i just got a great deal on a room at the courtyard by marriott on yonge street.
i've noticed that a few people have made reference to this area being "seedy" on this board.

how bad is it? just curious if i'll have any problems walking back from the subway at night.

i had no problems whatsoever on my first visit to toronto a year or so ago. i loved the city and i'm looking forward to exploring it a little more this time around.

Interesting question. I've stayed at the Courtyard and like it. The neighhorhood is neither charming nor dangerous. Lots of fast food, some sex shops, homeless folks, and souveneir shops. That said, I don't think of it as dangerous, unsafe, or unsavory.

In addition to bordering Yonge, it also is near Toronto's gay village, a vbrant fun neighborhood but definately not "charming" but again completely safe.

Grungy by Toronto standards is pretty average for most big cities. It's a fine area. Never stayed at that particular hotel but I've walked Yonge from Bloor to the lakefront many many times. No real problems to worry about.

Courtyard Marriott used to be 'The Woodberry' then was a 'HoJo' and was pretty bad (rooms & service), around '98 there was a fire and it was restored as a Courtyard Marriott. Given the 3 hotels in that area (Days Inn next to the gardens, & Best Western the next corner) the Courtyard Marriott would be the best, but the best of a bad lot.

About 3 blocks down Yonge is the Delta Chelsea which would be a much better choice, but also a little more $$.

Z

i'm sure the courtyard will suit me just fine. for $35 USD a night, i can't complain. i was just more concerned with the surrounding area, which i'm sure will probably be fine as well, judging from the posts here.

thanks for the info folks.

I live in the neighbourhood and, actually, I think the Courtyard Marriott's location is a little nicer than the Delta Chelsea's. Mike T's description is accurate. It's not unsavoury or dangerous, just a bit tacky/grungy and occasionally smelly.

The walk from either subway stop (Wellesley to the North, or College to South) is perfectly safe. The area is busy and well-populated until quite late at night/early morning. It's brightly lit, with fairly wide sidewalks. There are a number of coffee shops, fast places and stores (eg. a 24 hour drug superstore) open late, a nearby fire hall and a YMCA that's buzzing with people until at least 11 pm (and open at 6 or 7 am).

That said, some of the side streets (ie E-W streets, not Yonge Street) are a bit rougher (prostitution, drug deals) although, by US/European big city standards they're still rather safe.

I walk home at all hours through this area. I never think twice about my safety on Yonge Street itself. I'm a little more careful walking on the side streets and through alley shortcuts (ie I remember to watch who is around me).

I'd send my granny or parents with small children to a different location, but for everyone else it's fine. (I'd note that, often the Marriott Eaton Centre has rates just as good as the Marriott Courtyard, and it's a nicer hotel, but if you got a great rate at the Courtyard, keep it.)

$35usd, for for it, last time I stayed there it was more than double that (only a few $$ less rtan the Delta Chelsa).

Z

I work near the Courtyard Marriott and don't consider the area to be "seedy". A few years ago we would send business vistors down the street to the Delta but no longer. We now suggest the Marriott because it's closer to the office. $35 US is a great rate for that hotel.

We had similar concerns when we stayed at the Courtyard last fall. They proved to be unfounded. The area is fine, if a little tacky a few blocks to the north. We liked the coffee shops, all night drugstore and subway entrance close by.

The hotel is just fine too, especially if you are getting a discounted rate.

Toronto is a fabulous city. Enjoy.

Compared to just about any U.S. city, the seediness of Yonge Street is quite Mickey Mouse. A few peep shows, adult video stores and some strip clubs. Other than that its a tacky commercial stretch of fastfood places, discount stores and currency exchange places.
Don't worry about it. T.O. is about as close to urban perfection as you get.