Wondering Where to Stay in Toronto? Here Are Our Tips!
Whether you’re visiting Toronto as a couple, on business, with friends, or as a family with kids, Canada’s largest city is prime for exploring. The difficult part, however, is figuring out the best places to stay in Toronto.
There are so many hotels, apartments, bed and breakfasts, and other accommodations in Toronto. Places to stay in Toronto are spread out all across the Toronto neighbourhoods and districts – especially downtown Toronto.
We lived and worked in Toronto together (and Eric grew up north of Toronto) – and will help you make sense of it all. Let’s get started with your Toronto accommodation search!
Whether you are looking for some of the best hotels in downtown Toronto like the Chelsea Hotel Toronto or One King West Hotel and Residence or searching for the best neighbourhood to stay in Toronto, our guide will help you find the right accommodation for you.
First, we’ll dive into some of the best places to stay in Toronto, Canada by style and budget and then outline a few of the best areas to stay in Toronto with great accommodation examples in each.
Table of Contents
Accommodations By Type
Toronto is a large city that is very spread out. As a result, there are different accommodation types in all areas of the city.
From hotels to guesthouses, you will have lots of options when finding the best place to stay in Toronto for you. That said, you’ll see that there are definitely more hotels in one area, more B&Bs in another, and more apartments in another Toronto district.
For this top section, let’s understand the accommodation options in Toronto by type. This way, if you know the type of accommodation you’re looking for, you can narrow down your search right now.
If you want to search for Toronto accommodations by area/neighbourhood, you can do so by reading the lower section of this post!
Hotels in Toronto
Toronto is a very large international city with many, many hotels. The hotels – especially in the downtown core – are generally higher priced similar to other large cities in North America.
However, many of these hotels are great because of their location and the amenities offered.
⇒ Check here for hotels in Toronto
That said, you can also find a deal on a hotel in Toronto – just don’t be too confused when you are unable to find lots of options for budget hotels.
You might have to look outside the heart of downtown Toronto for a budget hotel. More on this below.
When it comes to hotels, we are going to cover a variety of hotels by type and budget. Let’s get started!
Popular Hotels in Toronto
While there are lots of hotels in Toronto, there are a few that stand out above the rest as popular options.
If you are looking for a really great hotel in Toronto, this selection is a good place to start. To be fair, many of these are among the best hotels in downtown Toronto – known for the location, value, amenities, and overall appeal for all types of visitors.
Many of the hotels mentioned in this section are located right downtown – or within the heart of the city centre or at the beautiful waterfront.
That makes them great as a base for exploring Toronto. That said, you will find more than enough hotels near downtown Toronto that are also worth checking out!
Popular Toronto Hotels
- Chelsea Hotel Toronto – A popular go-to hotel choice in the heart of the Toronto city centre close to Yonge-Dundas Square (Our Pick)
- The Fairmont Royal York Hotel – A classic, elegant Toronto hotel with a grand history across the street from Union Station
- DoubleTree by Hilton Toronto Downtown – A reliable, lovely hotel right behind Nathan Phillips Square
- One King West Hotel and Residence – A trendy yet historic suite-style hotel in the Financial District
- The Westin Harbour Castle – A charming hotel with amazing views overlooking Toronto Harbour and Toronto Island
Budget/Cheap Hotels in Toronto
If you are searching for cheap accommodation in Toronto, there are a handful of budget hotels that might do the trick.
Some of these cheap hotels are downtown while lots of others are outside the heart of the city centre and can be accessed via public transport.
What makes these hotels cheaper is often the fact that you won’t receive as many amenities compared to other hotels. So, if you need a budget place to stay for a few days, consider these hotels in great areas:
- The Rex Hotel Jazz & Blues Bar – A simple accommodation on Queen West with live jazz music downstairs (Our Pick)
- Holiday Inn Toronto Downtown Centre – A standard, reliable hotel in downtown steps to Yonge Street and the subway
- The Alexandra Hotel – A simple hotel near the Fashion District, walkable to downtown and the waterfront
- Madison Manor Boutique Hotel – A traditional, classic house-hotel with pub in Yorkville
You can find cheaper accommodations in areas far outside Toronto’s city centre like in Etobicoke or Mississauga (out by Pearson Airport) to the west, North York to the north, or Scarborough to the east. There’s no doubt about that.
