Hi - I know Toronto hotel discussions come up regularly, but still asking for recommendations with this perspective in mind: I visit Toronto fairly regularly (usually friends and family) because not only did I grow up there, I live about 75 minutes by car away (traffic tie-ups notwithstanding). Due to said traffic, plus family/friends moving away, we haven't been getting in as much in recent years. Also, we don't often act like tourists in town - but in this case, we have a special celebratory weekend coming up and thought it might be fun to stay in a nice TO downtown hotel. Something close to shopping and restaurants, maybe with a hot tub, and a nice bar with ambience for a before dinner or late night drink. Never stayed at the Royal York - what are the rooms like? Stayed at the Hilton a couple of times years ago when in town late for shows, but remember it as a standard chain hotel (or maybe we just weren't around enough to check out amenities), although I guess the location is convenient.

At any rate, your thoughts would be welcomed. Also, a bit out of touch on the current restaurant scene - opinions on places with nice atmosphere and good food for a long relaxed semi-casual dinner would also be welcomed. We particularly like ethnic, fusion, spicy and seafood. Moderate pricing or a little higher. Thanks!

I'd think about Le Germain, on Mwecwe SAtreet int he entertainment district, being aware it will be noisy outside on any Saturday night.

It's the Toronto version of a Montreal - Quebec City boutique hotel.

The Fairmont Royal York is a special hotel, without doubt, but you might want to pay a little extra for a bigger room.

The MEridian King EDward and the Royal York may be fairly expensive, but everyone has deals, too.

BAK

I keep forgetting about the downtown Novatel. Near Sony Centre (used to be The Hummingbird, used to be the O'Keefe Centre)near thye St. Lawrence Market, Distillery District, shopping on Yonge Street, short walk to Harbourfront...

BAK

Thank you BAK. I had wondered about room sizes at the Royal York. I'll look into Le Germain, I have heard this hotel mentioned in past. Also the Novotel location sounds good as we will visit the St. Lawrence Market and probably Distillery District (although for some reason my husband isn't big on Novotels, I think he had a poor experience at one in Europe years ago).

Where would you eat in the St. Lawrence Market/Distillery Districts? (One night we're doing Italian elsewhere in town with friends, so something other than Italian).

hi - for eats in the market area for a celebratory weekend try:

Trevor Kitchen & Bar or Lucien. colborne lane is right there as well.

distillery: both pure spirits and the boiler house are good. perigee is truely amazing if you're a foodie... its an evening in itself.