The Rex Hotel

“Unbeatable value quality/price plus lovely staff.”

I’ve been visiting The Rex bar for its music performances for years while forgetting/not registering it’s also an hotel. In February 2023 a booking mixup at another Toronto establishment led to a very panicked, last minute (day-of) reservation and arrival at the Rex. Great, efficient and very ho... more

I’ve been visiting The Rex bar for its music performances for years while forgetting/not registering it’s also an hotel. In February 2023 a booking mixup at another Toronto establishment led to a very panicked, last minute (day-of) reservation and arrival at the Rex. Great, efficient and very hospitable welcome plus the unexpected bonus of an early checkin soothed my ruffled feathers :). I had a newly renovated (?) double room on the second floor with private bathroom. All impeccable clean and very comfortable and very little noise from the bar (I could hear the music but it was not intrusive). The added bonus of being able to leave my luggage (free) after checkout for later collection was much appreciated.

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“Dated and basic but priced accordingly.. The music will be the deal maker here”

Small basic functional rooms but very friendly and helpful staff. There's a very limited menu and food is very obviously cooked from frozen so it's not great, but there are lots of other eateries nearby.  You're probably here for the blues and jazz though right so these things won't matter so muc... more

Small basic functional rooms but very friendly and helpful staff. There's a very limited menu and food is very obviously cooked from frozen so it's not great, but there are lots of other eateries nearby.  You're probably here for the blues and jazz though right so these things won't matter so much. Good prices for Toronto downtown which has a relaxed positive vibe about it. Traffic is busy during the week so allow lots of transfer time. The blues nights and the jazz jam night are excellent and worth the entry fee even though your a hotel guest. This is a handy and fun place to stay but not for more than a couple of nights would be my recommendation. Following my visit the hotel asked for feedback, here's my response for additional info; I stayed one night at Rex and would like to give you the following feedback, intended to be constructive. Room The writing desk and two old office chairs are unnecessary clutter. I would recommend removing them and placing bedside cabinets at either side of the bed. I would also dispose of the old lamp on the desk. The shower looks a little cobbled together although it works a treat. Check-in was good and quick.  The staff were very helpful and professional, other than the female night staff who seemed to spend her whole shift on the telephone to friends. Food menu was very limited. Breakfast was good and served piping hot, try adding beans perhaps.  Chicken sandwich was acceptable but over cooked and very obviously cooked from frozen. More options would be good. Chicken wings were very good but two sauce options is not enough. Price increases by $1 at certain times!  Come on now, that's nickel and diming your customers and hated by us all.  Keep the prices at the higher price and use the money to improve the quality and choices. Jam night was excellent and probably the main reason people stay here. As a hotel guest it felt wrong that I had to pay an admission fee. Overall I'd stay at Rex again but I'd eat elsewhere. The place seems like it's being run by somebody who scrimps and scrapes, somebody who hasn't adapted to market trends over the last 30 years. It needs a modern eye and a little investment to bring it up to a decent standard. I truly hope this helps and wish you every success.

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“You get what you pay for”

This hotel is small and centrally located. It's a bit worn-down, and there is neither much luxury nor space in the room. However, the price is fair - you get what you pay for. Expect some sound from the jazz club on the ground floor during the evening.