However, for the purpose of a traveller wanting to do sightseeing, we wouldn’t recommend these locations. You’d waste far too much time/effort going back and forth from downtown to your accommodation.
Boutique Hotels in Toronto
Toronto, being the large diverse city that it is, is also home to many unique and trendy design hotels.
Again, the hotels mentioned below are located in great areas. Many Toronto boutique hotels are super close to Union Station or top entertainment venues.
Of course, you’ll also find a few cool places to stay in Toronto scattered along Queen Street from east to west. Here are some great options for a boutique stay in Toronto!
- The Strathcona Hotel – A trendy hotel close to Union Station and all things “entertainment” (Our Pick)
- The Ivy at Verity – A renovated masterpiece hotel in an 1850’s chocolate factory
- The Anndore House Hotel – A sophisticated design hotel located in The Village
- The Drake Hotel – A classic Toronto hang out in West Queen West – with lots of bars and restaurants around
- The Broadview – A hip, trendy hotel with rooftop bar on Queen St East in Riverside (been for drinks, it’s great)
Luxury Hotels in Toronto
As an international hub, Toronto is no stranger to a high-class lifestyle.
As such, there are many luxury hotels in Toronto scattered across the city – with lots of names you’d expect to see in a metropolitan city in North America.
Below are a handful of the top luxury hotels in Toronto – and they come with world-class services and amenities:
- 1 Hotel Toronto – An upscale, trendy eco-hotel with rooftop pool in the Fashion District (Our Pick)
- The Shangri-La Hotel Toronto – A towering and luxurious hotel with impeccable service and detail
- The Ritz-Carlton Toronto – A modern, upscale hotel across from the music of Toronto’s Roy Thomson Hall
- Four Seasons Hotel Toronto at Yorkville – A “cut above the rest” hotel experience in upscale Yorkville
- Windsor Arms Hotel – A historic and elegant hotel up on Bloor offering English “high tea”
Apartments/Aparthotels in Toronto
Besides hotels, a popular accommodation option in Toronto is to have your own apartment.
Apartments are good in a bigger city like Toronto for families or short-stay travellers who want their own space to prepare their own food, etc. They are also often more affordable than hotels in Toronto.
Luckily, there are many aparthotels or suite-style hotels which legally fit this need nicely. These regulated accommodations offer you suite-style rentals (usually with kitchens) but also have hotel-like services and amenities such as a reception, gym, sauna/pool, onsite restaurant, etc.
We do not encourage staying in an Airbnb in Toronto. Toronto faces a housing crisis (shortage and affordability) and while Airbnb did not create this crisis, short term rentals don’t help when it comes to solving this issue.
Many condo buildings have strict rules against tenants renting their places on Airbnb – but some tenants do it anyway. Holiday goers having to “rent in secret” doesn’t sound like a fun time for you as a traveller.
⇒ Check here for aparthotels in Toronto
So, if you want your own space for your Toronto stay, we’d suggest an aparthotel or regulated apartment rental.
Some “regular” hotels even have apartment/suite-style rooms as an option. These types of rooms might also make a nice base to call home as you explore Toronto for a few days.
Listed below are a few lovely aparthotel or suite-style hotels in Toronto (all in great locations):
- Yonge Suites Furnished Apartments – Fully-equipped apartments with other amenities and great location on Yonge Street across from the Eaton Centre downtown (very good mall) (Our Pick)
- iHost Suites Ice Condo – Bright, comfortable apartments at the Harbourfront close to lots of attractions and transit
- One King West Hotel and Residence – A popular suite-style hotel right downtown Toronto in the Financial District
- Loft – Entertainment & Financial District – Nice, functional apartments right in the Entertainment District
- Town Inn Suites – A neat, stylish aparthotel close to shopping in Bloor-Yorkville
Bed and Breakfasts/Guesthouses in Toronto
For a massive city, there are actually a surprising number of bed and breakfast or guesthouse-style accommodations.
