During this year’s edition of the Toronto International Film Festival, W Hotels brought its signature storytelling series ‘Hotel Tales‘ to Toronto with actress Avantika Vandanapu at the centre of an intimate evening celebrating creativity, culture and connection. For this instalment in the series, which has been celebrated by the likes of Chloë Sevigny, Ziwe and Orville Peck, W Toronto became the setting, spotlighting Vandanapu and her experience discovering the city through the distinctive lens of W Hotels. Her instalment celebrates the welcoming spirit of W Hotels and how a simple recommendation can easily turn into a spontaneous night with the tagline: “You had to be there. Next time, be there.”
To mark the occasion, W Hotels hosted an intimate Connector’s Dinner at TONO by Akira Back, the signature dining destination within the newly reimagined W Toronto. Held on Thursday, September 10, the evening brought together a curated group of media, creatives and cultural tastemakers from across Toronto. Located in the heart of Yorkville, a pocket of the city where fashion, culture, design and nightlife intersect, W Toronto has recently unveiled a significant transformation that reimagines the hotel as a dynamic cultural destination.
Designed by acclaimed studio Chapi Chapo Design, the refreshed interiors pay homage to Yorkville’s bohemian roots through vibrant spaces and jewel-toned guestrooms, complemented by a curated collection of local artwork celebrating the city’s diversity and creative spirit. Over dinner and drinks, guests gathered to celebrate Vandanapu’s latest chapter in Hotel Tales while embracing the spirit at the heart of the series: unexpected encounters, new perspectives and the people shaping contemporary culture.
The evening reflected W Hotels’ continued focus on connecting guests with the people, places and experiences defining the cultural landscape. Against the backdrop of TIFF, Toronto provided a fitting setting for a night centred on storytelling and discovery.
Learn more about W Toronto at marriott.com.











