Hotels in Toronto & Ottawa - Coming to ship by ViaRail

[Brahmama]

We wanted to spend a few days in Canada before our cruise. So are flying to Toronto for 2 nights and then ViaRail to Ottawa for 2 nights (and to visit friends) Then ViaRail into QCity for a night on our ship before leaving the next afternoon.

 

I've looked at a bunch of hotels, but Toronto is confusing to us. We'd love to stay at the Royal York but it's $$$$ and no discounts or special offers that we can see. Any suggestions?

 

Ottawa is easier and we want to stay by ByWard Market and the Rideau Canal (I hope my spelling is right) Any suggestions here?

[bqkali]

Let me start off by saying that Toronto is one of my favorite cities so I'm glad you've decided to see a little of it :) I go several times a year (3 hours away), but normally I do it as a day trip or stay overnight with family in Niagara Falls.

 

That being said, I have stayed - only twice - at the Hilton on Richmond Street. The hotel is conveniently located within short walking distance of the subway system, which will take you to most of the tourist attractions. It is also connected to the underground shopping area, where there are also many restaurants and bars. Service has been great, and rooms more than adequate (very similar to every other Hilton I've ever been at). The only other Toronto hotels I've stayed at have been outside of the city center, and not very accessible to tourist destinations unless you have a rental car. However, I'd be happy to share info if you're interested.

 

Rooms are quite reasonable, typically between $100-150 CAD per night, depending on when exactly you will be there. Parking is pricey, but sounds like you won't have a car anyway. You could actually walk to the train station if you packed light (10 minutes), but a cab will run you no more than $10.

[laverendrye]

Downtown Toronto hotels tend to be expensive, but there are several less expensive hotels in the vicinity of the Royal York which you might consider: The Novotel, the Strathcona and the Victoria.

 

In Ottawa, the ideal hotels for the Canal and Market are the Chateau Laurier and the Westin. They are both on the Canal and only steps from the Market. However, both are in the same category as the Royal York in Toronto and are likely too expensive for your budget.

 

The Courtyard by Marriott is right in the Market if you want to be there, and the Novotel and Les Suites are a block or two away. The Lord Elgin is a classic hotel which has been completely renovated in recent years, and looks across a park to the canal--it's about a 5 or 10 minute walk to the market.

 

Further from the Market, but very close to the Canal and in a very quiet area are the Embassy and the Holiday Inn Downtown. The Holiday Inn is only a half-block from the Canal and very close to a foot-bridge to the east side.

 

You can check reviews on TripAdvisor to see if any of these properties might meet your needs.

[Brahmama]

bqkali:

Thanks so much for your response and all the helpful hints. We are excited about getting to see Toronto, and we are planning to go to Niagara Falls for part of a day- since that is also a place we have always wanted to see. (We are coming the last week in September)

 

And thanks for the recommendation for the HIlton on Richmond. I will certainly check that out. It sounds well located for us.

 

You're right; we won't have a car. But we will have to go to the Station Vicininty to catch the bus or train to Niagara Falls and of course to get our train to Ottawa. Since we'll have 2 bags each (cruise luggage) we'll probably have to take a cab to the station and of course from the airport.

 

Do you have a personal favorite place to eat in that vicinity?

 

 

 

Let me start off by saying that Toronto is one of my favorite cities so I'm glad you've decided to see a little of it :) I go several times a year (3 hours away), but normally I do it as a day trip or stay overnight with family in Niagara Falls.

 

That being said, I have stayed - only twice - at the Hilton on Richmond Street. The hotel is conveniently located within short walking distance of the subway system, which will take you to most of the tourist attractions. It is also connected to the underground shopping area, where there are also many restaurants and bars. Service has been great, and rooms more than adequate (very similar to every other Hilton I've ever been at). The only other Toronto hotels I've stayed at have been outside of the city center, and not very accessible to tourist destinations unless you have a rental car. However, I'd be happy to share info if you're interested.

 

Rooms are quite reasonable, typically between $100-150 CAD per night, depending on when exactly you will be there. Parking is pricey, but sounds like you won't have a car anyway. You could actually walk to the train station if you packed light (10 minutes), but a cab will run you no more than $10.

