For 10 days celebrities are just like us. Okay, maybe not. But during TIFF they certainly walk among us, and as action-starved Torontonians, we’ll take it. When they’re not walking, however, they’re drinking, eating, and sleeping. Here are four hotels (and one social club) where you’re likely to find them doing all three…
Shangri-La
This towering hotel may not boast the boldface name of its neighbours The Trump and The Ritz-Carlton, but because of its proximity to celeb magnets Soho House and Momofuku, the new crown jewel of Toronto’s skyline will once again be ground zero for celebrities like Jared Leto, who was seen wandering the plush lobby on multiple occasions last year.
The Thompson Hotel
Even if the Thompson Hotel was hidden in the furthest recesses of Scarborough, the glitterati would still flock to it like tourists to cronuts. Such is the power of the sexiest brand in boutique hoteldom. Luckily, it just so happens that Toronto’s iteration of the sleek hotel is planted in the festival’s King West epicenter, bolstered by one of the city’s best views. Enjoying that view on the ultra-exclusive rooftop will be Olivia Wilde and Chris Hemsworth, who’ll attend their film Rush’s after-party on… we’re not at liberty to say (but might for the right price).
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Four Seasons
Just when we were ready to proclaim Yorkville’s reign as the center of all things TIFF officially over, The Four Seasons Hotel made one last stab at festival relevance when it enlisted superstar chef Daniel Boulud to overhaul their eateries. The end result: Cafe Boulud and dbar, two ultra-posh venues that are almost certain to cater to the most boldface of names, including Julia Roberts and Meryl Streep, two festival veterans far better suited to the elegance of Yorkville than the bright lights of King West.
The Ritz- Carlton
The Ritz-Carlton has become the surest of bets for autograph-hungry fans looking for a glimpse of their favourite stars as they hop into waiting SUVs for a quick getaway. But instead of camping out in front as most of you tend to do, we suggest just waltzing into the lobby like you own the joint. For an easy camouflage, try putting your phone to your ear while barking the name “Harvey” over and over again, because the last thing a concierge wants to do is bother someone about to sign Ryan Gosling to a 7-picture deal.
Soho House
This international members-only social club finally opened their permanent Toronto outpost for last year’s fest, and was once again teeming with A-listers. This year will be no different. Among the films hosting Grey Goose-sponsored cast parties at Soho House are Horns, starring Daniel Radcliffe and Juno Temple, and Don Jon, whose leads, Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Scarlett Johansson, will no doubt be making appearances. Unfortunately, the lists for these shindigs are airtight, so even if you happen to be a member, tough luck. We’ll see you outside the velvet ropes.
