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No, the Drake Hotel is not owned by Drake the musician, even though it does hold a sweet spot in Toronto’s music and culture scene.

On my recent visit, I stayed in both a Crash Pad hotel room, with its modern art touches and fun and funky interior as well as a Modern Wing room, opened in December, part of the hotel’s expansion program.

Arancha González Bernardo + Michael Norman Fohring of Toronto design firm Odami are the team behind the Drake’s Modern Wing and hotel lobby.

We always consider light as a material; it can change a space and the reading of form so much.

The Drake enjoys collaborations with both local and international artists, turning every space into an ever-changing art gallery.

Each of the Modern Wing’s five floors are adorned with visual treats, allowing artists of all backgrounds to flourish via commissions and site-specific installations.

The Drake’s art program is committed to amplifying marginalized voices as well as addressing current social, cultural and environmental issues via inspiring art and programming.

Hotel guests and visitors alike can learn about the artists and their work via online resources, didactic panels and the Drake’s own staff.

[The Drake’s Underground green room]

[Underground Lounge]

You’ll find a wealth of contemporary art and distinctive touches throughout the property, from the lobby bar and cafe to the underground lounge, where acts such as Peaches and Billy Eilish have graced the tiny stage, on their musical journeys to stardom.

The lobby is a mixed-use space for lounging, dining, live music and relaxing by the fireplace. Adjacent to the lobby is small, yet welcoming Drake Cafe, where breakfast is served daily.

It’s a great spot for people-watching as regulars arrive in the morning with their four-legged friends, and order coffee and pastries to go.

I much enjoyed their infamous coarse sugar-sprinkled blueberry scones (a staple here for over 15 years) alongside a good Americano misto.

The Drake Hotel is located at 1150 Queen Street West in Toronto.

I was hosted by The Drake Hotel for the purpose of this feature. Opinions, as always, remain my own.