The Drake Hotel Review

Last went to the Drake Hotel: May 31st, 2024

I’m going to make this review about the Drake entertainment spaces. The Underground, the Rooftop, and the Lounge are spots my friends and I have enjoyed over the years. I’ve never stayed in the Drake’s hotel rooms because I live in my own beautiful space around the corner. Also, the Drake Hotel was around long before Aubrey Graham started his rap career.

The Underground, located downstairs, has a sound system that packs a punch. Niche parties and events happen there regularly. It has two bars because, of course, one is never enough, and a dance floor just big enough to keep you moving. It has a cool, dark basement vibe, drawing a younger, more casual crowd.

The Rooftop can be a day or evening party place outdoors, as long as the weather cooperates. In the summer, it hosts themed events with a live DJ spinning hits. You can eat, drink, and dance on the wooden floors (if there’s enough room) to your heart’s content. Just remember, sunscreen by day may be necessary.

On Fridays, the Lounge, on the main floor, is a dance area at night and a full dining area by day. Every Friday, a different live DJ mixes recent music. But the real highlight is the last Friday of the month, called “Sampled.” This night party pairs classic original songs with their modern-day versions back-to-back all night long. If you’ve been part of the Toronto dance scene for a while, this will feel like a trip down memory lane. The Drake Lounge crowd has the energy and enthusiasm of the old “Living Room” days. If you enjoyed the vibe at Bamboo on Queen Street before it became Ultra, and then liked dancing to the music at Ultra, you’ll know what I mean. The dress code at the Drake Lounge is fashionably relaxed—translation: look good but stay comfortable. Comfortably trendy footwear is also a must because once you start dancing, you won’t want to sit down.