Hotels in Toronto

Travel Reviews: Hotels in Toronto

A few members of the GrandQuebec team went to the beautiful, cosmopolitan city of Toronto, Ontario. Well, actually, it was a few team members of the ProvinceQuebec team effort, the English version of the best Website on Quebec history, culture, architecture, fashion, celebrity gossip and so on. Luckily, they were friendly enough to share their travel insights with us…

A well known fact in academia, is that theory fails to predict practice perfectly, and sometimes, at all. In other words, while scholars heavily rely on theoretical constructs, the mutual understanding one shares with one’s peers cannot guarantee one’s completion of an actual doctorate degree in psychology (an actual requirement to become a licensed psychologist in some jurisdictions). A similar question arises when one contemplates educational paths, while social psychology may seem more interesting, perhaps a career in accounting looks more promising in terms of securing gainful employment in a shorter time period.

A stade in Victoria Park, in Toronto. Photo by Elena

In theory, Toronto is a city with all work and no play, which can make Jack a dull boy (Shining, Stephen King), but in practice, this vibrant, magnificent city, is as lively as can be. Similarly, in theory (and in practice!) Websites like Expedia and TripAdvisor may come in handy in planning an escapade to a distant destination, but a detailed personal experience account may likewise enlighten one on places top visit, where to stay and how to eat and stay healthy in a new environment.

Where to stay in Toronto, Ontario

Like most North American cities, Toronto has hotels and motels for almost all budges. Most places will require a valid credit card to book a room, and absolutely all accommodations demand to see some form of ID (from the ones we visited).

The Sheraton hotel chain hardly needs any introduction. An established luxury line of hotels and resorts, the Sheraton is a worldwide elite place to stay in, as long as you can afford it. Popular among businesspeople and couples celebrating their honeymoon, Sheraton hotels exist all over the world, being present in Canadian cities such as Montreal and Toronto, as well as exotic tropical islands such as Bora Bora. The Toronto Sheraton hotel is no different, containing all the amenities necessary for a more than pleasant stay, with more than 40 floors in altitude, splendid rooms and a high perched lounge overseeing the metropolitan. Rates vary from standard rooms to upscale, high end suites, but usually Sheraton hotels are considered in the pricier continuum of the temporary accommodation spectrum, although quite affordable if you consider the number of stars and services available (i.e. price and quality trade off).

Toronto City Center. Photo by Elena

The Fairmont Royal York hotel of Toronto is right in front of the train (Union station subway) downtown. The spectacular VIP hotel may be seen as a counterpart to the famous Fairmont Queen Elizabeth in Montreal, of international fame due to Yoko Ono’s and John Lennon’s sleep in for world peace. Naturally, Toronto likewise has the Hilton, Omni, Soho, Marriott and Ritz Carlton (list by far non extensive). For hotels in the middle price range, there are places like the Comfort Inn (several locations), the Ramada (double suite extremely comfortable, with ‘at home’ apartment feel’), the Best Western (Primrose) downtown and the Radisson Admiral Harbourfront on the new and refurbished Queen’s Quay.

Other hotels include the Econo Lodge (quite affordable hotel on Jarvis Street, close to Carlton intersection). Finally, for those without a credit card and on more modest budgets, the Weaverly, on the corner of College and Spadina may come in handy. With Toronto’s Chinatown’s attractions, a colorful market, countless laundromats and dry cleaners nearby, the inn may come in handy for a traveler looking for their next adventure. Finally, last but not least, the Shangri-La hotel is rumored to be among the best the city has to offer, with out-of-this-world suites commanding several thousands per night! Goes without saying, we had to pass…

On a more general note, the main streets of Toronto include Bloor (Yorkville), York, Yonge and Bay. With multiple Holt Renfrews (classy, exclusive shopping malls) and various designer and jewelry boutiques (Rolex, Cartier, Prada, Louis Vuitton, Prada, Chanel, Gucci, Fendi, Burberry, Hermes, Dior, Agent Provocateur – the sultry British lingerie brand endorsed by sexy actress Penelope Cruz – and countless others), the city (which at time of writing, just underwent mayoral elections on October 27, 2014, replacing celebrity mayor Rob Ford with John Tory) is one of the most popular cities in the world to visit, well, at least as far as we’re concerned. Also, obviously, don’t forget the breathtaking CN Tower and the adjacent aquarium (Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada).