the experience within the modern, tranquil interior corridors of the toronto marriott markham hotel offered a sense of calm. my room, facing an inward concrete courtyard, was a testament to the hotel's newer construction, with room dimensions typically around [insert approximate square footage if known, otherwise omit or generalize] square feet.
a contemporary room design and thoughtful amenities
the room's aesthetic was characterized by a palette of deep grey tones.
specifically, the m club lounge room featured a king-sized bed, adhering to marriott's renowned comfort standards with pristine linens.
deviating from the usual hotel room setup of a sofa or armchair, this particular room boasted a cozy corner couch. this addition proved invaluable, as my companion, mrswt73, found it to be an ideal spot for handling remote work calls, providing an alternative to a formal desk.
a standout feature was the expansive horizontal desk that spanned the length of the room.
this generous workspace not only facilitated the organization of various items but also offered ample storage beneath its surface for luggage. the design effectively addressed the common challenge of limited counter space and storage in hotel rooms.
efficient charging and innovative closet solutions
the desk area provided a highly functional space for simultaneously charging multiple electronic devices, including computers and smartphones, without the common entanglement of cords.
instead of a traditional closet, the room incorporated an open horizontal hanging bar. this design choice maximized the perceived space, offering a more open feel than a compact, enclosed closet, while still providing ample room for hanging garments.
courtyard views and sleep quality
bottled water and proper glassware were provided, enhancing the overall comfort of the stay - a detail always appreciated.
the room overlooked the property's courtyard, which, despite its concrete-heavy environment, offered a quieter alternative to facing a city street.
the sleep quality was generally excellent, with minimal noise disturbances from within the room or the surrounding areas. however, some morning noise from ongoing construction on nearby skyscrapers was noted.
the m club lounge: an exclusive retreat
the hotel features an m club lounge, conveniently located near the elevator lobby on the fourth floor.
during my visit, the lounge was accessible to guests staying on concierge-level floors and complimentary for marriott bonvoy platinum, titanium, and ambassador elite members, in accordance with the program's terms. staff were diligent in verifying lounge access, consistently recording room numbers upon entry.
exploring the m club's layout and seating
upon entering the m club, guests are greeted by a hallway that includes a comfortable seating area adjacent to televisions and the food service stations.
the lounge itself is artfully arranged around an artificial fireplace, offering a diverse range of seating options. these include bar-style seating, tables and chairs, and more relaxed couch areas positioned at the lounge's extremities. the lounge was often uncrowded, ensuring ample availability of seating and workspace.
functional design and charging capabilities
the bar seating was particularly well-designed, featuring integrated usb charging ports within the countertop space, a highly practical element for guests needing to power their devices.
dining experiences at the m club lounge
breakfast offerings
the m club lounge served breakfast daily from [insert approximate breakfast hours] .
the selection included continental breakfast items, complemented by a rotating egg dish and a meat option. the variety was sufficient to satisfy travelers during multi-day stays, making it an efficient option for business travelers seeking a quick and convenient meal before their day began.
evening appetizer selection
evening appetizer snacks were available between [insert approximate evening appetizer hours].
the offerings comprised both hot and cold items, such as a soup, a pasta dish, and mini quiches. a small salad bar was also provided. the lounge offered wine and beer for purchase, with an advanced touch of a wine thermador ensuring better quality. the pricing for beverages was considered reasonable and more affordable than in a typical restaurant.
the m club lounge served as a highly convenient space for spending time and provided additional room for work.
hotel facilities: pool and fitness center
the toronto marriott markham boasts a medium-sized indoor pool and hot tub area, enhanced by tasteful decorative art.
given the seasonal limitations of outdoor pools in ontario, the indoor facility provides a valuable amenity for year-round enjoyment.
the hotel also features a well-appointed indoor gym, which was frequently utilized during peak after-work hours. a dedicated small weight area is also available within the gym.
the hotel's location is situated within a neighborhood undergoing significant development and revitalization.
on-site dining at draco restaurant
the toronto marriott markham is home to two restaurants.
during one evening of my stay, i dined at draco restaurant. to maximize point accumulation, i booked the reservation through open table, earning additional open table points. the restaurant provided a pleasant ambiance, though it retained a somewhat typical hotel dining feel.
the clientele included business travelers enjoying whiskies at the bar and a group of well-dressed attendees from a dental convention engaged in quiet conversation.
my meal consisted of seared pickerel, served with sautéed quinoa, braised broccolini, and lemon beurre blanc. while the pickerel was flavorful, it was slightly overcooked for my personal preference. mrswt73 enjoyed a flatbread topped with arugula, cherry tomatoes, and feta cheese, which received high marks for its casual dining appeal.
it's worth noting that much of the surrounding area is still under construction, with numerous vacant lots visible.
off-site dining and departure
on another evening, we dined at the nearby milestones restaurant.
upon departure, the billing process at the toronto marriott markham was seamless, with the bill being accurate and marriott bonvoy points posting without any issues. the staff expressed gratitude for our stay and extended a welcome for future visits.
overall hotel experience and neighborhood insights
my stay at the toronto marriott markham was thoroughly enjoyable.
the property offered all the necessary conveniences for a business traveler, including the highly beneficial m club lounge access. despite the hotel's comprehensive facilities, including a pool, gym, and on-site restaurants, a notable drawback was the limited selection of appealing dining options in the immediate vicinity.
category: hotels, marriott, trip report.
tags: hotel review, marriott bonvoy, marriott platinum.
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the cultural significance of gay bars
the concept of gay bars extends far beyond simple establishments; they represent vital cultural touchstones.
in urban centers worldwide, the closing of these spaces prompts reflection on their historical role in shaping queer identity and community. as author jeremy atherton lin explores in his work, these venues have served as unique palimpsests of queer history.
a journey through queer history and identity
lin's exploration, described as being as exuberant as a hit of poppers and dazzling as a disco ball, takes readers on a transatlantic journey through the hangouts that marked his life.
this narrative traverses from hollywood nights in the 1970s to the hidden cruising tunnels beneath london in the 1980s. it also covers chichi bars in the post-aids era and today's more fluid queer spaces. the journey delves into experiences ranging from encounters in glory holes and crisco-slicked dungeons to alleyways in san francisco.
the author meticulously charts significant events such as police raids and riots, moments of societal posing, and instances of public intoxication.
a pivotal chance encounter on a restless night is highlighted as a life-altering moment.
place, identity, and liberation
the resulting narrative is a sophisticated and nuanced examination of the connection between physical spaces and personal identity.
it's a story of liberation that encourages a deeper understanding beyond the simplified stonewall mythology, inviting readers to explore lesser-known battlegrounds in the ongoing struggle to establish queer territory.
described as elegiac, randy, and sparkling with wry wit, "gay bar" functions simultaneously as a serious critical inquiry, a heartfelt love story, and an unforgettable epic night out.
the book's subject and genre are attributed to lin, jeremy atherton.