The Arlington Hotel was once located at 326-328 King St W (at John St on the northwest corner) in the Entertainment District/Wellington Place neighbourhoods of Toronto.
Built in 1889, the airy hotel was designed by architect John A Radford. The Arlington accommodated 200 guests, and amenities included a dining room, an elegant bar, a reading room, offices and a smoking room. An ad for the hotel dated 1895 said, “it is removed from the noise of the heart of the city.” From 1919 until 1920, the building became a 160-bed hostel organized by the Knights of Columbus for those that fought in World War I. The Toronto City Directory has the hotel last recorded in 1932.
The site of the former hotel was later a parking lot and Farb’s Car Wash. Today, the block is home to TIFF Bell Lightbox and condo residences.
Arlington Hotel Photos
“Conveniently situated at corner of King and John Sts. Only a 5 minute walk from depot.
Cars pass the doors to all parts of the city.” (Toronto Public Library PC3678)
SOURCE
- The Toronto World Archives: Oct 2, 1889, pg 2
- The Toronto World Archives: Aug 8, 1890, pg 2
- The Globe Newspaper Archives: Jul 6, 1895, pg 12
- The Globe Newspaper Archives: Feb 1, 1919, pg 9
- The Globe Newspaper Archives: Mar 8, 1920, pg 10
- Photos: Denise Marie for TorontoJourney416
- Vintage Photos: City of Toronto Archives & Toronto Public Library
- Toronto City Directory by Might Directories Ltd 1891 & 1930 courtesy of Toronto Public Library
- Vintage Map: Atlas of the City of Toronto 1890 by Chas E Goad courtesy of Toronto Public Library