RIU Hotels & Resorts has officially opened the doors of the RIU Plaza Toronto, marking a historic milestone for the Spanish hotel group and its ongoing international expansion. With this debut, RIU brings its acclaimed urban hotel concept to Canada for the very first time, inviting travelers to experience its signature service and design in the heart of one of North America’s most vibrant cities.
For decades, Canadian travelers have been loyal guests of RIU’s beachfront resorts across the Caribbean, Mexico, and Central America, recognizing the brand for its service, comfort, and value. Now, for the first time, Canadians — along with visitors from around the world — can enjoy the RIU experience without leaving the country, as the company plants its flag in Toronto, Canada’s largest city and a global hub for culture, finance, and tourism.
A New Icon in Toronto’s Entertainment District
The RIU Plaza Toronto enjoys a prime location at 30 Widmer Street, right in the middle of Toronto’s lively Entertainment District — a neighborhood famous for its theaters, restaurants, cultural venues, and nightlife. Guests are just steps away from iconic landmarks such as the Princess of Wales Theatre, David Pecaut Square, the Rogers Centre Stadium, and the world-famous CN Tower. Business travelers will appreciate the hotel’s proximity to Toronto’s financial core, while leisure guests will find endless dining, shopping, and entertainment options within walking distance.
The property forms part of an ambitious new development: two twin skyscrapers rising 49 floors each, adding a striking architectural presence to the city skyline. The RIU Plaza Toronto occupies 23 floors of one tower, while the remaining space will be dedicated to residential living.
Its façade is a design statement in itself — one that bridges heritage and modernity. The lower brick-clad levels reflect the character of Toronto’s historic 18th-century buildings, many of which are protected for their cultural significance, while the upper glass tower introduces a sleek, contemporary aesthetic that fits perfectly within the city’s ever-evolving skyline.
Sophisticated Design and Thoughtful Spaces
Step inside, and guests are welcomed by a bright, spacious lobby that blends modern sophistication with a warm, inviting atmosphere. The lobby bar, located on the ground floor, serves as a social hub where visitors can enjoy drinks and light snacks throughout the day. On the second floor, the hotel’s stylish restaurant offers the signature RIU Plaza full buffet breakfast, which is included in every room rate — a hallmark of the brand’s commitment to value and comfort.
The interiors reflect RIU Plaza’s contemporary design philosophy: neutral, elegant tones with subtle contrasts, including matte chrome details and beige accents, paired with modern furnishings that create both comfort and understated luxury. Communal spaces have been carefully designed to provide privacy and relaxation, allowing guests to unwind, work, or socialize with ease.
Senior Suite King (Photo Credit: RIU Hotels & Resorts)
Rooms, Amenities, and Services for Every Traveler
The RIU Plaza Toronto features 352 modern guest rooms equipped with everything today’s traveler needs, whether visiting for business or leisure. The property also includes a fully equipped 24-hour fitness center, ideal for maintaining wellness routines on the road. For business guests and small corporate gatherings, the hotel offers a dedicated conference room with capacity for up to 40 people — perfect for meetings, presentations, or intimate events.
The hotel’s service philosophy is built around RIU’s friendly, attentive, and reliable hospitality, ensuring that each guest feels welcome and cared for from check-in to check-out.
Commitment to Sustainability
True to RIU’s Proudly Committed sustainability strategy, the RIU Plaza Toronto integrates advanced environmental technologies aimed at reducing its ecological footprint. Notable initiatives include high-efficiency cogeneration plants that simultaneously produce electricity and thermal energy, significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, the property implements water-saving measures and robust waste reduction programs, aligning with the brand’s goal of building a more sustainable future while delivering exceptional guest experiences.
Strengthening RIU’s Global Urban Footprint
The opening of the RIU Plaza Toronto represents an important step in RIU Hotels & Resorts’ urban expansion strategy. The company launched its RIU Plaza brand to serve travelers seeking upscale, city-centered accommodations with the same trusted service that made RIU a household name in resort destinations.
With Toronto, the RIU Plaza collection now includes twelve properties worldwide, joining hotels in Panama, Guadalajara (Mexico), Madrid, Miami, Chicago, San Francisco, New York, Berlin, London, and Dublin. The brand continues to target major global cities and is currently building its third property in New York, further consolidating its position in the competitive urban hospitality market.
For RIU, entering Canada has long been a strategic priority. The country is not only an important feeder market for its beach destinations, but also a growing hub for international travelers seeking quality city stays. The new Toronto property gives RIU a foothold in a market where brand awareness is already high, while also opening doors to new customer segments — including business travelers, event planners, and weekend city explorers.
Main restaurant at the RIU Plaza Toronto (Photo Credit: RIU Hotels & Resorts)
A Destination Hotel in the Heart of Toronto
Beyond its modern design and sustainable credentials, the RIU Plaza Toronto is poised to become a destination in itself. Its central location, combined with well-thought-out amenities and RIU’s commitment to service, make it a natural choice for visitors looking to explore Toronto with ease and comfort. The property’s mix of contemporary spaces and understated elegance appeals to a wide range of travelers — from leisure guests planning cultural getaways to corporate clients seeking reliable meeting facilities in a premium setting.
By combining Spanish hospitality heritage with a deep understanding of today’s urban traveler, the RIU Plaza Toronto delivers a fresh, international perspective to Toronto’s hotel landscape.
Looking Ahead
The launch of the RIU Plaza Toronto is more than just a new property — it’s a statement of RIU Hotels & Resorts’ continued commitment to growth, innovation, and sustainability. It cements the brand’s reputation as a global hospitality player that adapts to the evolving needs of travelers while staying true to its roots: excellent service, exceptional locations, and thoughtfully designed spaces.
For Canadian guests, it’s an exciting opportunity to experience a beloved brand close to home. For international travelers, it’s a new address in one of North America’s most dynamic cities. And for RIU, it’s another step toward becoming a recognized force in urban hospitality worldwide.
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