hanks to the East Parkdale revolution, diners, drinkers and, to some degree, lodgers have begun to expect a lot more for their money. Consider it a repercussion of the huge popularity of The Drake, which dropped a truckload of creativity on the boutique hotel theme, giving the downtown types a reason to go west.

Whatever the cause, major investors have gone to great lengths to construct a showroom-quality hotel out of The Gladstone by rewinding the clocks and restoring the hotel’s original sheen. Guided by Christina Zeidler, daughter of Toronto architect Eb Zeidler, the team spent the last three years restoring the hotel to reflect the building’s architectural history revealing, in the end, a shrine to the original: a showcase of artist-designed rooms, bars, and art spaces.

For anyone raised on multiplexes, stepping into the hotel foyer is like discovering the remains of a lost civilization. The Gladstone is like a fine example of a Victorian Hotel, witnessed in the arched windows and the stone and brick of the building’s exterior, further adorned with the original gargoyles. Plaster castings in the hallways have been lovingly restored, as was the last hand-operated elevator in Toronto (a sign beckons you to flag down a staffer to take you for a spin).

The Zeidler clan has been the best thing to happen to The Gladstone since its inception in 1889. The new owners have made commendable efforts to stave off the building’s further decline and, much like The Drake, have given the location enormous street cred, ultimately luring in the cool kids while not scaring away the long-time regulars (The Gladstone remained open during renovations).

The Gladstone features three venues for your drinking pleasure: the main floor holds the ballroom, the Melody Bar and the Art Bar. The slightly deco Melody Bar is eclectic, bringing in a host of live music events and launch parties. This area lures hipsters to the Karaoke parties Thursdays to Saturdays, while Wednesday night's Hump Day Bump sees a mostly gay crowd.