- Best Historic Hotel: The (gloved) hands-down winner is Le Royal Meridien King Edward, 37 King St. E. (tel. 800/543-4300), which was built in 1903 and is a sterling example of Edwardian architecture and opulence (thanks to a major renovation and several face-lifts). The lobby, with its pink-marble columns and ornate frescoes, has seen the creme de la creme of society trot through over the years. In the 1960s, the Beatles holed up in the King Eddy while 3,000 fans stormed the lobby.
- Best for Business Travelers: The Metropolitan Hotel, 108 Chestnut St. (tel. 800/668-6600), is just a few minutes from the Financial District, and its amenities are competitive with those of its pricier competitors. Features include a 24-hour business center and in-room amenities such as fax/modem hookups, large work desks, and cordless two-line phones. The restaurants, Hemispheres and Lai Wah Heen, are favorite sites for business lunches.
- Best Budget Hotel: Given the location and amenities, it's hard to beat the Hotel Victoria, 56 Yonge St. (tel. 800/363-8228), for price. The hotel is close to the Eaton Centre, Chinatown, and the Financial District, and its double rooms start at C$119 (US$113/#54) per night.
- Best Hotel Dining: The prize goes to Senses, 318 Wellington St. W. (tel. 416/961-0055), at the SoHo Metropolitan for its divine combination of delicious fare, sensuous setting, and impeccable service. Close runners-up are the Hilton Toronto's very grand dining room, Tundra (tel. 416/860-6800); the Fairmont Royal York's new offering, Epic (tel. 416/860-6949); and the Park Hyatt's restaurant, Annona (tel. 416/924-5471).
- Best for a Stylish Stay: The Hotel Le Germain, 30 Mercer St. (tel. 866/345-9501), one of Toronto's boutique hotels, is a stunner, with its dramatic design and lots of artwork in public and private spaces alike (even the elevators).
- Best Gay-Friendly Hotel: Everyone comes to the Clarion Hotel & Suites Selby, 592 Sherbourne St. (tel. 800/4-CHOICE). In a Victorian building in a predominantly gay neighborhood, this Belle Epoque hotel draws gay, lesbian, and straight travelers.
- Best for Travelers with Disabilities: The Fairmont Royal York, 100 Front St. W. (tel. 800/441-1414), pays a lot of attention to accessibility. The adaptations accommodate wheelchair users, the visually impaired, and the hearing impaired.
The Best Splurge Hotels
- SoHo Metropolitan Hotel, 318 Wellington St. W. (tel. 800/668-6600): This boutique property makes the best use of technology I've ever seen at a hotel. From the comfort of your bed, you can open and close the drapes. The in-room safe will hold (and recharge) a laptop computer, and the bathroom floor heats up on command.
- Park Hyatt Toronto, 4 Avenue Rd. (tel. 800/233-1234): Talk about having it all -- the Park Hyatt boasts a beautifully renovated Art Deco building, top-notch service, and one of the best views in the city from the rooftop terrace lounge. This is a place to relax and let yourself be pampered.
- Hotel Le Germain, 30 Mercer St. (tel. 866/345-9501): Edgy yet elegant, this is one of Toronto's most beautifully designed hotels. Attention is paid to the smallest details.
The Best Moderately Priced Hotels
- Delta Chelsea, 33 Gerrard St. W. (tel. 800/243-5732): This is a longtime favorite with budget-minded families. Perks include a playroom with live bunnies and fish, a video arcade, and a waterslide. It also offers children's programs, a day-care center, and kid-friendly restaurants. Many rooms have fridges or kitchenettes.
- Hotel Victoria, 56 Yonge St. (tel. 800/363-8228): This property offers the best value in town. Double rooms start at C$119 (US$113/#54) per night, and for this you get excellent service; a smallish but well-appointed room; and proximity to the Eaton Centre, Chinatown, and the Financial District.
- Clarion Hotel & Suites Selby, 592 Sherbourne St. (tel. 800/4-CHOICE): Ornate chandeliers, stucco moldings, and high ceilings make the 1890s Victorian building an absolute stunner. History buffs will love the fact that Ernest Hemingway lived here for a couple of years while he was on staff at the Toronto Star newspaper (and yes, there's a Hemingway suite).
Toronto Travel Experiences
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Sweaty palms in Toronto
Toronto is very much the big city. In fact it reminded me of New York. It is a flourishing financial centre for Canada so has lots o... Continue reading »
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The BIG T.O.
Toronto is such a beautiful city...with the high humidity that has destroyed my hair do, sitting on the tarmac for a half... Continue reading »
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From Bathhouse to Crackhouse
We started off by settling into the Canadiana Hostel which is spread out over four converted buildings in Downtown Toronto. We stay... Continue reading »
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Stunning Niagara Falls
Like i said earlier..Toronto is down right freezing at just -2 degrees. Not here for long though unfortunately, but here to see the might... Continue reading »
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Finally.....Canada!
We woke up this morning and were able to fumble through enough French to figure out where breakfast was being served. It was one of the b... Continue reading »
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