This is because there are so many residential areas and some of the older, historic houses were converted into lovely places to stay.
Unfortunately, the past couple of years has decimated Toronto’s once-thriving bed and breakfasts and guesthouses. While a number of them remain in operation, this is something we will continue to monitor to provide up-to-date options.
Generally, these houses are in quieter, more residential, and green areas. This means that you can come home after a long day of exploring and have a bit of peace and tranquillity!
The only real difference between bed and breakfasts and guesthouses in Toronto is usually the availability of breakfast. Guesthouses are usually just a cozy bed with no breakfast. That said, there are some outliers to this rule.
Both types usually make for budget-friendly accommodation because they have fewer amenities than hotels.
⇒ Check here for bed and breakfasts in Toronto or check here for guesthouses in Toronto
Below are a handful of guesthouses and B&Bs located all over the city – they make for a great place to stay in Toronto for a few days.
There are lots to choose from – many of which are located close to The Village (which is south of Bloor-Yorkville’s shopping) and still very well connected to downtown!
- The Jane Toronto – A chic, charming B&B north of busy Bloor Steet in The Annex (Our Pick)
- Margie Townhome Suites – Clean and cozy suites nestled between Downtown and The Village close to transit
- Dream Catcher Travel House – A bright and beautiful renovated guesthouse in a great East End location
- Keppner Guesthouse – A comfortable, homey guesthouse close to the subway near Bloor-Yorkville
- Elegant Suite at Bloor/Bathurst – A simple, tidy guesthouse just south of Bloor (shops, restaurants) near The Annex
Hostels in Toronto
Although Toronto is the biggest city in Canada, it doesn’t have a ton of hostels. The few that do exist, however, generally have really good reviews.
We’ve never stayed in a Toronto hostel but know quite a few traveller friends (Australians, Brits, and Danes) that have and have had pleasant stays!
You can check here hostels in Toronto.
Below are a couple of hostels in the city that feature great locations, amenities, and atmosphere:
- Planet Traveler Hostel – A social hostel with a rooftop terrace right in the heart of Kensington Market (Our Pick)
- All Days Hostel – A cozy hostel in quiet area close to The Village and Yonge-Bloor
- HI Toronto Hostel – A top-rated modern and trendy hostel located minutes to central downtown
- The Only Backpacker’s Inn – A hip and colourful hostel on the Danforth (good area) a bit east of downtown
Accommodations By Neighbourhoods/Area
Now that we have covered places to stay in Toronto by accommodation type, let’s dive into some of the best areas to stay in Toronto. In short, Toronto is a city of diverse neighbourhoods and districts, each with its own identity and things to offer visitors.
From The Annex to the Distillery District to Cabbagetown and the Entertainment District, some of Toronto areas – many of which are located downtown – are among the best neighbourhoods in Toronto to stay in as a visitor.
We’ve handpicked a number of the best Toronto neighbourhoods that many visitors would find to be safe, well-located, and bursting with things to do, eat, and see!
A general rule of thumb: The closer you are to downtown/the city centre, the more expensive the accommodation is likely to be. However, you pay for the great location and more.
We’ll start by telling you about the neighbourhoods/areas, their location, who it may be a good fit for, and some nearby attractions and highlights. Then, we’ll dive into a number of great accommodation choices in that neighbourhood/Toronto district.
If you just want to get started looking, here is a brief breakdown of the Toronto neighbourhoods featured in this post and a top accommodation pick for each one.
