The wow view from the rooftop pool at Thompson Toronto. (Jennifer Hollett/CBC)

By Jennifer Hollett, CBC News

It's a great feeling when someone you like, likes you back. Especially when you're a self-conscious international city like Toronto. And The New York Times likes us!

In the lead up to TIFF, the newspaper's T Magazine featured Toronto in its style map, declaring "Canadian Cool." But, as a Torontonian, I questioned some of the spots, because I didn't know half of them.


The elusive and exclusive Goodnight! Bar. (Jennifer Hollett/CBC)

Style spot: Goodnight!
On the map: Random alley, near Richmond/Spadina.
What NY Times says: Situated down a dimly lit alley behind the trendy menswear shop Nomad, this new Richmond lounge boasts a sophisticated crowd and interesting cocktails. (Try the vodka-based Volga Volga.)
What the local says: First, try Googling this bar. Then try finding it. Then try getting in. Not a chance. Locked door, reservations only. Goodbye. Goodnight!

Party at ONE Restaurant, Hazelton Hotel. (Jennifer Hollett/CBC)

Style spot: The Hazelton Hotel
On the map: 118 Yorkville Ave.
What NY Times says: This cool but comfortable Yorkville hotel arguably Toronto's finest is celebrity central during the Toronto Film Festival, and attracts other movers and shakers the rest of the time. The rooms are spacious, the bathrooms enormous and the beds are so comfortable it's difficult to get out of them. In nice weather, the terrace at ONE, the hotel's restaurant, is THE place to see and be seen.
What the local says: Oprah stayed here, that's all I have to say.


Holt Renfrew's Bloor Street storefront. (Jennifer Hollett/CBC)

Style spot: Holt Renfrew, Bloor Street
On the map: 50 Bloor St. W. (watch out for the construction)
What NY Times says: The Barneys of Toronto, this is Ground Zero for local fashionistas. With a sybaritic spa, a yummy cafe and a knockout VIP suite, there's no reason to leave until you're maxed out.
What the local says: This is Wal-Mart for the rich. A great place to spend lots of money on items to impress, and you'll likely see a celeb or two, but not noteworthy for Toronto.


The chefs at Origin impress. (Jennifer Hollett/CBC)

Style spot: Origin
On the map: 107-109 King St. E.
What NY Times says: A trendy, high-spirited crowd tucks into haute comfort fare at Claudio Aprile's new hot spot, a casual counterpart to his foodie temple Colborne Lane.
What the local says: The only NY Times pick east of Yonge. It's tapas style, but they call it a "global dining bar." Gorgeous decor, cool yet warm staff, reasonable prices. I'll be back to order the watermelon salad, with green beans and feta.


Taking reservations at Thompson Toronto. (Jennifer Hollett/CBC)

Style spot: Thompson Toronto
On the map: 550 Wellington St. W.
What NY Times says: If access to the rooftop pool/bar, with its staggering view, isn't enough reason to rest your head at this new King West hotel, there's also a 24-hour "diner" and a snazzy outpost of Scarpetta, the New York chef Scott Conant's buzzy Italian joint.
What the local says: If I was a celeb, I'd stay here. New, and tucked away off King West, the TIFF Bell Lightbox will surely make this part of the city a hub for the fest. I agree with the Times on the view! It's so nice, the director of sales asked for a copy of my pic.

Check back, as we'll be posting our own Toronto TIFF blogger approved guide to city style.

You can follow Jennifer throughout #TIFF10 on Twitter at @jenniferhollett