Liz

I will be staying four days in Toronto this April. My conference is at the Westin Harbour Castle. Anyone recommend/not recommend the Westin? Is the Hyatt that much nicer? And how far is it from the Westin? (Would it be worth staying at the Hyatt and commuting to the conference?)I like to walk in the evening for about 1 1/2 hours--which is the best place for that? Thanks

gary

On a rating of 1-10 the Hyatt would be a 9 and the Westin Harbour Castle would be an 8. Their locations have totally differant ambiances. The Westin is on the Lakeshore just off Queens Quay which is a 'happening' place for families and good clean fun. Good restaurants and funky shopping with lots of buskers. The ferries to Toronto Islands, another parklike family fun area, are right behind the Hotel.<BR><BR>The Hyatt is located in a very classy uptown neighbourhood with high quality shopping, very good restaurants and late night entertainment spots. It's about a mile and a half directly north of the Westin. <BR><BR>Both hotels are in good quality neighbourhoods but for walking the Westin has the best location being by the lake and all. Frankly the slightly higher quality of the Hyatt doesn't make it worth staying there when the conferance is at the Westin. At least that's my humble opinion.

garyt

Liz - another gary votes for the Harbour Castle... make sure to take advantage of the toronto island ferry to one of the nicest island parks around for walking...it may be a bit early for the pathway gardens, but you can walk safely around the island and even down along the beach for great exercise and great lake experience. Be sure to bring a sweatshirt as the April weather can change in five minutes...<BR><BR>If you prefer walking in the city, just head in the other direction and you will be in the heart of the "entertainment" district... there are some great shops and eateries along Queen St west, and if you are there on a Thursday through Saturday, the area is especially alive with clubs and partiers.<BR><BR>Have fun!

Bonnie

I can't believe what I'm reading. I would definitely take the Hyatt over the Westin especially at that time of year. We go to Haarbourfront every Sunday in the summer but wouldn't think of going down until the hot weather starts and that might not be until May or June. You will love the Yorkville/Bloor St. area to walk. Go to the Spa there. It's amazing.

Bonnie

I suggest you read the Rants and Raves on this site for insight into these 2 hotels. I checked them and they confirm my original opinion that the Park Hyatt is where you should be.

gary

Bonnie your views would be perfectly legitimate except for the fact that Liz is attending a conference which is taking place at the Westin. I agree that the Hyatt is a notch above the Westin and that the Hyatt's area is more 'sophisticated' than Queens Quay but can you really advise her that it's worth two taxi shleps a day down Yonge Street- probably in heavy traffic- just to experiance the superior luxery, (and undoubtably higher price), of the Hyatt?