Help a DISer....hotel in Toronto...leaving this Saturday..please!!!

[LSmith]

When folks are in from out of town where I work we send them The Grand.

The building where the hotel is was once Toronto HQ for the RCMP.

What a low life Ham Ham may look like.

Oh please, that looks like my backyard. I was waiting for the Toronto police beating the non-drug dealing junkie picture at George's Chicken. You've disappointed me.

 

[damo]

Well, you know, I'm sweet like that.

BTW I did check out the hotel and it looks amazing. If I knew the downtown area like I do I would have no trouble staying there. As a tourist, I would be very uncomfortable at night there.

That was pretty much my concern and why I thought a heads up was necessary. I think now, with all the warning, the OP should be fine.

 

[Mickey1Fan]

The Grand is a georgous hotel. My parents live very close (not low lifes either) and very good friends stay there every time they are in T.O.

LSmith - who is your DH, I know a couple of 51 Division officers and my Mom knows lots of them because she volunteers with CPLC.

 

[njmomboys2]

Thanks so much to all for your feedback, advice and suggestions. I will take them to heart!!! Can't wait to visit your city : )

 

[lisaviolet]

Hi,

I lived just down the street - Richmond and Sherbourne and King and Sherbourne for ten years. (East but closer to better corners). You are just north of me. The hotel is beautiful. Gorgeous. I can honestly see why it was rated so high. It's lovely. But it does look strange sitting there in its surroundings. So the surroundings - shady is a good word. It isn't a high end neighbourhood (But $$$ for properties nonetheless). No issues in the day except for possible very entertaining people. Depends what you're used to. I would say it would be a comparison between the suite that you're getting and location.

If you want a change - you can get some real steals at Priceline's name your own price - if you plug in the downtown core.

There is a condo/hotel called 1 King West which sits in a good location for what you are doing. As does the Novotel on the Esplanade. For suites - The Cambridge Suites on Richmond is close to all the action as well.

www.cambridgesuitestoronto.com They are listing starting at $189.

Have a wonderful time.

 

[lisaviolet]

We will be doing:

Casa Loma (on drive from Niagara Falls)?????
CN Tower
Hippo Tours
NHL Hall of Fame
Blue Jay Game
Canada Wonderland

Would like to keep it around $200.......

Is that area really that bad????

Hi! Just was curious about the drive from NFs. Just making sure that you know that Casa Loma is right in Toronto. Just checking.

Toronto

I would do Harbourfront. I adore it. There is a "World Cafe" food extravangza every weekend - foods from around the world. Look for the tent. And music from around the world.

If you want to relax at all the Beach/Beaches in the east end is nice (Queen Street East - Queen Streetcar going east) and Cherry Beach (downtown beach - but swimming is hmmm but relaxing area.

I might go to the Distillery District (Parliament south of Front). Live music/art shows etc.

Caribana is this weekend. Celebration of Caribbean culture. (If you strike out on hotels - this is why - Caribana is huge).

Have fun.

 

[MaryannF]

I doubt that at this late date you would be able to change hotels as it is Caribana weekend and most hotels sell out in advance of this weekend. Toronto will be very busy downtown this weekend. Just be street smart and you will be OK. Have fun!!

 

[Mickey1Fan]

The Grand has a shuttle service that will take you to several Toronto destinations so you may not have to drive to all your destinations.

I would like to hear your feed back on Hippo Tours. It looks like so much fun!

Enjoy your visit!

 

[MECH8T7]

Given the places you were looking to visit, the Admiral (Radisson) Hotel at Harbourfront is something that you might want to check out...

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Re...ral_Toronto_Harbourfront-Toronto_Ontario.html

 

[Mickey1Fan]

You can also get family day passes for the TTC (public transit). You might want to check out their web site for information before you leave. It might be a better alternative to driving and paying to park every where. The Grand shuttle will take you to the subway.

I would skip Wonderland unless you love roller coasters. I would pretty much eat up your entire budget - my opinion only.

 

[Mickey1Fan]

How was your weekend?

 

[Mr. & Mrs. Smith]

I came across this thread late but for future reference, I can recommend the Metropolitan Hotel. It's a steal and its beautiful. The airport bus stops there and it really is right by a subway station. It's near Nathan Phillips Square, if I do recall.

OP, I would be interested in hearing about your experience. Hope you had a fantastic time.

 

[njmomboys2]

Well here is what happened......we wound up only staying at the Grand Hotel for one night. Long story short.....we got there and the 2 queen bed room we originally booked was not available...they were over booked. So they upgraded us to an executive suite, which I was excited about...but it only had 1 king bed...a pullout sofa and they were willing to send up a rollaway bed at no charge. We thought that would be ok.

The room was lovely however the beds were not. The King bed was great but the boys (ages 14 & 9) did not like the pull out or cot and I couldn't bear the thought of 2 tired cranky boys for an additional 2 nights. I also tried their beds and they were AWFUL!!

Plus the first night we walked from the hotel over to the Eaton Centre and the walk was "sketchy" at best. I did not feel comfortable so the next morning at 5:30am I was up frantically searching for another hotel.

We wound up at the Hilton on Richmond Street West and it was FANTASTIC!!!! We got a great room with 2 beds, access to the concierge lounge for the same price as the Grand. My boys loved the indoor/outdoor pool at the Hilton.

We didn't have to pay any penalty at the Grand. The area around the Hilton was MUCH Better and we were able to walk to the local attractions.

The week in Canada was great...with just a slight bump in the road at the Grand.

 

[damo]

So glad you found a place that made you comfortable. When you first said where you were staying, it made me nervous. The Hilton was one of the hotels I originally recommended and I am happy that you liked it --- I will recommend it to other visitors. It is so tough booking a hotel in a strange city!