Another question on Toronto hotels
 

Could you please rate the following hotels location-wise. Which hotel(s) would give me possibility to WALK to most of Toronto's attractions without having to drive or take public transportation? They all have similar price per stay when I visit Toronto, so I'm trying to make the best pick.<BR><BR>Marriott Eaton Centre<BR>Crowne Plaza (on Front Street)<BR>Holiday Inn (on King Street)<BR>The Fairmont Royal York<BR>Courtyard by Marriott (on Yonge Street)<BR>Sheraton (on Queen Street)<BR>Radisson Admiral<BR>Hilton (on Richmond Street)<BR><BR>Thank you.

We stayed at the Crowne Plaza last fall. Loved the hotel, room was huge. We walked to Harbour Front and, in the evening, the theatre district. These were both easy walks. The CBC museum (if you care) is directly across the street. There are plenty of good, small, non-chain restaurants withing walking distance. Good Luck.

We visit Toronto on an average of once a month. We have stayed at the Hilton and Sheraton once and don't plan on staying there again. They are just okay, we enjoy other hotels more. We have stayed at the Royal York many times. They rooms are small, but we enjoy the location. We are going to try the Crown Plaza on our trip next month. We have not stayed at the Marriott Eaton Center since our friends tell us it is a little shabby. But it is located near the subway and shopping. Most of the hotels will be within walking distance of Toronto's attractions or public transportation.<BR><BR>If you call Toronto Tourism they will send you a map which shows where the hotels are located and some rates which are less than you can get through the hotel and the rate includes breakfast. Their number is 1-800-899-3304. They call the rate the Mix and Match, but you don't have to purchase event tickets to get the hotel rates.

None are perfect, because the tourist stuff is semi-spread out. For instance, indoor mall shopping at the Eaton Center is next to the Marriott Eaton Center, and luxury Cartiers -- Tiffany shopping, and the main museum are not near any of the hotels on your list.<BR><BR>Except for the Radisson Admiral and Holiday Inn on King, all are near the subway, and the Admiral and HI are right by streetcars that goes into or past a subway station, so all are good for public transport.<BR><BR>In some order of preference based on location and spirt of the hotel (I like lively places) I'd put them in this order, starting with first choice.<BR><BR>Fairmont Royal York (spectacular)<BR>Holiday Inn (funky shopping on Queen St. West, restaurants, book store, close enough to the harbor)<BR>Sheraton Centre (big, close to shopping, has great steakhouse, sort of the center of a hub of interesting things to do)<BR>Mariott Eaton Centre, because of the Eaton Centre<BR>Hilton (it's next to the Sheraton, making it closer to some attrractions and a bit further from others it has a great stakhouse too, but more expensive)<BR>Radisson Admiral -- nice, quiet hotel, greeat location in good weather, streetcar makes it easy to get around, but further than you think for walking to other attractions.<BR>Crowne Plaza -- location is next to the convention center, which may mean it is filled with power drill sales reps or valve dealers. This may or may not be a good thing. Hotel itself is nice, and it's close to CN Tower, SkyDome, subway, and more. If you stay there, buy french fries from the truck out front. (same if you stay at the Sheratorn Centre)<BR>Courtyard by Marriott -- least attractive neighborhood, run down stores nearby, but close to syubway, and only five -six minutes by foot from nicer areas to visit.<BR><BR>Truth to tell, except for the Courtyard, I wouldhave no hesitation recommending any of them, and if you could save enough money for a good dinner by staying there, the Courtyard would be fine, too.<BR><BR>The Marriott Yorkville is a location I like, but isn't on your list.<BR><BR>BAK<BR>

Jackie, Dee, Brian: thanks a lot. One last question though - is Marriott Yorkville = Marriott Bloor?

The Marriott mentioned above would be the Bloor. It's located on that street. I just booked a great rate by paying ahead [at least I think it's a great rate, $102 Canadian]. It had been recommended to me, but I was unsure of the convenience of it's location. It was good to see someone else recommend it.

We have just stayed at The King Edward on King Street East. it's not one of the hotels that you mention and I don't know how the price will compare bit it's in an ideal spot within walking distance of the harbour, CN tower and The Eaton Centre etc. We were there for 4 days and only used the subway once to go to Danforth ( Greektown ) The hotel itself is brilliant. If I ever get back to Toronto I know where I'll be staying. Richard ( U.K. )

We live in Toronto, and when we want to spend a weekend downtown, we stay at the Eaton Centre Marriott. Just stayed there a few weeks ago and it is ABSOLUTELY NOT run down in any way, shape or form! The service is wonderful and the hotel is quite upscale. As for location - it's very central and has the added plus of being connected to the subway. A nice indoor pool as well. Ask for a corner room facing Bay Street. You can be at the harboufront, in Yorkville, or in Chinatown in minutes on public transit. Ask the reservationist for any special promotions - they have them from time to time.