Hotel Recommendation in Toronto
 

Hi,

I found on Hotwire, a 4* hotel on Gardine Expy, near Jarvis. I'm neither familiar w/ the area nor Hotwire. Have no idea which hotel this can be. Any feedback on the area would be greatly appreciated.

K.

I take it back; the map points it to the downtown area; it does not mean the hotel is near Jarvis.

k.

If you could provide either the name or the address of the hotel it would be helpful. You didn't give us much to go on.

Hi,

We have not booked the hotel on Hotwire yet so don't have the hotel name; still shop around for a convenient one for Sept 2-5. We definite need recommendation on the hotels that is 4*, in a good neighborhood and if possible to access well w/ our below itinerary. We will be traveling w/ our 6 month old baby. :>)


Hotwire listed 4* hotel in dwontown @ US$56; sounds a great deal! Including tax+fee; it would total $70/night. We're looking at the Hilton, Sheraton, Grand, and couple more in downtown/Missisauga area.


We plan to stay @Sandalwood (airport area) the first night when we fly in late fr.California. BTW, any feed back on this hotel would be great! We'll spend the next full day @ Niagara Falls,stay overnight @ the Embassy Ste, then stop by the Lion Safari on the way back to Toronto. We'll take it easy in Toronto for the next 3 days; checking out the good food and shopping (maybe Queen St,Yorkville, Chinatown, C etc.)

Thanks,

K.

Kaytla, this is confusing:>couple more in downtown/Missisauga area. <

downtown and Mississauga are far apart. In LA terms, Mississauga is out by the LA airport, and downtown is like downtown LA. A long way apart.

I'm not a Hotwire expert; there are some serious questions about how these services grade hotels.

I just came in from sitting for half an hour in the lobby of the Sheraton Centre, and it really is a genuinely nice hotel. High ceilings, nice furniture, all in all a pleasant place to spend some time putting photos into an album.

And then I cut trhough the lobby of the Hilton on my way here, and it is more refined, less interesting, less action, very simple, but very nice, too.

the Grand, on the other hand, is by my judgement a notch below, but newer. And the Grand location is not as good, sort of, depending on what you want to see and do.

The Hilton and the Sheraton are kitty corner from each other, two and hree blocks west of Yonge St. the Grand is a few blocks north of the Sheraton and Hilton, and a few blocks east of Yonge Street.

Queen Street, Chinatown, harbourfront, and even Yorkville are closer to the Sheraton and Hilton than the Grand, but not by enough to really matter.

BAK

Hi BAK,

"Couple more in downtown/Missisauga" meant a couple other hotels in the same area.

Thanks for the feedback on those listed hotels. I I stated before, I'm not familiar w/ Hotwire and not sure the rating would be consistent to the AAA rate. Which hotel in Toronto would you recommend for convenience to our itinerary? It is the holiday weekend, the rate seems to be higher than other days!

Many thanks,

BTW, we are in San Diego but I can understand your analogy of LA distance. In LA, the traffic is so bad at peak hours; that sometimes the longer distance may takes less time! :>)

Glad I ran across this thread as I am looking at Hotwire hotels for a four day stay in T.O. in late August.

An educated guess based on my experience with Hotwire and Priceline in Toronto is that the downtown four star that the original poster is looking at is either the Sheraton Centre or the Intercontinental.I have no way of being sure, but I'll bet it's one of these two.

I have not stayed at either one, but from what I have gathered (mostly from this great board) either one is fine. On our last trip, we wound up at the Marriott Courtyard for $32 an night using Priceline. That hotel was great and well located, especially at that price. Toronto is a great city and it is easy to get around town if you are comfortable on their subway system which is clean and safe.

I don't feel you can go wrong with any of the three or four star hotels offered in downtown Toronto.

Question for the mavens: I have been in the Sheraton Centre and it indeed looks like a nice property. I understand they have a great indoor/outdoor pool, which will be nice in August.

But what about the Intercontinental? Most guidebooks rate this hotel a solid 4 and actually a cut above the Sheraton. I have also read some lukewarm comments. I think they have a pool as well.

A correction to the above post. I incorrectly identified one of the hotels as the Sheraton Centre. I believe the two hotels are the Hilton and the Intercontinental Toronto (not Intercontinental Toronto Centre).

Hotwire rates the Sheraton as a 3.5 star.

Intercontinental needs smarter managers. The el stupidos have named the hotel at the southern edoge of Toronto as "Toronto Center" and it's the former Crown Plaza on Front Street, next to the convention center.

The original Intercontinental, on Bloor Street West, near Avenue Road, which is actually central, has some otehr name.

the Front street one has a smallish pool I';ve used. I was in the Bloor Street propertty the other day and asked about the pool and was told it was small.

