Fodor's Travel Talk Forums - Weekend in Toronto

You said "$100 range or better". Does that mean US$ or Canadian, and what does "or better" mean? More than $100 (e.g. $500) or "about $100, give or take $25)?

If you mean "about $US 100-125", you will be able to stay a nice hotel but not a top-end hotel. At this stage, you might want to make a booking that you can cancel without penalty. When you get much closer to your departure date and are 100% sure you will be going, look into bidding for a 4* on priceline. (I don't think bidding for a 3* is worth it and you could get one of the debatable 3*s in Toronto.)

We still don't know what kinds of hotels you like or what you like to do, so here are some general budget-minded suggestions.

Stick with a hotel that in the area bounded by Bloor St (to the North), Front Street (to the South), Church (to the East) and Spadina (to the West). This will put you in the centre of the city, close to the subway and within walking distance of a lot of sights. East of Yonge (especially past Church) gets a bit scuzzy, although it isn't dangerous. Yonge Street north of Dundas and south of Bloor is a bit tired - it's the old, main commercial street and is now occupied by bargain shops, moderate-low end chain stores, and the occasional X-rated video parlour or store. There are, however, several good value hotels (Delta Chelsea, Marriott Courtyard, Days Inn just east of Yonge) that are worth considering.

I often recommend the Holiday Inn Midtown on Bloor West near Spadina. It's near a funky, lively university neighbourhood, close to old houses, interesting shopping and museums, and reasonably priced cafes. You're close to both subway lines, Casa Loma, etc.

If you'd prefer to be near the harbour, you could look at hotels on King Street or south - even on Harbourfront (but I find Harbourfront too isolated from the rest of the city - you have to get across a highway to get from the city to Harbourfront or vice-versa). And to someone who grew up in BC, the Toronto waterfront is not beautiful. There are a lot of interesting activities down there in the summer, though. Hotel options include a Radisson and the more expensive Westin.

A little further north, but downtown near the business and entertainment districts, you could check out the Holiday Inn on King West, and look for special offers for the Royal York and King Edward hotels (old-fashioned but rather glamorous large hotels). There are also a Sheraton and a Hilton around Richmond and Bay, but they are located beside the construction site for the new opera house.

If you can provide a little more information about your budget, the type of accommodation you like and the kinds activities you like to pursue, we can narrow the options down more.