We are in the early stages of planning a first trip to Canada next June. I only have ten days total so have decided to focus my trip on the Montreal area. We'll be flying into Toronto about noon on a Friday and then leaving the next morning by rail. I regret this means such a short time in a city as neat as Toronto but I'll have to save a longer visit for a future trip.

Basically, we'll have enough time to walk around the city a bit, maybe dinner and a show. What about the Holiday Inn on King? Would that be a good base for a bit of exploring, getting a quick feel for the city? I feel like I might like to visit the St. Lawrence market. I'll also need to figure out transportation from the airport and to the train station.

Thank you so much for your advice. Budget-wise, I'd rather not spend over $300.

The most convenient hotel would be the Fairmont Royal York. The express bus from the airport swtops at the Royal York, and the hotel is directly across the street from the railway station.

You can easily walk from the Royal York to several dozen good restaurants on Friday evening, either along Front Street in eithr direction, up on King Street WEst, or even a few blocks further.

The Strathcona is much less expensive, and next door to the Royal York, but not as nice.

BAK

Thank you, BAK. The Fairmont would be over $400. with fees and taxes, but I'll keep my eyes open for a deal. The Strathcona doesn't look too bad, really. Generally, I'd rather stretch my budget than end up somewhere depressing, though.

There are three of us, so maybe a taxi would be about the same price as the express bus?

Yes, the airport limo ( better than a taxi)it is about50 dollars flat rate ( ask the driver first).
There are many nice hotels on Bloor St.
shops, museums and restaurants are there ( short cab ride to the station)
Marriott, Intercontinental, Hyatt,

People have used Priceline with good results.

I've never been willing to risk Priceline because there are three of us and they will not guarantee a room with two beds. When our daughter grows up and we start travelling as a couple again, I'll be all over Priceline. I enjoy using them now for car rentals.

the holiday inn on king is a great location - up the street from the sky dome, near good restaurants and has a roof top pool with a great view.

its about a 5min walk from the royal york.

Novotel on the Esplanade
Victoria Hotel on Yonge at King
Strathcona Hotel (right beside the Royal York)
Howard Johnson's on Avenue Road (somewhere around #99)
Holiday Inn on Bloor near Spadina

You should also check out 1 King West, a newer property at King and Yonge St...We stayed there last week at $159 CDN for a Suite that included a kitchenette, Fridge, and Washer and Dryer in the room.... its a modern tower built on top of an old bank... the VIP lounge is inside the the old vault,(hence the name "the Vault&quot... you can also upgrade for an additional $29/night and use their car service... they will cart you to most local restaurants and attractions in an old Cadillac or Bentley... that was fun! Its only a short ride to the rail station... and that upgrade includes a continental breakfast.... have fun!

Wonderful suggestions! Thank you all. I'm sure I'll have so many questions over the next ten months. But planning and anticipating is quite a bit of fun to me. I'll let you know what arrangements I end up making and will surely post a trip report as well.