TORONTO — RIU Hotels & Resorts has marked a milestone in its international expansion with the opening of its first hotel in Canada, the Riu Plaza Toronto.
The newly built four-star property features 352 rooms and is set in the city’s Entertainment District, a lively neighbourhood known for its cultural and nightlife scene. The property is part of a project comprising two twin skyscrapers, each with 49 floors. RIU’s hotel occupies 23 floors of one tower, while the remainder is designated for housing. The building’s exterior combines historic and modern elements, with a brick base that reflects neighbouring 18th-century homes and a glass upper structure that adds a contemporary touch.
Inside, the ground floor lobby and adjoining bar provide a bright and welcoming space where guests can enjoy drinks and snacks throughout the day. The second-floor restaurant serves RIU Plaza’s signature full buffet breakfast each morning, included in the room rate. Communal spaces feature a modern aesthetic with a mix of light and dark tones, matte chrome accents and beige highlights, designed to balance sophistication with comfort.
Guests have access to a fully equipped gym open 24 hours, along with a conference room accommodating up to 40 people. The venue is aimed at both leisure and corporate travellers, providing facilities for business gatherings in the heart of Toronto.
Located at 30 Widmer Street, the hotel is steps from some of Toronto’s top attractions, including the Princess of Wales Theatre, David Pecaut Square, Rogers Centre and the CN Tower. Its central position, paired with strong transport links, makes it an option for visitors seeking convenience for both sightseeing and business.
The hotel incorporates sustainability practices under RIU’s Proudly Committed strategy. Measures include cogeneration plants that generate electricity and thermal energy simultaneously, helping to lower greenhouse gas emissions. Water-saving systems and waste reduction efforts further support the brand’s environmental goals.
The debut of Riu Plaza marks the twelfth hotel in the brand’s urban collection, joining properties in cities such as Panama, Guadalajara, Madrid, Miami, Chicago, San Francisco, New York, Berlin, London and Dublin. RIU also continues to grow its city portfolio, with a third property underway in New York.