The Sheraton Centre, a giant hotel across from city hall, has a biggish indoor/outdoor pool and a very nice surrounding garden area. The Hilton, a block away, also has an indoor/outdoor pool.

As for a good location for tourists; it does not matter, really.

I'm not a fan of the Jarvis Stret hotels, because there's nothing on the east side of them, whereas most hotels in central Toronto have things to do and see all around them.

I used to live in other places, and when I came to Toronto it was a toss-up whether I stayed near Bloor and Avenue Road (Four Seasons and Windsor Arms) or more downtown, usually at the Delta Chelsea. Int he past week I've been in the Hilton, Sheraton, Royal York, Holiday Inn on King, and King Edward, walked past the Grand and the Comfort Suites on Jarvis, the Novotel, Le Germain plus some others. They are all so close it does not matter.

And if you pick the waterfront (Radison, Westin Harbour Castle) there's stuff to do there plus an easy walk or streetcar ride to other parts of town, and if you pick Bloor Street from sherbourne to St. George, you're surrounded by museums, great shopping and restaurants, and easy subway to other places, too.

A friend travels around the world and was at the Sheraton last year. I was inher room, and it looked fine to me, and she said it was as good as most, too. We were disappointed by the Trader's bar in the lobby of the Sheraton, but there's a million other places to eat, closeby.

BAK
BAK

ack - my suggestion is always stay away from Jarvis street - They are trying to clean the area up and have put in a fancy hotel there...but it is still Jarvis...A very unpleasant neighborhood blocks near, used to be many hookers on the street and a youth criminal court that is too active during the week - Toronto is quite a small and compact city compared with many US cities... Town Center (bloor and Avenue) is maybe seven short subway stops from downtown - Front and Yonge area...the Lakefront area is lovely but can be a bit removed from the core of the city. I would alway suggest based on what you want to do - to stay either mid town (bloor / Avenue) area - which can be very expensive as it is where our fanciest shopping and neighborhoods are...or stay down by Front and University which puts you in walking distance from many great restaurants and attractions. CN tower, ACC etc...

Toronto is a great city that can be easily accessed through our subways or even just a day with a good pair of shoes. Lunch in Yorkville, do some shopping, walk down Yonge street and browse the funny areas, go to the Eaton Center, see the CN tower or such and then have dinner at Far Niente... just one idea...hmm...maybe I will drag my husband with me for that very thing this weekend.

There are a few streets to be aware of...for me Jarvis is the biggest one.

What hotel BTW are you staying at by the airport?

Hi,

Thank you for the "Jarvis" tip.

We plan to stay at Sandalwood or any decent hotel nearby the airport for the first night since we plan to take off early next day (hopefully we can get up w/ the 3 hr jet lag and a 6 month old baby--by then--). Driving around/long distance at night in a unfamiliar city after a long flight (w/ layover) is probably not a good idea. :>

Speaking of getting around, most of emails mentioned walking/subway. It sounds fun; I used to do that while traveling in Europe, Hongkong,Singapore,and Japan --w/o the baby. Now we have a party of 4 adults and a 6 month old baby thus we plan to rent a car to go to Niagara Falls and the safari and to get around. Is it convenient to get around town w/a baby by using public transportation or driving? We, Southern Californian, hop in the car for getting around town. :> Our public transportation is not efficient enough to give up our own cars; except in San Francisco.

Also I read that parking in Toronto downtown is quite expensive. Hm... we plan to stay in downtown for 3 nights.

Thanks,

K.

If baby is in a snuggly, it should be very easy to get around via public transportation and walking. A stroller presents a few more challenges: while there are laws regarding disabled access (escalators, elevators, etc) that also facilitate parents navigating around, you'll sometimes find that you've got to haul a stroller up or down a flight of stairs or two in the subways. Driving around downtown is a drag, but you could drive and park for the day.

Re Jarvis St: While I don't find Jarvis "dangerous" by US standards, it is a bit seedy and wouldn't be my first choice for a hotel location.

If you're looking for a budget option around Bloor St, check out the Quality Hotel Midtown: it's close to Yorkville (very posh), the Annex (a lively and leafy residential district where the university is located, with lots of cafes, shops) and museums (the Royal Ontario Museum, the Gardiner Ceramic Museum, the Bata Shoe Museum) and the two subway lines (N-S and E-W).

I agree with Kate you have to be creative about parking and then sort of pick an area then park all day - knowing what financial commitment you are making and explore from there. But I was born and raised in T.O and learned how to drive there 15 years ago. 15 years ago it was a sport in my mine to drive...now it is cause for total madness...not necessarily great fun for tourists.

For baby take a snuggly or if you have 4 adults maybe you have a collapsible stroller that someone can haul up the subway stairs. Otherwise T.O is quite baby friendly as I have only recently found out. Subways are best taken by tourists especially with baby's during non business hours... the crush of people gettting around town to work during that 7am - 9;30am time frame could make you a bit nutty too...and be careful the evening rush as well - otherwise our subways are clean and safe and very useful in getting you to all the hot spots...

