I am interested in any opinions about the Royal York...my mother-in-law says that is her favorite place to stay in Toronto. She tends to live in a time warp though and I don't think she has been to Toronto in 20 years. Has anyone stayed there recently? Is the Royal York within short walking distance to the theatre district? We trying to get theatre tickets in March and don't want to walk too far in the cold weather.

I stayed there in September and thought it was great. I was a little apprehensive because I had heard that it was a bit faded but it was the only hotel where I could use American Airlines miles to pay for the room. I paid the difference between the standard room and the next size up. The room was very tastefully decorated and we had a lake view at our request. The only drawback was that it is in the financial district. We did not go to the theater so I don't know how far away it is. We went the weekend after Sept11 and the staff were exceptionally kind. I would stay there again.

Kathy,<BR><BR>We stayed at the Royal York 5 years ago and loved it. While I know that it is not to the level of a Four seasons oo Intercontintental...I thought is was elegant and felt pampered (keep in mind it was our first vacation in five years away from kids and that I am used to staying at Hampton Inns or Days Inns). I am pretty sure that we walked to the the (then) Pantages Theatre to see Phantom. It was,however, early Fall and the weather was nice. We are staying there this week (with kids) so I will let you know how it is when we return! I like the location becasue we take the train and the station is right there. It is also immediate access to the underground shops which is great in the Winter.

We also stayed at the Royal York about 4 years ago and loved it. It was a Grand Dame! We thought it was a perfect location, our room was great, the service was flawless. I'd stay there again in a heartbeat! I can't remember where it is in relation to the theaters, tho....Have a great trip! We're planning on Quebec in July - love Canada! Susan

Kathy, the Royal York is on Front and York Streets and the theatre district is on King St. West which is walking distance (approx 10-15 mins) and also a few theatres on Yonge which is a slightly longer walk.

We live in Rochester, NY and travel to Toronto once or twice a month. We have stayed at the Royal York many times and have never had an unpleasant experience. Some of the rooms tend to be small and others are adequate. <BR><BR>Toronto Tourism has some great deals and prices that are not available directly through the hotel You can also get theater tickets with their Mix and Match program that may or may not be better than through other sources. Their phone number is 1-800-205-7638.<BR><BR>We wanted to see Mama Mia for the second time and were unable to get good seats for March when we called about 6 weeks ago. We booked hotel and tickets through the Toronto Tourism and got great seats. <BR><BR>We always book our hotels through them. They can also send you a brochure which lists special rates for about 25 Toronto hotels.<BR><BR>We often dine at Verona which is across the street from the theaters (if you are seeing Mama Mia or Lion King). It is recommended by Fodor's. You will need reservations and tell them you have theater tickets.<BR><BR><BR>

Kathy,<BR><BR>Just returned from a weekend at the Royal York. My son had never been to a real "hotel" and loved it. Our room was small and not as elegant as I remember our room being when we stayed there 5 years ago. The room was starting to "fade" a bit (wallpaper peeling, bad carpet, ect) but was clean and the service was impeccable. We had room service several times and it was a real treat. It is also a mecca for conventions and was very, very congested...definitely not a small, intimate hotel. It is however, in the heart of everything and there was always something going on...I guess it just depends what you are in the mood for...the big city feel or for a small, intimate hotel. If it is the latter, this is not the hotel for you..but if it is the former, I would highly recommend it. My son loved the pool complete with skylights with a view of the city. The only drawback was that the pool is closed for kids under 16 at 10:00...since we were vacationing and up late...this was a big disappointment to him. We walked to both the Princess of Wales Theatre and The Royal Alexandria and it took us 15 minutes tops. We will definitely stay there again...love the location. Hope this helps...have a great time!

The Royal York Hotel is a large, slightly past its time type of hotel. If I was booking a hotel for first time visitors I would put them in the Yorkville/Bloor area. They would find great restaurants, shops, musuems, etc. with an easy walk of their hotel. The Theatre District is within easy walking distance, subway, or taxi distance of all the major hotels.

ok...now I am totally confused. What hotels would you recommend in the Yorkville/Bloor area? I don't even know what the Yorkville/Bloor area is.

I disagree with the above post. I do not think that the Royal York is past it's time. It is a lovely (yet big) hotel. We stay there everytime we visit the city and have always recommended it to friends and family who have alao become repeat visitors. I honestly don't think you would be disppointed in this hotel. The location and service is great.

When I compare my stay at the Intercontinental last weekend with my stay at the Royal York in the fall, the Royal York wins hands down. Service and room were much better. Could not get over service at the Intercontinental. I felt virtually ignored. When they picked up our breakfast tray, they left our room door wide open. Must have been like that for hours. Nothing was stolen but I was angry none the less. No apology was given. Won't stay there again.

ok...that settles it. I am booking the Royal York today. Thanks for all of your help!!!!!

My husband and I just returned from Toronto on Sunday. We took the train from Niagara Falls, Canada and stayed 3 nights at the Royal York, which we were able to just walk across the street from Union Station. We enjoyed our stay very much. We did the bed & breakfast special which included breakfast in their "Epic" restaurant-very good buffet. The theatre district is within walking distance and we did alot of walking. We only took the subway once while we were there.<BR>Hope this helps...