[Brahmama]

laverendrye:

 

Thanks for the comments and suggestions. I did look at the Strathcona and read reviews that weren't too favorable (noisy, etc) but I will check out the Victoria and Novotel.

 

Oh yes, the Chateau Laurier in Ottawa! I drooled over that for some time until I came back to reality. We have had good luck with the Marriott, and hopefully there might be a special rate in September so I'll certainly check that one out.

 

And the other suggestions sound good also - esp the Lord Elgin (or maybe I just like the name!)

 

I did find the Swiss Guest House B&B/Inn in that area. Do you know anything about that? I haven't read any reviews about it yet. It's always a bonus to have a nice breakfast included.

 

Thanks for your help.

 

Downtown Toronto hotels tend to be expensive, but there are several less expensive hotels in the vicinity of the Royal York which you might consider: The Novotel, the Strathcona and the Victoria.

 

In Ottawa, the ideal hotels for the Canal and Market are the Chateau Laurier and the Westin. They are both on the Canal and only steps from the Market. However, both are in the same category as the Royal York in Toronto and are likely too expensive for your budget.

 

The Courtyard by Marriott is right in the Market if you want to be there, and the Novotel and Les Suites are a block or two away. The Lord Elgin is a classic hotel which has been completely renovated in recent years, and looks across a park to the canal--it's about a 5 or 10 minute walk to the market.

 

Further from the Market, but very close to the Canal and in a very quiet area are the Embassy and the Holiday Inn Downtown. The Holiday Inn is only a half-block from the Canal and very close to a foot-bridge to the east side.

 

You can check reviews on TripAdvisor to see if any of these properties might meet your needs.

[woodworker&knitter]

We wanted to spend a few days in Canada before our cruise. So are flying to Toronto for 2 nights and then ViaRail to Ottawa for 2 nights (and to visit friends) Then ViaRail into QCity for a night on our ship before leaving the next afternoon.

 

I've looked at a bunch of hotels, but Toronto is confusing to us. We'd love to stay at the Royal York but it's $$$$ and no discounts or special offers that we can see. Any suggestions?

 

Ottawa is easier and we want to stay by ByWard Market and the Rideau Canal (I hope my spelling is right) Any suggestions here?

In Toronto there is the Crowne Plaza Downtown, very clean, nice property.

In Ottawa The Courtyard-Marriott is very nice, clean, friendly staff.

[M&A]

In Ottawa the Novotel and Les Suites are also downtown in the Market area and I think reasonable.

The Swiss B&B is very close to the Market area too and is very nice.

 

If you want the best rates you should consider going through Priceline or Hotwire.

 

Mike

[DanJ]

I think for downtown Toronto, you either spend the money on the hotel, or you spend the money trying to get to where you want to be from the cheaper hotel. It all works out in the end. Depending on what you want to see or do will dictate the hotel you should look at. The tourist attractions down by the lake are better served hotels such as Royal York, Westin Harbor Castle, and my personal favourite, Renaissance Downtown which is located in the Rogers Center, (the baseball stadium formerly known as the Skydome) and is right next to the CN Tower. You can move uptown a little more into places like the Sheraton Center or Delta Chelsea if you are more interested in shopping. Either area is easily reached from the other by the subway system.

 

I would also suggest if you want to go to Niagara Falls to just rent a car for the day. It's a lot longer stop and go train or bus ride than it is for the hour and a half drive. It's a very simple drive where you get on the highway downtown, and get off at Niagara. I don't believe Niagara has a very convenient train schedule as most of the trains going west from Toronto keep going west past Hamilton instead of south to Niagara.

[Sally Forth]

Let me start off by saying that Toronto is one of my favorite cities so I'm glad you've decided to see a little of it :) I go several times a year (3 hours away), but normally I do it as a day trip or stay overnight with family in Niagara Falls.

 

That being said, I have stayed - only twice - at the Hilton on Richmond Street. The hotel is conveniently located within short walking distance of the subway system, which will take you to most of the tourist attractions. It is also connected to the underground shopping area, where there are also many restaurants and bars. Service has been great, and rooms more than adequate (very similar to every other Hilton I've ever been at). The only other Toronto hotels I've stayed at have been outside of the city center, and not very accessible to tourist destinations unless you have a rental car. However, I'd be happy to share info if you're interested.