African Lion Safari is a ball for anyone of any age...and it sounds like overall Niagara Falls and T.O will make for a fantastic trip - re: shopping in T.O I was pleased to discover with my friend who has a baby - many of the big stores ie: Pottery Barn, Nike,Chapters etc...have elevators for you!!

My friend and I were in Yamashito steak house in yorkville for lunch with the baby in the big stroller and we were sitting in between Frankie Avalon and friend having lunch and Billy Dee Williams and a friend...so have fun!

About parking, the Toronto Transit Commission, the subway, etc.

Adults pay a cash fare, or buy a token and use this, for each "full" trip on the bus/subway/streetcar combination.

"Full" means it gets you from one place to another, where you stay for a while, and includes trnasfers that get you from bus to subway to streetcar, as needed.

And then you need another token, cash fare, etc. to get you back home.

Normal adult fare is $2.25. For $7.75 you can buy a day pass that starts at 9:30 in the morning and then lasts all day, evening, and night, until 5:30 the next morning.

So if you are taking four rides in a day, this saves a little money.

Note that four adults will be putting $9 in the fare box for each trip, so a go there and come back return trip is $18 to the TTC.

$18 pays for a fair bit of parking.

Parking in Toronto works this way: Downtown hotels usually charge their guests for parking. Generally there's a "park and leave the car" rate, and a higher rate that allows in and out privileges. So if you park the rental car, and leave it there, it is cheaper than taking the car in and out.

Deals vary by hotel, so there's no predicting what the rate will be.

And if the hotel valet parks the car, that costs more, plus you'll want to tip the valet driver.

The heart of downtown, a few blocks in all directions from King Street West and Bay Street, where the 50-60 storey high bank buildings are, is the most excpensive place to park. $20-30 a day, and up.

Most lots, in the heart of downtown and elsewhere, have an early-bird rate, for cars parked before 8:30 or 9, and out by 6. Then they have a day maximum, up to 6 p.m. Then they have a half hour rate, for each half hour or part thereof. Generally, about three or four half hours takes you up to the day rate.

Capitalism is at work; rates change during the day, and int he evenings, depending on demand for the parking spots.

After 6, there's another rate, often a flat rate, good until early the next morning, or until the garage closes.

This rate varies greatly by day, by nearby events, by the weather, etc. $30 for a parking spot near a hockey playoff; $3 on a rainy evening a few blocks from any theatres or good restaurants.

About three blocks east and west of Yonge Street, the rates drop trmendously. Beside me, in the heart of the entertainment district, day rates are $8-10-12, and evening rates are anything from $5 to $15. Rates are higher on Wednesdays whern there are matinees at the local theatres.

There's lots of street parking a few blocks from the centre of town. Buy tickets at a kiosk. Tickets are usually $2 an hour, and you can buy in increments up to two hours maximum.

This is a good way to pay $4 for parking while at a two-hour lunch, assuming you can find a parking spot.

On main roads, parking is banned after either 3:30 or 4 until 6:30 or 6, and your car will be towed.

Taxis, for four adults and a baby, can be a bargain if the trip is short.

The difficulty of driving depends on where you come from, and what parts of Toronto you are in. It's a lot easier than driving in New York City, and I find it easier than Montreal or Los Angeles. LA has easier parking, though.

For a lot of tourists can have a good visits by spending time in three general areas. Downtown east, near the St. Lawrence Market and Distillery District. Downtown West, in the entertainment district, Harbourfront, Queen Street West and Chinatown, and finally up on Bloor near Avenue, with musuems, great restaurants and upscale shopping.

Once you get to one of these areas, you could spend all day there.

My best friend lives outside of Toronto, in Oakville, and pretty much divides her visits here by car ride and by commuter train. Today and tomoorow, for single meetings, each within walking distance of the train station, she's on the commuter train.

For Thursday, which involves a lunch near Bloor and Avenue Raod -- too far to walk from the station -- plau a visit with me in the entertainment district, plus a visit to the market area, will be by car. It will cost more, but the conveninece is worth it.

So, there you go. You should be even more confused than ever.

I'd stay downtown, and do a lot fo walking. You might even return the rental car rather than pay to not use it, plus pay to park it.

BAK

Now, about the Sandalwood.

It's nowhere, but that might not matter to you.

It used to be a Dodge Suites facility, and it used to have beautiful landscaping, because I had to photograph it once.

I used to attend meetings there fairly often, but that was six years ago.

It's in themiddle of a clean industrial / suburban office area, and normally booked by companies to put up staff meeting in the nearby offices.

Nothing to walk to nearby, too long a walk to fast food, but not bad if you have a car, and a good spot to strat from the next morning, on your way to Niagara.