Top Toronto Accommodations By Area
- Heart of Downtown (Sightseeing/Central) Top Pick: The Chelsea Hotel Toronto
- Entertainment District (Nightlife/Entertainment) Top Pick: King Blue Hotel
- Old Toronto/Financial District (Business/Social) Top Pick: Fairmont Royal York Hotel
- The Harbourfront (Green Space/Waterfront) Top Pick: The Westin Harbour Castle
- Chinatown/Fashion District (Cultural/Trendy/Foodie) Top Pick: Hotel OCHO
- Bloor-Yorkville (Shopping/Upscale) Top Pick: Town Inn Suites
- The Annex (Youthful Yet Quiet) Top Pick: The Annex Hotel
- Toronto Pearson Airport (Flying) Top Pick: Alt Hotel Toronto Airport
We also wanted to include hotels at Pearson Toronto International Airport because it might be helpful for some.
And we also wanted to show you how far Pearson airport is from downtown Toronto. You can take the UpExpress Train to get to Union Station right downtown in about 30 minutes.
Safety in Toronto: Toronto is generally a safe, diverse, welcoming, and pleasant city. It is generally safe to walk in downtown Toronto. As a visitor, one area to avoid is the area around Moss Park located on Queen Street East between Sherbourne Street and Jarvis Street. It’s not necessarily unsafe but it’s a tad rougher. It lacks accommodations for a tourist visit, anyways.
Any of the areas of Toronto mentioned below in this article are among the most popular and well-established for visitors to have a great experience.
Heart of Downtown – For Sightseeing/Central Location
Of course, Toronto’s city centre is a popular place to stay. We would consider the heart of downtown Toronto to be where Toronto City Hall is located.
Outside the iconic rounded buildings, you will find Nathan Phillips Square, the water fountain, and the famous “Toronto Sign” for taking photos.
⇒ Check here for Accommodations in the Heart of Downtown Toronto
Nearby City Hall in the heart of the Toronto city centre is the Eaton Centre – a very large shopping mall. Close by, you’ll also find Yonge-Dundas Square – Toronto’s version of New York’s Times Square.
This is a great area to stay in because it’s very walkable to many of the top sights as well as to the waterfront area.
It’s also super simple to get on the subway or streetcar from here (Queen Street at Yonge Street) to explore further away places around Toronto. It doesn’t get more “central” than this!
Featured Accommodations in Downtown Toronto
Below are some of the best accommodations and hotels in downtown Toronto that are located very close to Nathan Phillips Square and Toronto City Hall.
If nothing else, this location is a great place to start your search – and these accommodations below are all great options.
The Chelsea Hotel Toronto – Check Now
- Style: A Popular and Lovely Hotel
- Price Range: Lower Mid-Range
- Location: Just off of Yonge Street and just north of Yonge-Dundas Square – the “Times Square” of Toronto
- Featured Amenities: Onsite restaurant and lounge, 2 indoor pools, parking available, great for families with kids
DoubleTree by Hilton Toronto Downtown– Check Now
- Style: A Sophisticated and Trendy Hotel
- Price Range: Upper Mid-Range
- Location: Downtown right behind Toronto City Hall at the north end of Nathan Phillips Square
- Featured Amenities: Indoor heated pool, onsite restaurant and bar, warm cookies on arrival!
Yonge Suites Furnished Apartments – Check Now
- Style: Clean, Spacious Apartments
- Price Range: Mid-Range
- Location: Located on Yonge Street across from the Eaton Centre downtown (great mall), restaurants/shops everywhere around
- Featured Amenities: Full kitchens, onsite gym
Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel – Check Now
- Style: A Quiet and Reliable Hotel
- Price Range: Upper Mid-Range
- Location: Right across the street from Nathan Phillips Square, City Hall, and the Eaton Centre (mall)
- Featured Amenities: Onsite bar and restaurant, connected underground to “The PATH”, city views all around!
Entertainment District – For Fun/Nightlife
There are things to keep you entertained all over the city – and the Entertainment District is definitely a place to get an evening started (and also where to end)! It is known for its nightlife, bars, shopping, and events.
Technically, this area goes close to the waterfront near the CN Tower, Rogers Centre, the Scotiabank Arena (formerly Air Canada Centre), Ripley’s Aquarium, and Steam Whistle Brewery.
