The Strathcona Hotel at 60 York Street in Toronto operated for more than 90 years before closing in 2020, serving as a city-run homeless shelter during the pandemic, and reopening in early 2025 as the Union Hotel. This guide traces the property’s history from its 1933 opening, through its transformation, and covers what travellers need to know about the current boutique hotel. We rely on verified sources including the property’s owner, industry publications, and local reporting.
Last checked: 2026-08-04
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Current Name: Union Hotel · Former Name: Strathcona Hotel · Address: 60 York Street, Toronto, Canada · Original Opening: 1933 · Room Count: 194 · Star Rating: 3-star
How we researched this
Last checked: 2026-08-04.
Sources reviewed: Official hotel website, Wikipedia, hotel booking directories, review platforms, local news outlets, and heritage records.
No on-site visit or staff interview was conducted; historical information was cross-referenced from multiple published sources.
Snapshot: The Strathcona Hotel / Union Hotel
- The hotel at 60 York Street opened as the Strathcona Hotel in 1933 (Stay Magazine).
- The property sits directly across from Toronto’s Fairmont Royal York Hotel (blogTO).
- The City of Toronto leased the hotel in April 2020 to operate a temporary shelter for over three years (blogTO).
- The property reopened as Union Hotel in January 2025 after a renovation by Silver Hotel Group (Wikipedia).
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Current Name | Union Hotel |
| Former Name | Strathcona Hotel |
| Address | 60 York Street, Toronto, Canada |
| Original Opening | 1933 |
| Nearest Major Transit | Union Station (steps away) |
- 9 min walk to the CN Tower
- 11 min walk to Nathan Phillips Square
- 90+ years under the Strathcona name (1933–2023)
- Across from the Royal York Hotel
What Happened to the Strathcona Hotel in Toronto?
The Strathcona Hotel closed its doors to regular guests early in the COVID‑19 pandemic. In April 2020, the City of Toronto leased the entire building to use as a temporary homeless shelter, paying approximately C$592,243 per month at C$100 per room per night (Wikipedia). The shelter operated for more than three years, closing in August 2023. Residents were given just one day’s notice, sparking community criticism (blogTO).
After the shelter ended, Silver Hotel Group, which owns the property, undertook a full renovation. The hotel reopened as the Union Hotel on January 14, 2025, with a formal grand opening planned for early spring 2025 (Stay Magazine).
The implication: The Strathcona name is now retired, and the property operates under a new identity that reflects its location near Union Station.
The Strathcona Hotel Toronto History
The 11‑storey building at 60 York Street opened as the Strathcona Hotel in 1933 (Wikipedia; UrbanDB). Some forum-based research suggests that an earlier hotel, the Savoy, occupied the site from as early as 1900, though this is not confirmed by official records (SkyriseCities Forum).
The name also appears on other Canadian heritage hotels — including Edmonton’s Strathcona Hotel and Winnipeg’s former Strathcona Hotel — but those are separate buildings with separate histories and should not be conflated with the Toronto property (Alberta Heritage Resources; Manitoba Museum).
In 1935, the hotel’s owner petitioned Toronto’s municipal hotel inspector to allow dancing in the dining room. The request was initially denied but spurred broader discussions about hotel entertainment (Wikipedia). The property also appeared briefly in the 2016 film Suicide Squad.
Over the decades, the Strathcona operated as a mid‑rise downtown hotel, serving business travellers and tourists. By the 2020s, it was one of the last remaining independent hotels in the financial district. The COVID‑19 pandemic brought an abrupt halt to that run. For a related Canadian hotel history, see The Brock Hotel Niagara Falls: History & Visitor Guide.
“The Strathcona Hotel operated for nearly nine decades … a mainstay of the downtown Toronto hotel scene.”
blogTO, March 2025
The pattern: The Strathcona’s history reflects the broader shifts in Toronto’s downtown — from a mid‑century hospitality hub to a pandemic-era public service, and now a boutique redevelopment.
