I am going to Toronto in less than two weeks and cannot decide where to stay in the downtown area. Does anyone know anything about the following hotels: Westin Harbour Castle; Le Royal Meridien King Edward; Metropolitan Hotel? Other reccomendations are welcome.

They are all expensive first class hotels, and are all very good. Metropolitan has the best (but very expensive) Chinese restaurant in Toronto. Harbour Castle is on the waterfront, so a good spot for tourists who like water. Take the ferry boat to Toronto Island, even if you only stay there until the next ferry brings you back. In the same price range and general neighborhood is the Royal York, also worth considering. <BR>If you are an up-market type (Read Robb Report, even if only for fun) consider the Four Seasons, Toronto's overall best hotel, in a great neighborhood for shopping and looking at art galleries. Out of all these, the Royal York will be themost memorable because of its size and grandeur. King Eddy is elegant, but generally pretty quiet and, take your choice, dull or refined. Metropolitan is not in the best neighborhood for evening strolls; you'll mostly be in closed Chinatown, next to closed courthouses and closed city hall. <BR> <BR>BAK

Westin is nice but if you plan on going in the winter I would not recommend it. It is on the water and it is freezing. Also I if you like to be within walking distance of everything its quite a long walk. I like the Royal York - which is connected underground to the city centre along with Eaton Centre and many of the banks. My favorite when I go to the Phantom is the Delta Chelsea because it is so close and the adult only pool and rec center.

You should check for availability forthwith. No sense mulling over your choices only to find your final selections are booked up. King Edward or Royal York downtown are wonderful. Westin is a bit out of the way and better in the nicer weather. Metropolitan is okay but not as nice as the others. Park Plaza in Yorkville neighborhood is wonderful - nice neighborhood too.

<BR>I asked the same question somewhere below.....I found EVERYTHING in the theatre district totally booked the week that we are going.....the 19th thru 22nd....So, we are staying at the Comfort Hotel near the Yorkville district....Don't tell me if it is a bad choice! I feel lucky to find a place.

You'll find the Comfort Inn only two blocks away from hotels costing twice as much, and it will be clean, the service will be fine, the television will work and the shower will be hot, and you can spend the money you saveby going to the bars and restaurants of the hotels you could not get into. <BR>Try the rooftop bar of the Park Hyatt at sunset. <BR>BAK <BR>

Dave....you are right. I'm back from Toronto and the Comfort Hotel was excllent. A great, safe neighborhood near resturants, shopping and across the street fro Starbucks. A short subway ride to the Pantageus. We will stay there again because of the "out of the way" location.