All these Toronto attractions and places to visit make the Entertainment District specifically one of the best places for a tourist to stay in Toronto.
There is a part of the district north of those attractions and that is where you will find many of the nightclubs and bars.
As such, these few blocks of restaurants and places to go out are what many would define as the “true Entertainment District”.
⇒ Check here for Accommodations in The Entertainment District
This area of the Entertainment District is known for attractions, places, and bars like Bar Hop, shopping on Queen Street West, The Ballroom Bowl, Roy Thompson Hall, The Princess of Wales Theatre, and much more!
Featured Accommodations in The Entertainment District
Below are some great accommodations options in The Entertainment District. You’ll see that they are typically located north of the CN Tower since we cover “The Financial District” in the next section.
The places to stay featured below are in/around one of the main areas for bars, restaurants, and nightlife in Toronto.
King Blue Hotel Toronto – Check Now
- Style: A Bright, Boutique Hotel (newer hotel)
- Price Range: Mid-Range
- Location: Right at King Street W and Peter St – walkable to restaurants, bars, shops, everything.
- Featured Amenities: Indoor pool, light breakfast
Loft – Entertainment & Financial District – Check Now
- Style: Updated, Functional Apartments
- Price Range: Upper Budget (for Toronto)
- Location: Right off John Street walkable to the CN Tower and the many bars/restaurants of the area
- Featured Amenities: Units with kitchens, some with balconies (city views), parking garage available
Hilton Garden Inn Toronto Downtown – Check Now
- Style: A Simple and Classic Downtown Hotel
- Price Range: Mid-Range
- Location: In the heart of the Entertainment District
- Featured Amenities: Bar, restaurant, and pool onsite, helpful staff, great breakfast
Old Toronto/Financial District – For Business/Social
The Financial District is a place where you can often feel the pulse of Toronto. Located downtown along Bay Street – and as a specific sub-section of downtown – the district is known to be all business, very social, and often upscale.
The area gets the name from the fact that all the big Canadian banks – and many other institutions – have their headquarters located here.
⇒ Check here for Accommodations in Old Toronto/Financial District
You’ll find lots of top restaurants, cafes, and places for fancy cocktails among the street-level businesses of the larger office buildings.
You can check out things like The Hockey Hall of Fame, the Toronto Stock Exchange, and the famous Gooderham Building (also known as the “Flatiron Building”) nearby.
Featured Accommodations in Old Toronto/Financial District Area
Below are some top accommodations in the Financial District. This area is also one of the safest areas in Toronto (to be fair, there are lots of safe areas).
While there are lots of hotels in the area, there are certainly ones that have more of a name for themselves as being luxurious or popular.
Yes, they can be expensive – but you get quality when you stay in the Financial District. You are a quick walk into the Entertainment District, close to the water, and well-connected to Union Station.
Fairmont Royal York Hotel – Check Now
- Style: A Vintage and Charming Hotel (Eric has stayed numerous times – it’s excellent!)
- Price Range: Upper Mid-Range
- Location: Located right on Front Street, you are steps from Union Station and Scotiabank Arena
- Featured Amenities: Great restaurant with amazing breakfast buffet, bar, swimming pool, valet parking, and more!
The Novotel Toronto Centre – Check Now
- Style: A Stylish and Modern Hotel
- Price Range: Mid-Range
- Location: In the south end of Old Toronto, steps from amazing attractions and a quick walk to Union and the Harbourfront
- Featured Amenities: Comfortable beds, onsite pool and spa, restaurant and cocktail lounge, too!
One King West Hotel and Residence – Check Now
- Style: A Historic and Elegant Suite-style Hotel from 1914.
- Price Range: Mid-Range (good value for what you get)
- Location: An amazing location in the heart of the Financial District
- Featured Amenities: Suites come with like a microwave, dishwasher, or sitting area. Onsite bar and restaurant, too.
