Toronto - Where to Stay?
 

I'm planning a trip to Toronto for end-March with my husband and 14-year-old. We've been there only once and that was 12 years ago. Though not on a tight budget, we would like to stay in a safe neighbourhood and still be convenient when it comes to going around. Please advise on choice of accommodation. Also, we are going to fly so we won't have a car. Should we rent one or should be just take public transportation? Thanks.

I highly recommend the King Edward Hotel, it's just a block off Yonge St (the main thoroughfare). Absolutely beautiful hotel, excellent service, smaller and a more friendly atmosphere that the huge Royal York. You will be able to walk to many places and take subway, streetcar or bus to everything else. Strongly suggest you do not rent a car - heavy traffic, expensive parking (if you can find any) and besides, subways and streetcars are fun, safe and CLEAN. I lived in Toronto for several years and I visit now when I can. If I can help with anything else, e-mail me. Enjoy!!

Isabel - have you searched the site for Toronto hotel recommendations? There have been several exellent postings with a range of accommodations and prices. Also, search for restaurants as there's lot of good info as well.

<BR>Dont worry about getting around. Public transit in Toronto, unlike in American cities, is clean and safe. The subways and trolleys positively gleam, and you'll feel like one of the locals. You should stay in Yorkville-It is the city's most upscale shopping district,and is filled with the world's finest shops. You will, however, want to explore the hundreds of ethinic neighborhoods throughout the city. Because of Toronto's layout, Yorkville is veryconvenient for this. It os at the confluenceof 4 subway lines, and getting antwhere is easy.

Thank you all for your replies. While in Toronto, I am also hoping to go to Ottawa for a couple of days. Is a rental car the best way to go? <BR>

An argument could be made for taking the train to Ottawa. The Toronto railway station is right downtown, across the street from the Royal YUork Hotel, and the Ottawa railway station is a short taxi ride from downtown. However, having a car in Ottawa is very useful. Three of the best attractions for 14 year olds are quite scattered in Ottawa; the museum ofCivilazation is across theriver inHull, theAviationmuseum is out in the far east end, and the Science and Technology museum is quite a way from downtown. <BR>BAK

Has anyone heard anything about the Alexandra Apartment Hotel on Ryerson? I found it on a couple of sites. Since we'll be in Toronto for a week, I thought something with a kitchen might come in handy. Is that a reasonably safe area?

Isabel: For your accommodations, you might try global travel apartments - their web site is www.globaltrvlapt.com. They can book you an apartment, and the rates are much lower than a hotel room, and you get the extra space with living room/bedroom and full kitchen. The apartments are located downtown, and you have easy access to the subway and streetcars. One tip, if you are using the subway/streetcars alot, buy a family day pass. You can do unlimited travel on the TTC, which is the Toronto Transit Commission, and that gives you unlimited day rides on subways and streetcars. Approximate cost is $7.00 for the day, it may only be good on the weekends, but they also have individual day passes, during the week. Have a great time in our city....Antoniette