Toronto Accommodations
from WorldWeb.com Travel Guide

Cozy Inn Suites Bedroom1

Toronto is a major world-class city vastly popular with those who visit there, whether for business or pleasure. During the last four decades, Toronto and the province of Ontario have become the country's main centre for commerce and manufacturing industries, and Toronto is now undeniably Canada’s chief city. Toronto has a very wide range of accommodation choices for travellers. What part of town to stay in is a matter of personal preference as well as budget and availability considerations. With the 1998 annex of the suburbs of North York, York, East York, Etobicoke, and Scarborough, Toronto’s pool of accommodations stretches over a whopping of 641 sq km (247 sq mi).

In order to lessen the daunting task of finding accommodations, the WorldWeb.com can help make thoughtful decisions with these online tools:

1) Accommodation Directory - This is a complete accommodation directory containing detailed information about hotels, B&Bs, luxury resorts, campgrounds and more. With links to accommodation websites and interactive maps, this directory is designed to help visitors find the right place to stay based on their personal preferences.

2) Secure Room Reservations - A convenient online room search and reservation page, this link will allow the user to check room availability and then make a secure online room reservation for participating properties. Although this is a useful feature anytime of year, the online Secure Room Reservations page is particularly helpful in the peak seasons when finding accommodation in popular properties can be difficult.

3) Maps - The Toronto map can assist visitors in choosing where to stay by not only indicating where accommodations are located, but also where they are in relation to attractions, restaurants, shops, tours and transportation.

SCARBOROUGH, ETOBICOKE, NORTH YORK, EAST YORK, AND YORK

In 1998, Scarborough, Etobicoke, North York, East York and York were amalgamated and became part of the city of Toronto. Travellers to Toronto should familiarize themselves with these areas and their boundaries. Some continue to refer to these former cities and suburbs by name while others refer to them as Toronto. These areas increase the already dizzying amount of potential places to stay when visiting Toronto. To help plan your stay in one of these Toronto areas check the WorldWeb.com's Toronto Accommodation Directory.

DOWNTOWN TORONTO

Downtown Toronto is a spectacular place to visit. It is bounded by Bloor Street to the north, Lake Ontario to the South, Bayview Avenue to the east, and Bathurst Street to the west. Staying in the core of this dynamic city will be a memorable experience. Most of the amazing sights and attractions of Toronto are within easy reach of accommodations. The downtown area encompasses the Financial District, known for its towering office buildings and great architecture, and the Underground City, featuring interconnected underground passageways with over 1,200 retail stores and services. The Fashion District boasts many boutiques and eclectic shops, while the Entertainment District has attractions such as the CN Tower, Chum Citytv Building and Rogers Centre (Sky Dome). Whether staying in a hotel, bed and breakfast, inn or hostel, downtown Toronto has several options.

The Park Hyatt is accessible to popular attractions. Some of the helpful features of this hotel are meeting facilities, an on-site restaurant and a fitness centre. Those looking for an elegant landmark hotel can try The Fairmont Royal York, which offers business travellers a working desk and space with a computer and hook-ups. This hotel also features individual climate control, ensuring guests a comfortable stay.

Bed and breakfasts can be a great, low-key way to enjoy staying in downtown Toronto. The 213 Carlton-Toronto Townhouse B&B is a beautiful 125-year-old heritage home that offers luxury suites and rooms at affordable prices. This is a great choice for those looking to stay in a smoke-free environment. Toronto Downtown Bed and Breakfast is recommended for those looking to relax. Breakfast here is prepared for all guests by a French-trained chef de cuisenaire. Guests can also share award-winning wines with their hosts in the evenings.

Casa Loma Inn is located in a quiet, tree-lined residential neighborhood and is close to the subway. Guests stay in a renovated Victorian-style building built in 1894. This is a good option for those on a budget yet looking for a luxurious 19th-century getaway. The Downtowner Inn is another great place to stay if budget is a concern. Guests here receive complimentary newspapers, continental breakfasts, air conditioning and wireless high-speed Internet in all rooms.