 

Rooms are quite reasonable, typically between $100-150 CAD per night, depending on when exactly you will be there. Parking is pricey, but sounds like you won't have a car anyway. You could actually walk to the train station if you packed light (10 minutes), but a cab will run you no more than $10.

 

I second the vote for the Hilton. I've stayed there on Hilton points and then on the concierge level as a treat. If you stay on the concierge level, you get great cocktail hour drinks and snacks. The snacks are enough for a meal and then you can go someplace expensive for just a drink out on the town.

 

I also like the Radisson on the waterfront. It's a bit of a hike to the subway system, but on the streetcar system, and it's a really pleasant walk.

 

One King is also good if you can get it at a good price. They have in-room washers and dryers if you will have laundry.

 

In Ottawa, we've stayed at the Westin and it was very nice.

 

Viv

[laverendrye]

Brahmama

 

By the Swiss Guest House in Ottawa, I assume you mean the Gasthaus Switzerland Inn. It's very well situated for your purposes, and while I haven't stayed there, it is generally well regarded. Have a look at the reviews on Trip Advisor. It would make a good alternative to one of the full-service hotels in the area.

[Bramcruiser]

Third vote for the Hilton in Toronto and possibly the Sheraton Centre just a block away. Both are within a block of where I work downtown and would likely be in the same price range.

 

Both are only a few blocks away from the Via Rail Station (5-10 minute walk or a short taxi ride) and close to the Eaton Centre and Yonge Street - Toronto's shopping street.

 

I would tend to avoid the Victoria and Strathcona Hotels as they don't look like the type of places I would bother staying at.

 

The Royal York and Westin Harbour Castle are the big expensive hotels (one across from the train station and the other at the waterfront). Someone mentioned the Rennaissance at the Skydome/Rogers Centre and someone else mentioned the Radisson at the waterfront. Never stayed in either but they look fine to me.

 

As for Restuarants? There is a Ruth's Chris Steakhouse at the Hilton and even better - just a block away - is a Keg Steakhouse over on York Street. A few blocks to the west is the entertainment district with all sorts of restaurants and Toronto's theatre scene. Being multicultural you can find anything from plain and simple meat and potatoes to a wide variety of international cuisine.

[bunnyette]

I second the recommendation for renting a car to Niagara Falls. Much quicker to drive. Make sure you leave after rush hour. A ton of car rentals places in and around Union Station and the main route is a quick (if there is no construction or traffic tie-ups) 5 minutes from Union Station.

 

A nice place to stop is Niagara on the Lake and there are a number of vineyards on the way too. Warning - the shops and restaurants in Niagara Falls can be pricey but definately worth a nice day trip.

[Pepperwood]

I second the recommendation for renting a car to Niagara Falls. Much quicker to drive. Make sure you leave after rush hour. A ton of car rentals places in and around Union Station and the main route is a quick (if there is no construction or traffic tie-ups) 5 minutes from Union Station.

 

I second this idea as well. The route from Toronto to Niagara Falls is dead simple--Gardiner Expressway out of Toronto, which morphs into the Queen Elizabeth Way, just follow the signs for QEW Niagara. Avoid rush hours (7am-9am and 3pm-7pm). There is some construction along the route, but most of it happens in the night-time, after 10 pm.

 

Once at the Falls, follow the beautiful Niagara Parkway north for Kodak moments along the top of the Niagara Gorge and Niagara River. This will elad you to the pretty town of Niagara-on-the-Lake, a great place for lunch. Many of the buildings date back to the War of 1812. Another good spot for a view of the surrounding countryside is the park at Queenston Heights.

 

And if you enjoy fine wines, there are dozens of boutique wineries in the Niagara Region, check out http://www.niagarawinetrail.org/

[Brahmama]

We're just back from a short getaway trip to New Orleans and found all these great responses.

 

The hotel suggestions and comments are great. We have booked the Marriott and the Gausthouse in Ottawa - hoping the Marriott will have another good sale before September.