The Harbourfront – For Water Views
If you want to stay close to the water of Lake Ontario, then The Harbourfront is the place for you. This part of town is known to be very scenic and social.
⇒ Check here for hotels at The Harbourfront
There is a wide pedestrian sidewalk for exploring and piers that you can check out for basically as far as your eye can see.
You’ll have views of the Toronto Islands, Billy Bishop Airport, and be close to attractions like The Harbourfront Centre, Boat/Sailing Cruises, and Amsterdam Brewery.
Another good thing about this area is that you are still well-connected to transit via streetcar along Queens Quay West. Union Station is also not far to walk to from here.
Featured Accomodation at The Harbourfront
Below are some top accommodations in or very close to the Harbourfront area.
There aren’t actually that many hotels located in the actual perimeter of the Harbourfront (south of the Gardiner Expressway Highway) so two of the hotels mentioned are located just north of this area. It’s only a quick walk to the shores of the lake.
The Westin Harbour Castle – Check Now
- Style: A Classic and Scenic Hotel
- Price Range: Upscale
- Location: Right down on the Harbourfront, besides where the Toronto Island Ferry crosses
- Featured Amenities: Amazing views, rooftop patio, parking onsite, tennis courts, and friendly staff
iHost Suites Ice Condo – Check Now
- Style: Bright, Comfortable Apartments
- Price Range: Upper Budget
- Location: A quick walk to the water, walkable to CN Tower, Union Station, and much more
- Featured Amenities: Units with kitchens/kitchenettes, some with balconies, CN Tower or lake views
The Delta by Marriott – Check Now
- Style: A Stellar and Luxurious Hotel
- Price Range: Upper Mid-Range
- Location: Located right in the heart of downtown, close to Ripley’s Aquarium, CN Tower, and more.
- Featured Amenities: Modern and fancy rooms, rooftop lounge, pool, parking onsite, great breakfast!
Radisson Admiral Toronto Harbourfront – Check Now
- Style: A Bright and Modern Hotel
- Price Range: Upscale
- Location: Overlooking Lake Ontario beside the Harbourfront Centre – a great location for Billy Bishop Airport
- Featured Amenities: A rooftop terrace and pool (incredible for summer), great views, onsite restaurant and lounge
Chinatown/Fashion District – Cultural/Trendy
Located west of the Entertainment District, this area is known to be trendy, cultural, and very social.
The area got its name because it was once full of factories for the garment and textile industries!
The Fashion District exists to the west of Spadina Avenue and somewhat north of King Street and encompasses many restaurants and bars.
Chinatown runs along Spadina north of Queen just above the Fashion District and is filled with authentic food spots and more. It’s arguably one of the coolest neighbourhoods in Toronto.
⇒ Check here for accommodations in the Chinatown/Fashion District area
There aren’t a ton of places to stay in the area but you should definitely stop through if you are visiting Toronto for the experience.
You will also find Kensington Market close to Chinatown – another one of the coolest areas to explore in Toronto.
The area is usually clustered in with another neighbourhood – King West – which is a stretch of King Street West that has amazing food options. There isn’t much to do in the form of attractions but you can check out Graffiti Alley.
In any case, the Entertainment District is very close on foot or streetcar. Stay near here for the food and look for food places like WVRST, Gusto 101, Wilbur Mexicana, and many, many more.
Featured Accommodations in the Chinatown/Fashion District Area
Below are three nice options in or close to the Fashion District. Hotel 1 is very much in the area while the Alexandra and Hotel Ocho are a bit more north but still very close by to this area.
As mentioned, this area is not super well-defined but is certainly downtown and accessible to many other great areas in the city on foot or via the King streetcar (504 or 514), Queen streetcar (501), or Spadina streetcar (510).
Hotel OCHO – Check Now
- Style: A Vintage and Nicely Renovated Hotel
- Price Range: Mid-Range
- Location: Located at the corner of Queen and Spadina, walking distance to Chinatown, downtown, etc.