I'm assuming you pick uup a car at the airport, and drive yourself to the hotel. Then the next morning, once you cope with the three hour time difference, you head off for you visit to the falls.

BAK

Hello!

Thank you so much for the "insiders' tips". I need to digest the info and decide the transportation plan. Either all car or a combination of car & walking. I have to find out the cost of drop-off charge fr. the car rental.


The parking tips are definitely helpful!!! BTW, are the numbers you mentioned in CAD currency? Perhaps we are not going to walk around downtown that much except the East downtown area (St. Lawrence Market).


Here are a few places we are interested in checking out:

1. St. Lawrence Market
2. Kensington Market/ Chinatown
3. Yorkville
4. Queen st West
4. West Queen West st
6. Good restaurants!


Any feed back and parking tips? Is it a marathon to do all of these things in 2 full days? We like art, architecture & divine food; are there any favorite places that you would recommend?


Now about the baby things. Thank you so much for the baby tips! We plan to haul our 17 lb Peg Perego stroller w/ to provide more comfort for the baby. It is nicely collapsible. Beside, his neck might still need more support than that fr. a light weigh umbrella stroller. We also carry w/ us the sling for a short walk. Not sure how we are going to pack all the essential baby stuffs! >) Any shopping recommendation for baby goodies?

K.

I've got three healthy medium size and big kids without sore necks, and they all got around Toronto just fine with tiny imbrella stollers, which fit in restaurants and elevators and streetcars and anywhere else you want to go without troubles.

As a general rule, money quoted in a country is the money of that very country.Yes, you can do all that stuff in two days, but they'll be full.

It gets dark mid-evening, so you'll have long days with light.

Plan fairly carefully; depending on where you start, the St. lawrenmce market might be a good place for breakfast. Back bacon on a bun, eaten outdoors on the balcony.

After that, just plan a route. Onc day a circle that's near the lake, and the other day a circle that's nearer to Bloor Street.

There are good restaurants everywhere, in all price ranges. (nothing expensive in Chinatown, really, but lots that are good)

Hello again!!

I am a sucker for Pottery Barn for babies but as an American (right?) you may not find this store as thrilling as I do - but whoppee fun for me and baby goodies...you may want to explore baby goodies in Yorkville as that is where the rich and very famous play and outfit themselves and their babies.

I would bring my collapsible stroller too partly because they carry everything don't they and in some sense although the size is more the consolidation factor of belongings helps...

Re: Art and Architecture...there is the Art Gallery of Ontario which I thoroughly enjoy... and I have not been to the Distillery District but i am reading a great deal about its fabulous art gallery's, and the other crazy events they have there - presently a big Jazz festival - all my urban single cool friends are starting to talk about the great Distillery District...this may be a car rental experience....have you also considered Queen's Quay which can be snooty and may not be your cup of tea - but something to look into because the whole Harbourfront area in the summer turns into quite a party atmosphere including Queen's Quay and it is right on the water across from our "island" which is lovely - outdoor patios that fit strollers!!

Restaurants are soo good in Toronto and there are so many that don't worry about that...St.Lawrence Market is a big hit under any circumstances but while you are down there stroll up to King street - all the while appreciating the architecture - and visit the many new and cool stores along King Street. I don't love Chinatown or Queen Street anymore, but I do hear they are worth the trip for others...I do recommend College street for patios and stores - plus the ROM may have some interesting exhibitions on...If you drive take a minute of peaceful time - do you like to look at old houses? Drive through Rosedale or Forest Hill where the rich rich live and the lovely old houses...

You may also want to consider beautiful High Park which is a subway ride or a reasonable drive on Lakeshore Blvd. Lovely neighborhood with lots of good shopping and beautiful High park to feel like you are getting away from the hustle and bustle - there is a petting zoo there...

Too much isn't it?? How long are you there?? Eek - I overwhelm - Toronto is really a great city I hope that you find it as fantastic as we all seem to!

Hope you, the adults and baby have fun!

Hi,

Thanks again for the concierge's tips. :>)

Just hope the baby won't be too exhausted. My legs are itchy for traveling again so here we are... hauling the baby along. I did not want to leave the young baby home for more than a week and that far away. You could tell I'm a first-time mother. :>) I wanted my husband and my parents to see the beautiful Niagara Falls, too, so here everyone's coming along. I 've seen the Falls more than 10 years ago.


I shop @ Pottery Barn often but not the baby'stuffs. They have a high marked-up on certain things. EX: the Simmon crib.


We are going to stay in TO 4 nights but only 2 1/2 days outing. Old nice houses & art galleries sound great! We'll definitely check them out. Now there are so many good things to do & see...


I can't wait to sample the good food of Toronto; eating out is always a great part of a city I visit. :>)