 

Torronto is harder. We'll book one of your recs that is close to the station since we'll be doing a RT and a single trip from there and probably rent a car from there. But we're hoping for the Royal York to have a special between now and then.

 

We have a friend who lives in Burlington who has offered to take us to Niagara Falls from Burlington. So that's one option and renting the car is another. Thanks again for all the info and comments on the routing.

[bqkali]

bqkali:

Thanks so much for your response and all the helpful hints. We are excited about getting to see Toronto, and we are planning to go to Niagara Falls for part of a day- since that is also a place we have always wanted to see. (We are coming the last week in September)

 

You will be in Toronto & Niagara Falls during a beautiful time of the year! Definitely rent a car for your day trip to Niagara Falls; it's very easy. I highly recommend that you also stop on the American side of the falls for part of your visit - the Cave of the Winds attraction is truly spectacular and there is no substitute for it on the Canadian side. You can easily drive over the Rainbow Bridge to get to NY ($3.25), or you can keep your car parked on the Canadian side and walk ($0.50) over the Rainbow Bridge instead if you are physically able. It is probably a 15-minute walk, not including customs time, but it is usually a much shorter wait at customs for pedestrians instead of cars, not to mention, it means you only have to pay for parking once! Bring your passport! While on the American side, you can also walk through the state park and on Goat Island for views/photos from a different angle. BTW - the best view in my opinion is from standing halfway on the Rainbow Bridge...another reason to walk! The Maid of the Mist (another great attraction) is accessible from either the American or Canadian side of the falls. Allow three hours (plus driving time) to see Cave of the Winds, Maid of the Mists, and walk around on both sides of the falls for great photos. You could easily spend all day in Niagara Falls if you wanted to, but with such a short time in Toronto, that's all I would say is a "must-see".

 

Another tip - if you park at one of the casinos and go in to sign up for their players' card, the parking will be comped. No spending at the casino necessary, unless you want to of course! Otherwise, expect to pay about $15 for parking for the day. Lunch buffet at the casinos (my preference being for Fallsview - $20) is pretty good and you should get a discount with the Players card. Otherwise, plenty of restaurants to choose from - lots of tourist places such as Hard Rock, Rainforest Cafe, etc. Unless you choose fast food, expect to pay $15-20 for a basic entree + drinks, tax, tip. Eating outside of Niagara Falls somewhere on the drive back to Toronto will be cheaper.

 

I have spent literally hundreds of weekends in Niagara Falls, so please let me know if you have any other questions.

 

Do you have a personal favorite place to eat in that vicinity?

 

I am not a "foodie" and choose basic (but good!) food at affordable prices, so these won't help if you're a gourmet eater. But if you stay at the Hilton, there's a good Irish pub right at the start of the underground walkway. Can't think of the name, but just head toward the shopping walkway and it's right at the start. Ruth Chris steakhouse is also at the Hilton if you want a delicious meal, though it's out of my price range.

 

I like to go to the Distillery District to eat. Several great restaurants to choose from with a variety of dishes and budgets to suit you. It's a quick cab ride from the Hilton or about a 30-minute walk, not a bad walk in good weather. My two favorite eateries in that area are Archeo or Mill Street Brew Pub - menus can be found online. Get a cupcake for dessert at the Sweet Patisserie. Yum! There are also several galleries there that are great to browse if you have some time (and interest).

 

At some point, make sure you get Tim Horton's. It's busy at all times of the day, but especially breakfast. Great fresh coffee and I love the honey wheat bagels and Timbits (donut holes). Easy to find in Toronto, Niagara Falls, and anywhere in between.

[ottawa_traveler]

I usually use Travelzoo or Priceline to find deals in Toronto. There seem to be a lot of offers right now, though they may not be good for your dates (keep checking back over the summer):

 

http://ca.deals.travelzoo.com/canada-hotels/

 

I've used Priceline at least twice and gotten the Sheraton Centre both times for about half of their advertised rates.

[wcudmore]

If you're looking for a spectacular, but expensive meal, try going to Canoe.

http://www.oliverbonacini.com/canoemovie.html

 

Also in the area is the Rosewater Supper Club, which is also quite good.

http://www.libertygroup.com/rosewater/rosewater.html

 

Other than that, I would suggest taking a walk down King Street, between University and Spadina Avenue, and just seeing what strikes your fancy.

