The Perfect Staycation Combination: UP Express and Fairmont Royal York!

Recently, I was lucky enough to enjoy an amazing influencer experience with the Fairmont Royal York Hotel and UP Express. For those of you who have not had the pleasure of staying at this iconic hotel that is steeped in history (it officially became the Royal York in 1929), I highly suggest that you book a staycation ASAP, and enjoy all there is to offer by staying at this gorgeous hotel.

Not only is it close to tons of restaurants, tourist attractions, and sporting and entertainment venues, it's mere steps from GO buses and trains, TTC, and the incredible UP Express train that takes you to Pearson Airport. Warning: once you check in, you'll want to stay for good!

My experience with the Fairmont Royal York and UP Express started with a ride on the UP Express from Pearson Airport to Union Station. After dropping off my luggage at the hotel, I hopped on the UP Express to meet up with everyone at the airport. The boarding area for UP Express is easy to find, and trains run every 15 minutes.

The trip from Union Station to Pearson is only 25 minutes, and is so comfortably fast and equipped with WiFi to happily distract you while texting or working, you`re at the airport before you know it. There are also tons of outlets to use to charge your phones, tablets, and laptops!

The trains are incredibly clean, and the rates are super reasonable! There are a variety of options to choose, ranging from one-way trips, family passes, and layover fares. Pretty much any scenario you can think of, UP Express has got you covered!

Once I arrived at the airport, I was greeted by the fabulous marketing team from the Fairmont Royal York, and gifted with a lovely goody bag filled with treats to enjoy later (macaroons and honey made from the beehives located on the rooftop at the hotel). We met up with the other influencers, and enjoyed a great story about how UP Express became a reality. The view from Pearson is pretty awesome. You can actually see the CN Tower from the station!

UP Express leaving Pearson

Finally, we were off to Union Station on the train! The ride was super smooth, and filled with great views of the city. If you need a fast and fun way to get around the city, and to get into town for sporting events, concerts, or other fun activities, take the UP Express. It's not just a method of transportation to get to the airport!

Upon our arrival to Union Station, it was a quick walk across the street to the gorgeous Royal York Hotel to check in! I never get tired of walking by this gorgeous and iconic hotel. It's always incredibly busy at the intersection, but we all took the time to snap a few quick pictures before the light changed colour to cross the street!

Walking into the hotel, we were greeted warmly by several staff members, and were given our keys to our respective rooms. A quick tour of the lobby, and we all went our separate ways to get settled into our rooms for some downtime before meeting up for dinner.

I have been to the hotel before, but only for events, so staying overnight was a huge treat for me. I was greeted to an incredibly comfortable room. The hotel has gone through a huge renovation, and the rooms have all been updated. I must say, if this is hotel living, please sign me up ASAP! Now I understand why some people live in hotels!

I decided to spend some time exploring the underground shops and grab some treats to watch a little Y&R (one of my guilty pleasures!) before dinner. I love how incredibly convenient it is to not have to leave the building to do some retail therapy!

When I returned to my room, I was just about to settle in for some downtime and must-see TV, when there was a knock at the door. I was greeted with another lovely surprise from the hotel, in the form of some delicious treats, lavender tea, lavender bath salts, and a magazine to indulge in before dinner! Talk about VIP Treatment. The Royal York was truly spoiling me!

Finally, it was time to head down to dinner at Epic, to meet with the other influencers and the marketing team. Let me tell you, I have been to many events and dinners. This one really tops my list of incredible experiences!! From the personalized napkins with our Twitter handles, to the lovely meal and wine parings from the incredibly talented Chef Josh Dyer, I was swooning over every lovely detail!

We started our dining experience with a fabulous signature cocktail, appropriately named the 'Epictini' (named after Epic Restaurant, where dinner was taking place). This was a gorgeous drink made from Appleton Lemon Vodka, simple syrup, sparkling wine, muddled raspberries, lemon and lime. Garnished with raspberries and an edible flower, it was as stunning as it was delicious! The perfect way to start our meal.

Speaking of meals, this was definitely one of 'Epic' proportions! Our Wild Ontario themed dinner started with an incredible Amuse Bouche, consisting of a Pesto Puree, Pickled Carrot, and Waygu Beef. Following this, the first course was Diver Scallops with Fennel Pollen, Ontario Pickled and Raw Radish, with Celeriac Puree and Seabuckthorn Berries. It was beyond delicious and stunning to look at!

The second course was wildly decadent! We indulged in Willowgrove Hill Pork, with Braised Belly, Rye Berries, Linseed, Roof Top Honey (straight from the rooftop at the Fairmont Royal York!), and Hazelnuts. Beyond delectable, and like nothing I have ever tasted before. Chef Dyer was on fire with this meal, and happily came out to chat with us about the courses and tasting menu.

Our third course consisted of Venison Tenderloin, with Wild Blueberries, Raisin Puree, Brussels Sprout, and Duck Prosciutto Hash. I don't usually eat venison or duck, but I have to say it was so tasty and different. The menu was so thoughtfully prepared, with no details spared by Chef Dyer!

Our final course was dessert. Chef Dyer prepared an Epic Signature Dark Chocolate Truffle, with Griottes Cherries. I loved how there were edible gold flakes placed on the cherries! The dessert was paired with a 2009 port. Hashtag #matchmadeinheaven!

Dinner was an epic success (no pun intended!), and I remember blissfully returning to my room, getting ready for bed, and falling asleep the minute my head hit the pillow! I had the most blissful sleep in the most comfortable bed, with a whole night of uninterrupted sleep (a record for me!)

Our VIP experience continued the next morning over breakfast at Epic Restaurant. We were treated to a fabulous buffer breakfast, the kind I have never experienced before. I have tried many buffet type breakfasts in my lifetime, but nothing was quite like the one we had here. Executive Chef Robert Mills has put together some amazing items for guests to feast upon, including an unbelievable omelet station! Guests are able to choose from a variety of different toppings, whole eggs or egg whites. The possibilities are endless! I chose a ham, asparagus, bell peppers, mushrooms, feta cheese and whole eggs omelet. What I was given was a work of art!

I had an amazing stay at this beautiful hotel, and was sad to leave. My only regret was that I didn't have enough time to enjoy the pool, gym, and spa facilities. This just means I will have to come back for another staycation!

I would like to thank the fabulous team at the Royal York Hotel, for welcoming me and spoiling me rotten. No detail was left out, and it exceeded my expectations, and then some! If you want pure class, elegance, and an unforgettable experience, I highly recommend this hotel. You won't regret it!

Disclaimer: As part of the influencer experience, I was provided with an overnight stay at the hotel. All of the opinions expressed are entirely my own.