margo

Our family is coming to Toronto (first time) for a week in August to sightsee. I made reservations at both the Marriott Eaton and the Sheraton Centre since they each had good rates. Now we're trying to decide between the two hotels. We have 3 kids (ages 10-13) and plan to use mass transit to go all around the Toronto area. A nice pool would be great for the kids. Could anyone please help us decide? THANK YOU!!

Brian Kilgore

I'd pick the Sheraton Centre. They are only about a block apart, but there's more going on at the Sheraton, so the kids will enjoy it more. Sheraton probably has a better pool for kids, too. Sheraton is directly connected to underground passages to stores, restaurants, etc, and you need to walk a half-block from the Marriott. <BR>Both hotels will take good care of you. Excellent medium priced steak house in the Sheraton; regardless of where you stay, Mr. Greenjeans at the north end of the interior of the Eaton Centre shopping centre will be enjoyed by the kids. <BR>Sheraton is half way between two subway stops, Merriott is same distance to one stop. <BR>Take the kids to The Ontario Science Center. <BR>BAK

Brian in Atlanta

While I haven't stayed at the Marriott, I did like the Sheraton a lot. The pool is great for an intown hotel - it's half inside and half outside. <BR> <BR>Trust Mr. Kilgore's advice above. He's our Toronto expert.

Margo

Thanks for the great advice! You sure do know the city well... Sheraton it will be! Any more votes for things to do??

DF

Hi, <BR>We just returned from a stay at the Sheraton Centre. While we were traveling without children -- there were many families at the Sheraton. I think it's a good choice as the pool is really excellent -- half inside and half outside. Most of the kids really seemed to be having a good time. And as someone else said, the hotel is accessible to the underground stores etc. Must mention the wonderful summertime of the Moose in Toronto. The whole family will enjoy seeing what Toronto artists have created. <BR>

mark

The Moose in the City is attacting a lot of attention (and debate). Supposedly something like 100-300 moose are around and attract a lot of photographs. A lot families make it into a game as you explore the city. <BR> <BR>Kids things - Ont. Science Centre; Royal Ont. Museum ("ROM") esp for dinosaurs; CN Tower (clear day; Hockey Hall of Fame; Ont. Art Gallery; The Canadian National Exhibition ("CNE", www.theex.com) starts Aug 18 combines amusement park with exhibits (go; some Torontonians hate it). Across from CNE is Ontario Place (combined admisson during CNE). Toronto Islands is nice spot to get away from it with good view - rent a bike there). Blue Jay [baseball] game? Enough? Other than Science Centre, they are all in downtown area. If you need movie complex, check out Famous Players complex at John & Ricmond Sts, 3 blocks away. It also has Playdium, [expensive] arcade. <BR> <BR>In the suburbs (rent a car - transit takes too long to these spots) are Toronto Zoo (great zoo but lots of walking) and Paramount Canada's Wonderland (a themepark). <BR> <BR>A day trip (or another 3-4 day mini-vacation) is Niagara Falls which is a 1.5-2 hour drive away. <BR> <BR>Have fun. Let me know if you need more.

KATHY

Hi, <BR>As far as attractions go don't forget Casa Loma. It's a short subway ride from the downtown area. It's a real castle built in the late 1800's (I'm sure someone knows the exact year). <BR> <BR>We were in Toronto the first week of July. My kids are 11 and 15 and they loved the castle. <BR> <BR>Have fun, <BR>Kathy

Margo

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you all!!