Chestnut Residence is at 89 Chestnut Street in downtown Toronto. Originally built as a hotel, the 28-storey building is now one of the University of Toronto’s largest student residences, housing nearly 1,150 students from the university and affiliated institutions (Chestnut Residence Toronto History and Student Accommodation Guide). It also serves as a conference centre and social hub (Chestnut Residence).
Its central location puts it within walking distance of Nathan Phillips Square, the Eaton Centre, and historic sites (Reddit). The main University of Toronto St. George campus is about one kilometre away (Society19).
History
Chestnut Residence was built in 1972 by Armstrong and Molesworth as the Holiday Inn Downtown, at a cost of about $18 million. The hotel stood on a site formerly occupied by Toronto’s First Chinatown, had 749 rooms, and was described as Toronto’s fourth-largest hotel.
In 1989, Hong Kong investor Sally Aw purchased the property for $73 million and renamed it the Colony Hotel. After a period of fluctuating ownership, the University of Toronto acquired the building in 2003 for C$67.6 million. The purchase coincided with Ontario’s “double cohort” influx of university students (Wikipedia).
Before the acquisition, the university had temporarily housed students in other hotels. Converting Chestnut into a residence provided a long-term solution and created single and double rooms with private bathrooms, an uncommon feature in university residences (Society19). The residence accommodates University of Toronto students as well as students from the Ontario College of Art and Design University (Chestnut Residence).
The building is on land traditionally inhabited by the Huron-Wendat, Seneca, and Mississaugas of the Credit River peoples, whose history is recognized in the residence’s land acknowledgment (Chestnut Residence).
What to See
Architecture and community
Chestnut retains features from its hotel years, including The Lookout, a lounge on the 27th floor that was formerly the revolving La Ronde restaurant and offers panoramic views (Wikipedia). Renovations by Superkül refreshed the dining hall and administrative areas (Superkül).
The Chestnut Residence Council organizes events such as semi-formals, open mic nights, and intramural sports. Themed floors, including health and wellness and quiet floors, bring together students with shared interests (Society19). The residence supports equity, diversity, and inclusion, and houses international and engineering students (Chestnut Residence). Its policies prioritize safety, respect, and accessibility.
Facilities
The residence has fully furnished rooms with modern furnishings, individual climate control, and private bathrooms (Chestnut Residence). Other facilities and services include:
- A 350-seat Chestnut Dining Commons with all-you-care-to-eat meals, noted for its quality and variety, especially desserts (Wikipedia; Society19).
- An on-site fitness centre for residents (hotelstorontoontario.com).
- Self-serve laundry, complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi, and on-site parking for a fee (Booking.com).
- A Winter Garden communal relaxation space (hotelstorontoontario.com).
- Weekly housekeeping for stays longer than seven nights (Booking.com).
- A 24/7 staffed front desk, secure entry, and conference facilities for academic and professional events (Chestnut Residence).
- Staff support in an inclusive, accessible environment (Stay at U of T).
Practical Visiting Information
Hours, access, and tickets
Chestnut Residence is a student residence and conference centre, not a public attraction. It does not offer regular public tours. Prospective students and authorized visitors may arrange tours through the University of Toronto housing office. There is no public ticketing or admission fee; access is restricted to residents, affiliated guests, and university events.
Accessibility and getting there
The building has elevators, ramps, and accessible washrooms (Chestnut Residence). It is smoke-free and pet-free, has full elevator access, and is staffed 24 hours a day (Reddit).
The nearest subway station is Dundas, and several streetcar and bus routes serve the area. The main St. George campus is about 1 km away, or a 20–25 minute walk.
Summer accommodation
Single and double bedrooms have private ensuite bathrooms and individual climate control (Chestnut Summer Residence). Summer accommodation is open to U of T students, alumni, students from other institutions, and co-op participants during May 4 – August 16, 2025, with a 30-day minimum stay (Student Life U of T).
Fees are all-inclusive, early bird discounts are available, and payment is made through the university portal (Chestnut Summer Residence).
Dining
The Chestnut Dining Commons is an all-you-care-to-eat facility (Food Services U of T). Meal plans include unlimited access and 14-meal plans; a meal plan is mandatory for summer residents (Food Services U of T).
The menu includes international cuisine, vegetarian, vegan, halal, gluten-free, and kosher options (hotelstorontoontario.com). Take-out is limited and uses Eco to Go containers. Arrange allergy and dietary accommodations with staff in advance (Food Services U of T). The residence is also steps from the Eaton Centre and numerous restaurants (Booking.com).
Tips
- Nathan Phillips Square’s skating rink operates from November to March; check the city website for schedules.
- Check Nathan Phillips Square’s event calendar for concerts, festivals, and special events. Golden hour and nighttime are suggested times for photos.
- For Casa Loma, tickets can be booked online; visiting early or late can help avoid crowds. Wear comfortable shoes and check the events calendar for seasonal programming.
Nearby Places
Nathan Phillips Square
Opened in 1965, Nathan Phillips Square fronts Toronto’s City Hall and is named after the city’s first Jewish mayor. It is a symbol of civic pride, democracy, and modernist architecture, and often hosts major events and celebrations (Nathan Phillips Square Official Page).
The square is open year-round with no admission fee. Its main attractions include the Toronto Sign, Freedom Arches, Peace Garden, and City Hall tours. It is accessible, with ramps and washrooms, and can be reached by TTC via Osgoode Station, streetcars, and nearby parking.
Casa Loma
Built by Sir Henry Pellatt between 1911 and 1914, Casa Loma is a Gothic Revival mansion with 98 rooms, secret passages, grand gardens, and architectural details (Casa Loma).
Hours:
- April–October: 9:30 AM–5:00 PM
- November–March: 10:00 AM–4:30 PM
Tickets:
- Adults: CAD 30
- Seniors: CAD 25
- Students: CAD 20
- Children (4–12): CAD 15
- Under 4: Free
Most public areas are accessible by elevator. Amenities include BlueBlood Steakhouse, a gift shop, and gardens. Guided tours are available. Nearby attractions include Spadina Museum, Toronto Botanical Gardens, and downtown Toronto.
Other nearby attractions include the Art Gallery of Ontario, the Eaton Centre, and Toronto’s Old Town district. Casa Loma and Nathan Phillips Square are also highlighted as places to explore in the city (Casa Loma; Toronto's Nathan Phillips Square).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can the public visit Chestnut Residence?
A: It is not open to the general public. Prospective students can arrange visits through the University of Toronto housing office.
Q: What amenities are available?
A: Fully furnished rooms, private or shared bathrooms, a dining hall, fitness centre, laundry, Wi-Fi, conference facilities, and 24/7 security.
Q: How far is Chestnut Residence from campus?
A: It is about 1 km from the main St. George campus, a 20–25 minute walk.
Q: Is the building accessible?
A: Yes. It has elevators, ramps, and accessible washrooms.
Q: What attractions are nearby?
A: Nathan Phillips Square, the Eaton Centre, the Art Gallery of Ontario, and Toronto’s Old Town district.
