Toronto Hotels

Given that more than 100 languages and dialects are spoken in the Greater Toronto area, it's not surprising that much of the downtown hotel market is international-business-traveler savvy. High-speed wireless Internet connections are standard at most high-end properties, and business services abound. But these same core hotels are close to tourist attractions—Harbourfront and the Toronto Islands, the cavernous Rogers Centre, the Air Canada Centre, the new Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, and the Royal Ontario Museum. Not wanting to miss out on potential customers, hotels like the Delta Chelsea have instituted perks for the younger set, such as complimentary milk and cookies, kid-size bathrobes, and children's day camp. Another key trend in Toronto's downtown lodgings is the emergence of small, upscale boutique hotels, such as the Hotel Le Germain, the Pantages and Cosmopolitan hotels, and the swank SoHo Metropolitan. There are also a growing number of bed-and-breakfasts and hostels.

City-center accommodations are usually within a few minutes' walk of Yonge Street and the glittering lights of the Entertainment District, the soaring office towers of the Financial District, the shops of Eaton Centre, and the bars and art galleries of Queen West. In the city's quiet east end, there's a mix of high-density high-rises and parks. Although not close to downtown attractions, hotels such as the Hilton Suites Conference Centre & Spa in Markham are within a 15-minute drive of the Ontario Science Centre and the Toronto Zoo. Within a 15-minute drive west of downtown are the forested High Park and the meandering Humber River, an area where there are few major hotels but an ample array of quaint B&Bs and the lovely Old Mill Inn. The growing West Queen West area has some unique places to stay, such as the restored Gladstone and Drake hotels, as well as funky restaurants and galleries. Lester B. Pearson International Airport is 29 km (18 mi) northwest of downtown; airport hotels are airport hotels, but staying in this area also means quick connections to cities beyond, such as Niagara.

City-center or downtown lodgings are for people who want to be in the heart of the action and nightlife, and who don't mind relying on public transit or walking. For an Eastern European feel, others may prefer to stay in the High Park/Old Mill area, as many immigrants from Ukraine, Latvia, Poland, and other countries tended to settle here. The northern edge of the city, known as York Mills or North York, contains a sizable Jewish population, whereas the northwest areas are populated with Italian, African, and Caribbean newcomers. In the eastern regions of this sprawling metropolis, Greek, Asian, Indian, and Pakistani peoples are to be found. But downtown remains a true mosaic of Toronto life, with a sometimes-astonishing number of nationalities represented. When booking, remember to first ask about discounts and packages. Even the most expensive properties regularly reduce their rates during low-season lulls and on weekends. If you're a member of a group (examples: senior citizens, students, auto club, or the military), you may also get a deal. Downtown hotels regularly have specials that include theater tickets, meals, or museum passes. It never hurts to ask for these kinds of perks up front.

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