Hello,

We're making our frist trip to Toronto this July and we need help in choosing the hotel. We're choosing between Westin Harbour Castle and Le Meridien King Edward.
We have a 1.5 year old toddler, if that means anything.

I heard that the walk to/from the Westin isn't particularly pleasant? Is it something that we wouldn't want to be strolling on at night? Any advice is appreciated.

Thanks

The Westin is right at the lake and ferry docks and surrounded by condos so usually busy with street life around there - not unsafe and you might have a good view of the lake and islands depending on your room.

I wouldn't call the walk dangerous or worrisome if that's what you mean - just straight down Bay Streeta couple of blocks - you do have to cross a busy road but there are lights. The streetcar stops nearby (it's underground at that point).

The Bay bus runs down there, too.

The King Eddie is a good choice, too, though.

I'd go with the King Eddie. It's one of our oldest and best hotels and is steps from Yonge Street for shopping, eating and people watching.

Thanks Sally.

On the website, the Westin looked like the kind of place we would like to stay in. King Eddie looked nice too, but somehow, with a baby, the Westin feels more...umm.. appropriate?

We will be walking in and out and looking of nice places to eat around the hotel and possibly an emergency run to a store for baby stuff. Is the Westin area well serviced with shops or restaurants?

thanks again

There's a big supermarket (Loblaws) a couple of blocks west of the Westin and another smaller one (Sobey's) a couple of blocks east of the hotel but there's a 24 hour Dominion supermarket near the King Eddie, too. There's a drug store a block from the King Eddie, too.

You aren't going to go hungry or not find a store in either location. Due to the lake and it's summer, I think I'd choose the Westin but there are more restaurants around the King Eddie and the St. Lawrence Market.

Oops, I got my directions mixed up - it's east to Loblaws and west to Sobey's but who cares - there are grocery stores each way from the Westin.

A YEAR AND A HALF IS A WEIRD AGE.

If you want to amuse junior, the Westin is the answer.

You can go for a boat ride to Toronto Island, there are ride at Centreville even a 1.5er would enjoy, you'll see ducks and geese.

As for toruisty things you can take a kid too -- there's Harbourfront and the CN Tower and the Hockey Hall of Fame, and lots more within a reasonable walking distance. Bring a stroller.

The King Eddie is much more formal. It's the kind of palce where you'd want to dress the kid up in $200 suits or dresses. If that's your style, you've got the right hotel.

I love the King Eddie for having a drink with pretty fgancy people, while wearing a tie, even in the summer.

BAK

The Westin is an absolutely terrible idea. You have to walk under the freeway overpass to get to and from the main part of town. It is not a fun experience. There is a streetcar, but it its bother. There is no reason not stay at a far more convenient place right in town and avoid the hassles.