Fodor's Expert Review DoubleTree by Hilton Toronto Airport (Dixon Road)

Renovated and relaxed, the DoubleTree on Dixon Road is now an airport hotel with style and substance. Exposed brick walls in guest rooms set the tone, as do the floating bedside tables and understated carpets. Other selling features include the gift shop, coin laundry, big pool, mini fridges in rooms, free Wi-Fi and shuttle service to the airport.

Upon arrival, guests are treated to a warm DoubleTree chocolate chip cookie!

room

Now, that's a renovation worth the grief. The spacious rooms are unrecognizable, and that's a good thing. New comforts include complimentary WiFi, lots of charging outlets, a 42-inch HDTV, mini-refrigerators, coffeemakers, desks with ergonomic chairs and a laptop-sized safe.

The hotel sets a good example for accessibly. Ask about the options.

bathroom

The thick planks of faux hardwood floor are nice! However, the highlight is the walk-in glass shower with white marble walls.

lobby

Frumpy no more, the lobby glows with modernity. There are Nordic touches of rustic wood, but most furnishings are metal, brown and grey fabric, with a touch of marble. The open-wide sight lines are calming.

pool

One floor below reception, the pool was renovated, so it doesn't look like a relic from the 1980s anymore. Still large and practical, it's great for laps and family fun.

YOU SHOULD KNOW There is no tube slide for the kids, as in some other DoubleTree properties. Be warned.

gym

Updated with modern surfaces and a fresh lick of paint, the gym is across from the pool. In fact, people on the tread mills and cardio machines can watch swimmers do their laps. There are weights and balls and mats for cross training purposes.

dining

There is a reliable Turtle Jack's concession in the lobby, open at 6 a.m. so hotel guests can get their breakfast. Ask for the breakfast package with your room rate to avoid costly airport "cuisine". Turtle Jack is as its best for dinner. Think burgers, tacos, ribs, wings and bistro staples.

drinking

The lobby bar has a robust program of daily and weekly drink specials, including their happy hour cocktails. We recommend the Blackberry Bramble and the Pitched Tent, full of Bourbon.

The bar doesn't close until 2 a.m.-- sacrilege in Toronto--so feel free to linger over your third martini.