The Sutton Place brand is returning to downtown Toronto, with Northland Properties formally announcing the rebranding of the former King Blue Hotel to become The Sutton Place Hotel Toronto.

Located at 355 King St. W. at the corner of Blue Jays Way, the hotel is housed in the city's historic former Westinghouse building. It is integrated into a multi-tower development known as the King Blue condominiums, which was developed by the Canadian arm of Shanghai-based Greenland Group between about 2017 and the early 2020s.

The hotel property, which was redeveloped as part of the larger mixed-use project, was sold to Northland in 2021 and has since operated as King Blue. Financial details of that transaction were not released.

The luxury hotel contains 118 rooms, a range of amenities and the Abrielle restaurant operated by The Ascari Hospitality Group.

“The rebranding of King Blue Hotel Toronto to The Sutton Place Hotel Toronto is an exciting addition to our Sutton Place portfolio and strengthens our growth in Ontario,” said Tom Gaglardi, CEO of Northland Properties, in the announcement Wednesday morning.

“Toronto offers a vibrant downtown experience rich in culture and history. 

“We are incredibly proud to welcome our hotel guests and local restaurant and bar visitors to enjoy a particularly special hospitality experience that encompasses the beautifully designed historical touch points of this iconic building.”

Sutton Place Hotel a former Toronto icon

The Sutton Place brand has a long history in Toronto, with the original luxury hotel property being located on Bay Street from 1967 to 2012.

In addition to providing service to the Yorkville neighbourhood and the city’s financial district, it also held status as an unofficial headquarters and accommodation for participants of the Toronto International Film Festival.

That changed when the TIFF Bell Lightbox, which is located just down the road from the new Sutton Place Hotel site, was constructed in 2010.

In its heyday, the Sutton Place was frequented by dignitaries and celebrities who would visit the lobby and nearby establishments. 

The new Sutton Place retains the classical façade detailing and terra cotta trim of the Westinghouse building, amid the 44- and 48-storey towers of the King Blue redevelopment which comprises over 900 condos.

Vancouver-based Northland Properties was founded by Bob Gagliardi in 1963 and now operates in five countries with 12,000-plus employees. 

It owns or holds interests in 63 hotels and resorts, as well as 175 restaurants and venues and three professional hockey teams.

Northland is also involved in construction, capital investment, property and asset management.