Any recommendations for budget accommodations in Toronto and Ottawa in July and August would be appreciated.

We stayed at the Bond Place Hotel in Toronto last fall. The rates were SO low that I booked a room at the Delta Chelsea as well, just in case. The Bond Place was just fine. Rooms was a tad on the "compact" side, bathroom was fine, housekeeping was meticulous, service friendly. There's a bar on the lower level and a restaurant (we didn't have occasion to eat there, but it looked pleasant). It's located at Dundas Square, one-two blocks from Eaton Center, where there's a metro stop. Lots of inexpensive dining in the area, excellent food court at Eaton Center. Excellent neighborhood bar across the street from the hotel. Friendly with good drink prices (for Canada). Would highly recommend for economy lodging. I had also considered the Victoria. Nice location, pretty building, but did not have a chance to check it out inside. We picked the Bond Place over the Victoria because there was no parking available (public lots "nearby") at the latter.

Toronto does not have a lot of good bargainhotels, but as a general rule hotels that are part of the Choice Hotels organization usually are very good (clean, courteous) but lack some features like pools and fancy restaurants. Today, after driving past the three best located (for rich people) hotels in Toronto I noticed a Journey's End (Choice Hotels Group) on Bloor Street W. near St. George, only a couple of blocks from the expensive ones. <BR>BAK <BR>

Check out the Days Inn Toronto. It's right next to Maple Leaf Gardens. You can check out their rates and info at www.daysinn.com.

If location is not an issue, airport hotels are generally cheaper than downtown locations. With downtown locations you will probably have to pay extra for parking (up to $15.00 a night) as well. The Venture Inn airport location is quite reasonable and offers a fairly decent free continental breakfast.