- Featured Amenities: Exposed brick in rooms, onsite restaurant/lounge, air conditioning, bike rentals for exploring
The Alexandra Hotel – Check Now
- Style: A Basic and Functional Hotel
- Price Range: Budget (for Toronto prices)
- Location: Located in a quiet area to the north of the Fashion District
- Featured Amenities: Each room has a full kitchenette, lots of parking outside
1 Hotel Toronto – Check Now
- Style: An Upscale, Trendy Eco-Hotel
- Price Range: Luxury
- Location: Overlooks the Fashion District, a walk to downtown attractions and very close to King West (transit also close)
- Featured Amenities: Onsite bar/restaurant, rooftop pool deck
Bloor-Yorkville – For Upscale Shopping
Do you want to go shopping at high-end places? Then Bloor-Yorkville is the place for you! The area is known to be posh, upscale, and is among the best Toronto shopping districts.
The area is loosely based around the intersection of Bloor Street and Yonge Street and is technically defined as “midtown” since you are not right in downtown Toronto.
⇒ Check here for accommodations in Bloor-Yorkville
That said, it’s easy to get down there by subway and you can walk if you wanted to. Another area close by is The Annex – which we mention after this section.
The district is known for shopping, The Bata Shoe Museum, and The Royal Ontario Museum, among others.
Featured Accommodations in Bloor-Yorkville
Below are several accommodations in the Bloor-Yorkville area. As mentioned, this area can be seen as upscale and good for shopping.
It’s also a heavy business area with large offices and is well-connected to public transportation (or to hail a cab).
This means that many hotels in Midtown Toronto are quite nice and can be more expensive. However, there are some budget-friendly places to stay (noted below) because the area is surrounded by residential areas. So, you can actually find a bit of a mix up here!
Town Inn Suites – Check Now
- Style: A Neat, Stylish Aparthotel
- Price Range: Mid-Range
- Location: Right on Church Street, a block from Yonge-Bloor Station (shops and amenities around)
- Featured Amenities: Suites with kitchenettes/kitchens, underground parking onsite (for a fee)
Keppner Guesthouse – Check Now
- Style: A Comfortable, Homey Guesthouse
- Price Range: Upper Budget
- Location: A quick walk to the heart of Bloor-Yorkville, good area close to shopping, bars, and restaurants (subway also close)
- Featured Amenities: Fridge/microwave in-room, parking available (for a fee)
Windsor Arms Hotel – Check Now
- Style: A Historic and Elegant Hotel
- Price Range: Luxury
- Location: Located in the heart of Yorkville just off of Bloor Street, great for shopping!
- Featured Amenities: Lavishly decorated rooms, pool and spa services, parking onsite, traditional “high tea”
Four Seasons Hotel Toronto at Yorkville – Check Now
- Style: A Stunning and First-Class Hotel Experience
- Price Range: Luxury
- Location: Also located in Yorkville just north of Bloor Street, great for shopping
- Featured Amenities: Impeccable rooms, pool and spa, and onsite parking
The Annex – Youthful/Hip
Looking for a youthful area? The Annex is for you. The area is known to be more youthful, very social, often hipster, and good for food lovers.
The Annex – as it exists along Bloor towards Koreatown (which is great for food) is more residential. This is where many students who study make their homes in the city.
Because of this, you’ll find a few smaller hotels but mainly guesthouses and bed and breakfasts located here.
This makes it great for a quieter stay in the city. There are also plenty of bars, great eateries, and top attractions very close by for tourists.
That said, it’s very easy to get downtown via the subway or the streetcar (from Spadina station). You could also walk if you wanted to.
The district is known for cheap food and drinks, exploring Koreatown, The Bata Shoe Museum, and the University of Toronto main campus, among others.
Featured Accommodations in The Annex
Below are a few nice accommodations options in/close to the Annex. The area is directly to the west of Bloor-Yorkville so it’s easy to go shopping, explore museums, and get downtown in minutes.
