Its aura of warmth, elegance and discreet luxury, combined with an exceptional level of service, make it the destination hotel in Toronto. Behind the beautiful century-old facade are 28 newly appointed luxury suites with 24-hour butler service.

Five Star Alliance: Tell us what you feel is the most distinctive or unique feature of your hotel. What best describes the personality of the hotel?

Friedmann: Most hotels that are small call themselves boutique because that sounds a lot more appealing then saying they are small. Windsor Arms is a true boutique hotel because not only is it small and intimate with a 6:1 staff to guest ratio offering the attention and pampering that some large hotels cannot, but the Windsor Arms also has all the facilities of a large hotel as well. . . Be it spa, bar, restaurants, tea rooms, barber shop, catering, etc. It's the BEST OF BOTH WORLDS. All the amenities of the largest hotel but in an intimate surrounding of style and chic luxury.

Five Star Alliance: How did you come to be Owner of the hotel?

Friedmann: I built it. The old hotel came up for sale and given its amazing location and wonderful pedigree, the decision to buy was simple. In addition, we created the city's 24 most luxurious condos on top of the hotel.

Five Star Alliance: Who are your customers and where do they come from?

Friedmann: New York and Los Angeles are our two biggest feeders. Entertainment industry is big for us. European travelers also play a role. Locals use it for a weekend get-away in the hotel/spa, without the need to get on a plane. Executives and dignitaries are also a good market for us.

Five Star Alliance: Can you share the names of any famous guests who have stayed in the hotel, or perhaps regulars that return on a recurring basis?

Friedmann: The AAA list of celebrities, both current and past. From the teenagers to the ones in their 90's. When they come to Toronto, we are their number 1 choice. Unfortunately we can't always accommodate but we always do our best.

Five Star Alliance: I assume that of your clientele you have a lot of repeat guests.

Friedmann: Over 50%.

Five Star Alliance: Are you part of a hotel group (like LHW or Small Luxury Hotels)? Can you tell us why the hotel joined the group and how the affiliation has helped you?

Friedmann: We are part of Small Luxury Hotels of the World. First time visitors thus have an idea of what kind of property we are prior to their arrival.

Five Star Alliance: Which do you consider to be the best rooms in the house? If you were checking into a standard room at the hotel, which one would you request?

Friedmann: All but two of our rooms are suites. They all have the same features. The only difference between them is the size and the odd one or two that have an over-the-top feature, like a fireplace in the bathroom. Thus room selection is easy for our guests.

Five Star Alliance: Can you mention any interesting trivia regarding the hotel? Perhaps a bit of history? Any special events that have taken place on the property?

Friedmann: Home to Vincent Price, Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor, to name a few from the past. But this is a new hotel now. Completely rebuilt from basement up. Looks like the original from the outside, but with all the modern requirements of the discerning traveler.

Five Star Alliance: I am intrigued by the history of the hotel. What was the public's response to your remodeling?

Friedmann: The hotel was first opened in 1927. When we remodeled, all the major press and magazines, like The New York Times, just raved about the re-opening.

Five Star Alliance: If you were considering staying at the hotel as a guest, what would you want to know about the hotel before checking in?

Friedmann: Any special dietary needs can be accommodated; 24 hr room service; in-house food and beverage facilities. (Not leased to outside operators, like many hotels do.) All your needs can be met here. Personal grooming, shopping etc. all on the premises or within a 100 yards. You never need to leave the hotel. Dance the night away in the Club, pamper in the Spa, enjoy tea with an old friend, dine in the grand restaurant or the club with live entertainment.

Five Star Alliance: What is the hardest part about being Owner? If you could change one thing about the hotel, what would that be?

Friedmann: Always ensuring that the guests' needs are met even before the guest makes the request. Change? Why toy with perfection? Maybe add 10 or 20 more rooms- but that's it.

Five Star Alliance: Other than your own hotel, can you share your choices of two or three of the greatest hotels in the world? What distinguishes these properties?

Friedmann: The Hassler in Rome, because of its most amazing location. (Editor's note: Perched above the Spanish Steps, The Hassler is one of Europe's most majestic hotels. The historic luxury property features exquisite frescoes, antiques and classic paintings in the suites, with breathtaking views of the Eternal City.)

Five Star Alliance: What do you look for in other hotels?

Friedmann: The same features and amenities as my own hotel! My staff is always happy when I go away because I come back appreciating what a great job they do.

Five Star Alliance: What is the best thing about the hotel's location in Toronto? What is your favorite thing to do in the surrounding area?

Friedmann: The hotel is on Toronto's Golden Strip but 30 yards off it. So it's in the middle of it all in Toronto- but being 30 yds off the main drag helps ensure privacy and the destination feeling. I love to SHOP. (Editor's note: Yorkville is Toronto's happening and eclectic neighborhood, brimming with designer boutiques, sophisticated and trendy restaurants, museums and art galleries.)

Five Star Alliance: Anything else you would like our readers to know about your property?

Friedmann: The Windsor Arms is your home away from home, with all the staff to help enhance the lifestyle.

Over the past 25 years, George Friedmann has been the President of several privately owned corporations involved in hospitality and also property development businesses. His education includes a degree in business administration. He also serves as CA on the board of several health and cultural entities.

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