Hotels in Toronto

The tallest building in the British Empire when it opened in 1929, the massive Royal York even now is a prominent feature of Toronto's Lake Ontario skyline. It retains quite a bit of its between-the-wars classic ambiance, but frequent upgrades have allowed it to keep pace with its many nearby competitors. Its convenient location (steps from the banks of Bay Street and connected by tunnel with Union Station) makes it a favourite with both business and leisure travellers. Amenities include a business centre, indoor lap pool, 24-hour fitness centre, spa and children's wading pool. The Library Bar and EPIC Restaurant are traditional without being stuffy. or

Formerly known as the Park Plaza, this hotel has a rooftop bar-lounge that has made appearances in some Canadian novels, such as Margaret Atwood's Cat's Eye (1988). Millions of dollars were invested in refurbishment of the 1930s art deco building - including the addition of the Stillwater Spa. Along with its location in ritzy Yorkville, the hotel boasts typical business amenities of two-line telephones, plush bathrobes, in-room safe, complimentary shoeshine and Internet access.

Located midtown, next to the sprawling green campus of the University of Toronto and Queen's Park, the concrete and glass exterior of The Sutton Place Hotel may not take one's breath away but once inside the European styling is luxurious, with antiques and paintings throughout. Although it is the hotel of choice for film celebrities during the Toronto International Film Festival, it also serves the business traveller very well. There are 10 individually designed meeting rooms and three breathtaking ballrooms (the rooftop ballroom, Stop 33 , offers a superb view of the city), and a professional staff is on hand to facilitate any type of event. The suites are spacious and all have a large work desk, two-line telephone with voicemail, fax/modem point, bathrobes and complimentary daily newspaper delivery. Furnished apartments are available within the hotel for extended stays. or

The Four Seasons chain was founded and started by Canadian Issy Sharp and, although this hotel is not the original, it is more often than not the one celebrities and well-heeled visitors choose when visiting the city. Located in Yorkville, a chi-chi district littered with boutiques and cafes, the hotel is well known for its service and comfort. Features include corner rooms with balconies, marble bathrooms and family perks, such as child-size bathrobes and bedtime milk and cookies, as well as time-savers such as complimentary overnight shoeshine and one-hour pressing. In addition to the standard business amenities, including 24-hour business services, the hotel provides a limousine service to the downtown core on weekdays. Of course, the hotel has not neglected the basics for relaxing either - there is a heated pool, a health club (with whirlpool and sauna) and spa services. The chic Avenue bar and lounge and the award-winning restaurant, Truffles (see Restaurants ), are city landmarks. or

Known affectionately by locals as the 'King Eddy', this elegant century-old hotel was the choice for visiting royalty in the mid 1920s and has continued to draw distinguished guests ever since. Its opulent décor and impressive service have ensured the hotel's reputation. The hotel's original 1903 facade alone is stunning. Its downtown locale makes it ideal for theatre-goers, shoppers and businesspeople. Although not all rooms are spacious, they are well appointed, tastefully designed and have thoughtful perks, such as complimentary daily newspapers, bathrobes and 24-hour room service. A state-of-the-art business centre joins the list of guest facilities, which includes a 24-hour fitness centre and in-house spa. or