The Strathcona Hotel Toronto Reviews
While the Strathcona Hotel is no longer open, historical guest reviews offer a window into the experience. On aggregator sites, guests consistently praised the hotel’s location — steps from Union Station and the CN Tower — and its reasonable rates. Several reviewers noted that rooms were compact but clean, and that the property offered good value for a central location (TripExpert).
Common criticisms included noise from the street and dated decor. One reviewer mentioned that the hotel’s age showed in the bathroom fixtures. Another pointed out that the building’s older windows let in street noise. These patterns are typical for a mid‑range downtown hotel of that era.
Because the property is now the Union Hotel, past reviews should be considered with context. The new management has completed a full renovation, so the current guest experience likely differs significantly.
The bottom line: Historical reviews highlight the location as the main asset; the new Union Hotel aims to address the shortcomings of the original.
The Union Hotel Toronto
The Union Hotel is the current name for the property at 60 York Street. Developed by Silver Hotel Group, it is described as a “stylish boutique hotel that pays homage to the city’s past, present and future” (blogTO). It opened for operations on January 14, 2025, with a grand opening in early spring 2025.
The hotel sits in the financial district, directly opposite the Fairmont Royal York and a short walk from the CN Tower (approximately 9 minutes) and Nathan Phillips Square (approximately 11 minutes). It is steps from Union Station, making it convenient for transit users and visitors arriving via GO Transit or the TTC.
The Union Hotel is positioned as a boutique property, with a location that serves both business travellers and tourists. Current rates and room availability are published on the hotel’s official booking channels.
Why this matters: The Union Hotel fills a gap in the downtown Toronto market for a moderately priced independent hotel with a prime location.
Timeline of the Strathcona / Union Hotel
- 1933 – Hotel opens as the Strathcona Hotel at 60 York Street.
- 1935 – Owner petitions for dancing in the dining room.
- 2020 – Hotel closes to guests; City of Toronto leases it as a homeless shelter (April).
- 2023 – Shelter closes (August); property enters renovation.
- 2025 – Reopens as Union Hotel (January 14); grand opening in early spring.
Location and Getting There
The Union Hotel is at 60 York Street, in the heart of Toronto’s financial district. The nearest major transit hub is Union Station, a five‑minute walk. The hotel is also steps from the PATH underground walkway, which connects to many downtown offices and attractions.
For drivers, the hotel is near the Gardiner Expressway and offers paid parking nearby. Pearson International Airport is about 30 minutes by car or 45 minutes via the UP Express from Union Station.
Alternatives in the Area
If the Union Hotel is fully booked or doesn’t fit your budget, several nearby options offer similar convenience:
- Chelsea Hotel Toronto – A larger mid‑range hotel near Yonge-Dundas Square, popular with families and groups. See Chelsea Hotel Toronto Prices & Guest Reviews 2026.
- Fairmont Royal York – A luxury hotel directly across the street, ideal for those wanting a grander experience.
- Radisson Blu Toronto Downtown – Another Silver Hotel Group property, located a few blocks west, offering a similar price point.
Our pick: Union Hotel
The Union Hotel is the best choice for travellers who value location and a unique local feel. The boutique renovation and the building’s history add character, while the proximity to Union Station and downtown attractions makes it a practical base. For budget travellers, the Chelsea Hotel Toronto offers a slightly lower price point.
The Strathcona is not the only iconic Toronto property to change hands in recent years—Torontos other historic hotels have similarly undergone major transitions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Strathcona Hotel Toronto still open?
No. The Strathcona Hotel closed in 2020 and was rebranded as the Union Hotel, which opened in January 2025.
What is the address of the Strathcona Hotel?
The address is 60 York Street, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
How far is the Union Hotel from the CN Tower?
It is about a nine‑minute walk from the CN Tower, based on the hotel’s location in the financial district.
When did the Strathcona Hotel open?
The hotel opened in 1933.
Who owns the Union Hotel?
The property is owned and operated by Silver Hotel Group, which also runs the Radisson Blu Toronto Downtown and The Anndore House.