We'll be visiting Canada in the summer with our 2 teenage girls aged 15 and 13. Our first stop is Toronto and I'm very tempted by the Toronto Hilton Executive Level. Has anyone here paid the extra for this service? Was it worth it? It looks a pretty good deal for the 4 of us. The only worrying point is that it says 'children under 19 not allowed in lounge after 11am' Do you know if they stick rigidly to this rule if so we would miss out on evening hors d'ouevres? (sp) or would it be acceptable to take things back to our room for the girls?) Any info much appreciated

The executive level amenities are designed for the business traveler trying to avoid families and escape your teenage girls(no offense intended). You will also find couples who want the extra upgrade in service for romantic reasons... from my experience, your girls will not be welcome in the lounge and secreting food back to your room may be embarrassing to you when the staff questions your actions... best bet would be to upgrade to a better room or suite and treat them to room service or get a package that includes something special... frankly the continental breakfast and evening snacks are not worth it if you are not pressed to a business schedule...

You might want to have a look at the reviews of the Toronto Hilton on flyertalk.com, in the discussion forum about the Hilton Honors program.

The rule about access might very well be because of liquor laws, in which case I expect that they will enforce the requirement strictly. Usually when I've had access to lounges, the lounge hosts and hostesses have not been pleased when people tried to pick up snacks or drinks to go.

You might also keep in mind that, last time I was in Toronto, there was significant construction underway at a site in front of the Hilton (they're building a new opera house). I'm not sure how disruptive this would be. Reviews on tripadvisor.com or flyertalk would give you an idea.

Oh gosh -a family to be avoided-we're a professional couple with two well brought up and well educated children! But I do take your point and thank you for responding. Would the fact that we will be there for a long weekend in August make any difference? The prices at the w/e look to be lower and so I suppose Hilton are trying to attract people other than business men?
Does anyone know if the construction of the Opera House is seriously disruptive in the area?

As the new opera house will be opening in June this year, you won't have to worry about construction disruptions.

Are you ready for shopping and sightseeing tips yet? There is a little more detail in some of my other posts on the same subject, but the highlights are:

- Bata Shoe Museum (for those who love shoes, as well as anyone who is interested the relationship between everyday objects and culture)

- Bloor Street West from Spadina to Bathurst: a university district with lots of interesting shops, reasonably priced restaurants.

- College Street West from Markham to Clinton (or a little further west). Little Italy. Also great cafes and some interesting shops.

- Queen Street West. The strip from University to Spadina used to be artsy, but then the chain stores moved in. It's still worth a visit (especially Price Roman for you if you're interested in affordable, gorgeous, dressy clothes for weddings, nights out etc - made by a Toronto designer). Spadina to Bathurst gets more interesting (a mix of old fabric shops and the funky shops that got squeezed out when the big stores moved in further east). Bathurst to Trinity Bellwoods is even better.

- Kensington Market on a weekend. Your girls will like the secondhand clothing shops and all of you might find the food market interesting to walk through.

19 is the drinking age in Ontario, and that could well be a factor in the rules at the hotel. And if it is, then Hilton would make sure they were obeyed.

Bata Show Museum was the victim of an art theft last week. We think of other museums being robbed, but shoes?

All things considered, I think of the Hilton as one of the duller hotels in town. Lots to be said for it, but if I had two teenagers with me, I might pick the Sheraton, the Chelesea, the Holiday Inn on King, or even the Fairmont Royal York. Or either of two Marriotts -- Yorkville or Eaton Center, but I'd skip the Courtyard if the girls are going to be out and about on their own.

BAK

DeborahAnn - I knew that you might take offense to my post, but you must understand that there is no great advantage for you at the Exec Level... there is only a continental bfast, internet connection, fax machine, fruit in the hallway, an on floor concerge, ordinary Hors douerves, and a cash bar at the evening mixer... There are so many better accomodations and packages in Toronto for your girls, especially in the entertainment district, near QueenSt, in Yorkville, or on the Harbourfront... Check the properties listed in these posts as well as the Westin Harbour Castle, Intercontinental on Front Street, Park Hyatt in Yorkville and the Chelsea... all are in "cool" areas for teenage girls...

There are many good Hotels or Bed & Breakfast establishment provide home away from home environment. Goto http://www.tripadvisor.com

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