Drake Hotel

The west end nabe the Drake (as it's colloquially known), exists in, is called Parkdale. Gentrification has cleaned up the area and the building that used to be a flophouse on a gritty stretch that was for many years, largely forgotten until Jeff Stober stepped in and revitalized the beautiful building. He refashioned the stretch into a funky hub where creatives, dreamers and yes, partiers, gather with gleeful abandon. On the main floor a bar and dining room where smaller, live acts play. Downstairs, a more raucous party atmosphere for musicians and entertainers while upstairs, in the patio lounge, the party continues al fresco. Floral wall paper, train shelving and sock dollies crafted by a local artist decorate the hotel's nineteen rooms that range from 'crash pads' to more spacious digs. But take heed, this is a partying kind of hub, so if you're after deep zzz's and otherworldly quiet, think again.