[Pepperwood]

 

We have a friend who lives in Burlington who has offered to take us to Niagara Falls from Burlington.

 

If you've got a ride from Burlington (yay Burlington!), forget about renting a car. Go to Union Station (across the street from the Royal York) and take a westbound Lakeshore GO train to one of the three train stations in Burlington (your friends will let you know which one works best.) These trains run once an hour at slow times, more during rush hours. They are clean, comfy and the two-storey cars will be mainly empty since you'll be going against the flow of commuters. The ride is about 45 minutes long, and costs about CAD$12 pp each way. Tickets are on the honour system (buy a ticket, it may or may not be checked during the trip by a conductor).

 

You can get more info on schedules and fares at http://www.gotransit.com/

[ottawa_traveler]

Well Brahmama, this may be your lucky day (and mine too!). I'm attending a wedding in Toronto next week and the bride-to-be just sent me this Family and Friends rate code for Fairmont hotels. Maybe you'll be able to afford the Royal York (and Chateau Laurier?) after all?:)

 

Go on the Fairmont website and use these codes together:

-promotion code NFAF

-IATA #85225399

 

I'm getting the Royal York for $109 CAD!:D

[Brahmama]

Dear Ottawa Traveler,

 

Yes, indeed, you made it our lucky day(s) as we have booked rooms in both the Royal York and the Chateau Laurier. You can't imagine how happy we are to be able to stay in these lovely surroundings.

 

We will be there in September and it would be our great pleasure to buy you a glass of wine in Ottawa! If that sounds appealing, please send me an email.

 

And thank you again for being so thoughtful. I do hope someone else "pays it forward" and you are also rewarded.

[Brahmama]

If you've got a ride from Burlington (yay Burlington!), forget about renting a car. Go to Union Station (across the street from the Royal York) and take a westbound Lakeshore GO train to one of the three train stations in Burlington (your friends will let you know which one works best.) These trains run once an hour at slow times, more during rush hours. They are clean, comfy and the two-storey cars will be mainly empty since you'll be going against the flow of commuters. The ride is about 45 minutes long, and costs about CAD$12 pp each way. Tickets are on the honour system (buy a ticket, it may or may not be checked during the trip by a conductor).

 

You can get more info on schedules and fares at http://www.gotransit.com/

 

Thanks for the link for the schedules and fares. I guess you Burlington People are all friendly, helpful people!

[wcudmore]

 

I would also suggest if you want to go to Niagara Falls to just rent a car for the day. It's a lot longer stop and go train or bus ride than it is for the hour and a half drive. It's a very simple drive where you get on the highway downtown, and get off at Niagara. I don't believe Niagara has a very convenient train schedule as most of the trains going west from Toronto keep going west past Hamilton instead of south to Niagara.

 

I'd check out the traffic reports to be safe. I took the kids to Niagara last Sunday, and it took us 4 hours each way, for what is supposed to be a 1 1/2 hour drive.

[DanJ]

I'd check out the traffic reports to be safe. I took the kids to Niagara last Sunday, and it took us 4 hours each way, for what is supposed to be a 1 1/2 hour drive.

 

I talked to a few people who said it was particularly bad for construction and accidents this past weekend. You know what they say about seasons in Canada - winter and construction LOL.

 

The Go Train is starting weekend and holiday service to Niagara from Toronto until Thanksgiving Day, Oct 12. Unfortunately no weekday runs. it costs about $32 round trip per person

[wcudmore]

I talked to a few people who said it was particularly bad for construction and accidents this past weekend. You know what they say about seasons in Canada - winter and construction LOL.

 

 

No, It's Hockey Season, and Road Hockey Season.

[wcudmore]

I talked to a few people who said it was particularly bad for construction and accidents this past weekend. You know what they say about seasons in Canada - winter and construction LOL.

 

There didn't appear to be much construction, unless it was all on the parallel routes. It looked more like we had a crappy Saturday, so let's not go to the cottage. Oh! Sunday is nice! Let's empty a city of 3 million people into Niagara.