Surprise Toronto Trip
 

My husband is a fan of the play My Fair Lady and I see it's playing in May. I'm thinking of 2 or 3 nights over Memorial Day weekend. We live in the Detroit area so we will be driving. I know parking at a hotel downtown is going to be expensive. But I also don't want a hotel that too far away which would mean a long commute to downtown. My only trip to Toronto was a very very long time ago (an elementary school trip). I really need help. Don't want to spend a fortune on a hotel (would like to spend less than $200 a night, but not sure if that's doable). Would consider a B&B as well. Any suggestions?

Toronto really isn't a B&B city, sort of like New York isn\t, either.
Consider the Four Points by Sheraton on Lakeshore Blvd West. It's a "motor hotel" style, with outside parking, and it is close to a streetcar that would take you downtown easily.

But it really is easier to pay a bit for parking, and stay in the heart of the city. Toronto is, again like NY, a walkable city, so a central hotel makes a great base to work from.

BAK

BAK

Thanks BAK. I'll look into it. And thanks for the tip on B&B's. I won't waste my time looking into them.

There are some B&Bs....http://www.bedsandbreakfasts.ca/toronto.htm

Hi tdmort
Before you book anything please note that the theatre is NOT downtown. If I remember correctly, it's at the Toronto Centre for the Arts which is at 5040 Yonge Street (around Sheppard or Finch). Here's the production company website:

http://www.dancaptickets.com/shows

The website offers 'partner hotels' but both are downtown. If you do wish to stay downtown, it's easy to get to the theatre by subway -- straight up Yonge Street to the North York Centre subway station.

I just took a quick peek at the hotels listed on expedia.com and there are lots listed for under $200 for May 24 to 26 and which may include parking. The Novotel Toronto North York is very near the theatre. If you have a car, there are others slightly east or west that would be inexpensive and an easy drive. I'd check out expedia, if only to see what's available and the location.

have a look at the Play's website...many of the shows have ticket/room deals.... save some money and get better seats...

Thanks for the link....I hadn't even thought of a play/hotel package. I will check it out. Also, if anyone has an idea of a good meal before the play, that would be great!

What about Novotel Toronto North York?? I think it's in the same area as the theater....looks like it's near a subway too for getting downtown. I'm a little concerned because the prices are almost too good. Or is it just because it's outside of the downtown area?

It's very close to the theatre. Not an exciting neighbourhood but convenient for you. I haven't been in it but check Trip Advisor.

...or you could stay downtown and take the subway to the theatre for that one evening.

For only 2 or three nights, it wouldn't be too bad to stay near the theatre - it's a very quick ride to bright lights of downtown from there....my mother lives in the area.

Novotel is on the subway line, so you could stay there, walk to play, and subway to downtown (~30 mins). There are restaurants on Yonge street (same street as play) but for tourism, nothing to see in this area. Easy access to hotel from main highway. I've parked for a few hours at the Novotel (underground) and it was not expensive, but can't comment on long term prices. To see the city, I might consider driving downtown and parking.

I actually found a good deal on the Courtyard Marriott Downtown, so I guess that means we will be staying downtown. Should we drive or take the subway to the theater? (i.e. is driving crazy?). And one last question - what to eat around the theater? Love Asian food! Thanks!

Driving is easy. The subway is easier.

Thanks....subway it is! Any good ideas for dinner before the show??

There are a lot of restaurants up there and we eat at many of them but I noticed the other day that there's a SpringRolls opening up at Yonge and Sheppard. There are 4 or 5 of these restaurants in the city and I always enjoy them. They're pan-Asian. Some will say they're not 'authentic' enough and that may be true but we get plenty of 'authentic' and we think SpringRolls is just fine.

You could take the subway south to Sheppard, have dinner there and then take the subway south again to go back downtown.

I'd make a reservation for dinner, though.