Global Village Backpackers is Toronto's largest youth hostel, that offers handy features for travellers such as 24-hour reception, swipe-card security, air conditioning, and free wireless Internet. Guests of Canadiana Backpackers Inn stay in elegant Victorian townhouses that have spacious rooms and 3 m (10 ft) ceilings.

HARBOURFRONT

Toronto's Harbourfront is located at Queen's Quay between Bathurst and Jarvis Street. Harbourfront features year-round activities, specialty shops along Queen Quay's Terminal, Harbourfront Centre, the Harbourfront Antique Market and a lakeside walking trail.

Travellers have a few options when staying in the Harbourfront area. The Westin Harbour Castle is a good choice for those looking to be close to the downtown area, only minutes away from the hotel. Guests of The Westin Harbour Castle as well, enjoy deluxe services such as 24-hour room service, a concierge, and nightly turndown service. While visiting the Westin's Health Centre, guests may choose to indulge by getting a massage or relaxing in the sauna or steam room. The Radisson Plaza Hotel Admiral is a reasonably priced hotel offering views of the harbour and a roof-top pool. Visitors planning on spending time at Toronto's Skydome (Roger's Centre) may find it convenient to stay at the Renaissance Toronto Hotel, which is connected to the venue. Guests of this 348-room hotel have views of the stadium and can enjoy events from their room. The Renaissance is close to major attractions such as the CN Tower and the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.

BEACHES

The trendy Beaches area of Toronto, located on Queen Street East between Coxwell and Victoria Park Avenue, is a great place for both the leisure and business traveller. This laid-back neighbourhood features eccentric shops, bar and restaurants and is an ideal place for outdoor activities such as tennis, beach volleyball, rollerblading, bicycling, swimming, and so much more. The Beaches is close to downtown, yet allows visitors to get away from the hectic and fast-paced craziness of the city centre. The Days Inn Toronto East is an affordable hotel that offers free parking and free continental breakfast while guests enjoy the allure of the beach area. Cozy Suites Inn is a bed and breakfast that offers luxury suites equipped with private baths. This is a great choice for business travellers who are looking for a quiet retreat. Toronto's famous Boardwalk and Queen Street are just a five minute drive away.

Yorkville

The historic district of Yorkville is roughly bordered by Bloor Street to the south, Davenport Road to the north, Church Street to the east, and Avenue Road to the west. Those visiting the Yorkville area of Toronto will find an array of fashion boutiques, art galleries, antiques stores, scale shops, bar, and restaurants. Toronto's famous shopping street, Bloor, is located in Yorkville and is quite popular with visitors and locals alike.

Travellers who want to remain close to the Yorkville area have a few accommodation options. Guests of the Holiday Inn Toronto-Midtown stay right on Bloor Street and are never too far from all the shopping. Some of the amenities of the hotel include free access to high-speed Internet and free access to fitness facilities. Another option is the Marriott Toronto Bloor Yorkville. This hotel is directly connected to Toronto's subway system and Underground City. The Howard Johnson Toronto Yorkville is a great choice for families since there is no charge for children under the age of 12. The 69-room hotel is close to attractions such as Paramount Canada's Wonderland. Those looking for something a little more cozy may want to try Victoria's Mansion Guest House Toronto, a bed and breakfast located within walking distance to Yorkville. This is a beautifully renovated Victorian mansion, built in the 1880s.

 

AIRPORT

Business travellers and others may desire to stay close to Lester B. Pearson International Airport. Toronto has several options such as the Best Western Travel Inn Toronto Airport. Guests staying here will also be close to the airport corporate area and can enjoy amenities like free parking and free local calls. Another option is the Doubletree International Plaza Toronto Airport, which features a 60,000 sq ft (5.57 sq m) conference centre, which can host up to 3,150 people.

 

PHOTOS COURTESY OF:

1. C/O Cozy Suites Inn; Toronto, Ontario, Canada
2. CN Tower, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
3. C/O Cozy Suites Inn; Toronto, Ontario, Canada
4. Rogers Centre (Sky Dome); Toronto, Ontario, Canada