I will be visiting Toronto in mid-September, and would like to stay at a historic hotel. I know many recommend the Royal York, but I am also considering the King Edward and Hotel Victoria. What is the best one? I am a single woman traveling alone, and have a bit of difficulty walking so would like something convenient to shops, transportation, etc. I can't say cost is of no consequence, but I don't mind spending a few dollars more for a hotel with nicely furnished rooms and a truly historic feel. Thanks.

Stick to the Royal York. It is the most beautiful of the three, with a recent renovation. The King Eddie (as it is know here in TO) is fine, but their renovation made it look too modern and "with-it" while the Royla York's reno enhanced the old style charm. The lobby of the Royal York is a tremendous place to hang out and people watch.It has a great bar off the lobby and if you can swing a tour of the suites upstairs you will see where John Lennon and Yoko Ono stayed as well as Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip, Trudeau and stars as diverse as Mickey Rooney and John Travolta. I don't know the Hotel Victoria personally now: it was down at heel a few years ago and definitely NOT a place for a single woamn travelling alone. But my info is out of date on that one so perhaps others can help?

The Hotel Victoria is half way between the other two, and I once walked out of a lunch meeting at the King Edward in disgust (at themeeting, not the hotel) and walked to the Victoria for lunch, so they are all very close to each other. <BR> <BR>For the showbiz feel of an historic hotel, pick the Royal York, which is now called the Fairmont Royal York. <BR>BERsides, it has more stores inside it, is adjacent to a shopping center, is closer to the subway, and is still a very lievely and interesting place. <BR> <BR>The Hotel Victoria is small and old, but was never a special place. Restaurant is OK, but again,nothing to write home about. <BR> <BR>King Eddy was famous in the olden days, but now is very quiet, very elegant, has two excellent restaurants and a nmice bar, but is too quiet if you are looking for something special, where there are interesting goings-on to watch. <BR> <BR>Stores very near the Royal York will mostly be closed on Saturday and Sunday, (it is an undertrground plaza mostly serving busienss people in the giant office towers up above) but it is a short subway ride to the Eaton Center, which will be open, or up to Bloor and Yonge, where there are very fancy stores, open on Saturday and, a few, on Sunday. <BR> <BR>BAK <BR> <BR>BAK

Thanks so much for the great info. My mind is now totally made up - it's the Roayl York for me! <BR> <BR>Carla

I just booked the King Eddie for about US $145/night, weekend rates with tax included. Should I be happy with that? (I don't mind quiet!) Would you recommend Chiaro's? If not, I am open for suggestions for a Sunday dinner near the hotel. It seems that many restaurants are closed on Sundays. Also I would appreciate a recommendation for an Italian restaurant for Saturday, perhaps on King. <BR>Brian, you are a treasure on this board!