Found in the arty Garment District, downtown Toronto, this building by Shim-Sutcliffe Architects is a contemporary design masterpiece. On arrival, guests staying at the North American chain are greeted by a lobby suspended from imposing concrete arches, with an interior that offers an urban industrial vibe. Yet it’s homely too, with warm hues, local artworks and vintage furnishings alongside custom-made pieces found in 123 bedrooms, or ‘cabins’ as they’re described at Ace. Alder is the hotel’s main dining space (you can also tuck into pastries and grab a coffee in the sociable lobby lounge), a subterranean, sophisticated spot, that tails the indoor/outdoor rooftop bar, Evangeline, at the top.