OK Since we are going to continue:
Thank you for the writing skill comment. Your writing skills are just fine and every bit as good as mine.
I agree condos aren't for everyone. We should agree to disagree that for some at least, a balcony and an opening window is important.
I will see more traffic at Shangrila than Ritz. I agree. However, I am not sure how many people will like having a private elevator and not seeing their neighbours. Maybe everyone. I don't know. Personally, I like seeing some people. Living downtown comes with seeing people I think.
If I am not mistaken, and please don't bite my head off if I am right or wrong, the Ritz you have to take 2 elevators. One from the main loby to the 22nd floor, and then you have to change to your private elevator. Am I correct? Would you want to take 2 elevator rides though I guess you get to see your neighbours on the first ride. If I am wrong, I am misremembering the project and I apologize.
As for the owner's deck. I agree very nice. But I don't want to have to get into an elevator to get a breath of fresh air. And I think 200 sq. ft. of my own little balcony is kind of nice to entertain privately on. That vs. a common 2000 sq. ft. deck. Individual choice. If one or the other, my preference is clear. Again, let's agree to disagree.
I again concede the 10 ft. ceiling at Ritz is better(in fact, I think it was a mistake for Shangrila to offer only 9 feet).
Now as to location. Again that is individual. I think University Ave. is nicer than Wellington. That said, it takes me 2 minutes by foot to Roy Thomson, you probably 45 seconds. We have the entertainment area which may be in fact a bad thing (noise etc). I concede the point. Other than that, everything is within 2 mintues of each other. The opera center is accross the street which may/may not be your taste.
Again, my last point. Most of the 1 bedrooms are North facing. There is one design NW corner and one with South. However, no or little direct sun which my wife does not like. And yes, sigh, I still am dictated to by my wife( and hopefully shall always be. I understand Divorce is an expensive process). Hence I chose a West face.
1100 sq. ft gives me a 1 bedroom + den design. Functional but not very large. However, minimum is 1400 sq.ft essentially for Ritz. The small den is important to me personally. Hence I would need to look at 2 bedrooms which are much larger and more expensive. To get partial West view or the South, I have to go around 1600 sq. ft. for a 1 bedroom which places it alot more expensive (though clearly you are getting more as well for the money). Finally, I succeed in getting entry level (not the smallest unit) but 2nd in size and am price supported by units that are considerably more valuable and I hope will hold my value though the opposite argument that the price point of the Ritz being higher will in fact result in stronger support value. I just don't know. Therefore, for my needs and price point, this makes more sense for me.
Now as to brand. I am familiar with the Shangrila brand. It is new to North America. It is number 1 in Asia. The Shangrila Vancouver is now the number 1 designated hotel within the Shangrila chain worldwide. The developer is the same in Toronto as in Vancouver and I have every hope that Shangrila is trying to make an impression in North America. Some risk but if they pull the same quality as in Asia, it will be every bit I believe as the Ritz and frankly, probably better. This is however a North American unknown. Service is superb in both but in Asia, the Shangrila legendary. Of course, we both will likely bothagree that 4Seasons has its overall #1 rank for a reason, but as I said before, one is paying another $300 or so/sq.ft. for the location and to be in the 4Seasons.
You may point out that the hotel is seperate from the residence and you would be correct. However, I think that once known ( and this is hopeful on my part), the Shangrila will be recognized here as comparable to the Ritz and has room to grow in value for the brand recognition. As for 100 years of the "Ritz" true and and there is definately the brand recognition. I would actually argue having experienced both, Shangrila is actually as good or actually( and don't be angry: my personal opinion only ) better than the Ritz as a hotel. Their people are trained to a level that no other chain I am aware of aspirates to. Their spa is #1. As well, for eg. front desk workers are not hired off the street but go through vigorous training before placed there.
As for building appearance. This is individual. I prefer the Shangrila though it remains to be seen when constructed but the Ritz is absolutely gorgeous as well.
Finally Path: agree score 1 for the Ritz. I believe the connection will happen within a few years. Wishful anyhow but like I said, 100 yards even in winter for the hopeful short term, manageable.
Finally don't underestimate the running cost argument I put forth
Toskier, I believe like I said you are a Ritz purchaser and you have bought in a fabulous, possibly better building than I have. Congratulations again. For my price point and needs, Shangrila is just a better fit.
I think we have exhausted the topic.
Let's compare notes and price values in 5 years. Loser pays for the coffee (haha).