Where to stay in Downtown Toronto

People rarely have the opportunity to stay in hotels when home is only a few kilometers away. But since I had a couple of business events, I had the chance to stay at two of some great hotels in downtown Toronto.

Thompson Hotel Toronto is located at the Central King West area. This stylish boutique hotel is within walking distance to art galleries, shops and restaurants including Lee. 

The rooms are very modern with floor to ceiling windows and contemporary furnishing. The beds are luxuriously covered in Sateen linens and the marble bath has heated flooring. The usual flat TV and wifi are available, as well as what I have been seeing now as becoming a standard, iPhone/iPod docks.



Room at Toronto Thompson Hotel



The meeting rooms and lobby follow the same sleek look. At each floor as well you can find some inspirational messages by the elevators (such as the pic I have at the top). They also have an awesome rooftop with some fantastic views of the city. At night, this bar is totally a hot spot with good music and drinks. Food is just ok, but not bad either.

Service is great and I would definitely recommend this hotel. 

You can expect pretty much the same look and feel from the Radisson Admiral at Toronto Harbourfront. Getting there can be tricky with the crazy construction at Lake Shore, but at least there is parking.  It is steps away to the HarbourfrontCenter, Rogers Centre, CN tower and Ripley’s Aquarium. 

As indicated, they are at the Harbourfront so the rooms have some beautiful views of Lake Ontario. The runway of the Billy Bishop Toronto airport is also visible from the hotel.



View from Radisson Waterfront room



The rooms are clean, modern, and freshly renovated. The staff is great. 

Hotel food was just ok but they serve Starbucks coffee! There is a Shoeless Joe’s by the lobby but Amsterdam Brewery is also just across the hotel. A variety of restaurants (from pizzerias to fine dining) and shops are a stone’s throw away.

Warning, though, I left my jacket in the closet (I will swear at any court!) and Housekeeping claimed they found nothing.  So, bring nothing valuable (or has sentimental value like my jacket!) and triple check everything before you leave. Incidents like these definitely ruin the experience, especially when the "after-sales" is not pleasant.