I stayed at the Gladstone in summer 2011. For the price and the way it markets itself as an artsy hotel, I was expecting a lot and ended up being pretty disappointed. The quality of your stay greatly depends on the room you get. First, avoid rooms facing Queen Street or Gladstone Avenue, the noise is simply unbearable. At least the hotel has the decency to offer free ear plugs, but there's a good reason for it.

On my first night I was in a room facing Queen, which had probably been given it's last face lift 15 years ago, and which for some reason had sheets that smelled like cigarette smoke. I complained the following morning about the smell of the sheets and was promptly offered free breakfast in their cafe (which makes a really good coffee btw) and given another room (which is why my rating is higher than it would otherwise be).

I then spent three nights in a room at the back, facing Price Chopper, which was very quiet and very clean, but nothing to write home about. At least I got three night's decent rest, but I still found it a bit on the pricey side considering the size of the rooms, the hotel's location and the fact that the rooms were in need of a refurbishment.

It was such amazing stay here in Gladstone hotel, specially the lobby so fantastic and full of art designs. It was just nice to look at. Rooms are well appointed, very clean and satisfying. Service at this hotel is great, friendly staff as well. Great taste of foods. Just enough for the money. Highly recommended.

The staff were friendly and upbeat, the location was close to downtown, rooms though small were very well done. We stayed in the Racine Room and it was interesting to note all the details that were specific to that room and artistic theme. Well done. Food was good in the in hotel restaurants. Evenings were pleasantly noisy with gatherings on the first floor or two.

loved my stay here - just a quick overnighter, I am a former Torontonian and was happy to stay out of the tourist area especially over Christmas. Quiet hotel, excellent location for having a unique and hip Toronto experience - easily accessible to Parkdale, Ossington St, and Roncesvalles neighbourhoods. Comfy beds, awesome morning cup of coffee, funky helpful but not overly effusive staff. Good service in the bar. Old style elevator. Only complaint is that if you have a lot of luggage, clomping up and down the stairs is a pain. You can easily have the staff ring the elevator, but that was too much of a bother for me. Rooms are small and location is also not central (although its Toronto and right on a streetcar route so what's the problem?) so these could be issues for some. I liked the artsiness of the rooms, but have seen more creative and funky decor. It wasn't quite my aesthetic but this isn't a complaint. Room was airy, peaceful and perfect for a night or two. It is just that in spite of the art, the rooms are pretty sparse. Overall, really liked.