The Annex Hotel

The place

A century-old black brick building beside the University of Toronto, rethought by StudioAC. The design keeps to a minimal line — white walls, light wood — with the building's industrial past showing through where it counts.

The 24 rooms are small studies in restraint. Black metal window frames against white brick. Sleek furnishing, comfortable bedding, Grown Alchemist toiletries, Netflix.

Annex Cafe rotates its counter through some of Toronto's best producers — coffee from The Angry Roaster, sandwiches from Black Camel of late — while the Parisian-inspired Annex Wine Bar keeps a curated list of wine and cocktails.