermore, guests frequently note the lack of certain in-room amenities, such as a kettle, mini-fridge, or iron, which might be expected in other accommodations. A common point of dissatisfaction is the policy requiring hotel guests to pay a cover charge to access the live music performances in the downstairs bar, a feature many feel should be complimentary.