The Annex Hotel – Check Now
- Style: A Modern and Stylish Hotel
- Price Range: Upper Mid-Range
- Location: Right on Bloor Street so you are steps from great food and public transport
- Featured Amenities: Bar/cafe onsite, great breakfast
The Jane Toronto – Check Now
- Style: A Chic, Charming Bed and Breakfast
- Price Range: Mid-Range
- Location: In a quiet neighbourhood, a quick walk to Bloor Street for transit, restaurants, etc.
- Featured Amenities: Great breakfast, in-room coffee, communal lounge, outdoor green space
Elegant Suite at Bloor/Bathurst – Check Now
- Style: A Simple, Tidy Guesthouse
- Price Range: Lower Mid-Range
- Location: Just south of Bloor Street on Bathurst – close to University of Toronto (not far from Koreatown and transit)
- Featured Amenities: Breakfast available
Madison Manor Hotel and Pub – Check Now
- Style: A Traditional, Classic Hotel
- Price Range: Budget (for Toronto)
- Location: Just north (5 minutes) of Bloor for shopping, short walk to University of Toronto, museums, and more
- Featured Amenities: Pub and patio onsite, paid parking available
Toronto Pearson International Airport – For Flying
Last, but certainly not least, we wanted to include hotels in the area around Pearson Airport so that trip planners can plan accordingly. It’s also useful information for those flying through Toronto in need of a Toronto airport hotel.
The airport is technically in the Greater Toronto Area in a city called Mississauga. Some would argue that the airport is in the north end of Etobicoke but the difference doesn’t really matter.
All you need to know is that Pearson Airport is not close to downtown Toronto. In theory, this is where you could find what are known as “Toronto area hotels”.
Truthfully, accommodations out here are generally cheaper than in downtown. However, you’d be far from attractions so it’s really not worth the money saved because you’d have to commute back and forth each day.
⇒ Check here for hotels near Toronto Pearson Airport
If you stay right at the airport (basically beside the terminals), you could take the Up Express train to Union Station to get downtown. Alternatively, to get downtown from this area you can grab an Uber or a cab/shuttle (which would be more expensive).
Featured Hotels at/near Toronto Pearson International Airport
Below are just some of the many hotels around Toronto Pearson International Airport.
In general, there are lots of hotels very close to the airport. One hotel (the Sheraton) is actually located in the terminal building.
Of all the hotels in the area surrounding the airport, the Alt Hotel (see below) has the unique distinction of allowing you to walk to the Skytrain station (to get to the terminals).
Many other hotels in the area (like the Best Western below) often have a shuttle service to take passengers to and from the airport.
Alt Hotel Toronto Airport – Check Now
- Style: A Chic and Modern Hotel
- Price Range: Mid-Range
- Location: Close to the Skytrain transit direct to the terminal buildings
- Featured Amenities: Modern rooms, hip decor, pet-friendly, parking onsite
Sheraton Gateway Hotel in Toronto International Airport – Check Now
- Style: A Stylish, Simple Hotel
- Price Range: Upper Mid-Range (you pay for location, though)
- Location: Located right at Terminal 3 – can’t be any closer to the airport
- Featured Amenities: Onsite bar/restaurant, gym and pool, breakfast available
Best Western Toronto Airport – Check Now
- Style: A Simple and Functional Hotel
- Price Range: Upper Budget
- Location: Just off the 401 on Dixie Road – Eric used to stay here when he was a recruiter!
- Featured Amenities: Free airport shuttle from the lobby door, onsite restaurant
Hilton Garden Inn Toronto Airport – Check Now
- Style: A Traditional and Simple Hotel
- Price Range: Upper Budget
- Location: Conveniently located close to the airport with good terminal connections
- Featured Amenities: Clean rooms, trendy onsite bar and full restaurant, parking onsite, swimming pool
FAQ
If you have questions about where to stay in Toronto, Canada, here are some detailed answers to get you on the right path!
Where to stay in Downown Toronto/city centre?
If you are searching for a place to stay in Downtown Toronto, you’ll have lots of great options. The city centre is easily one of the best places for a tourist to stay in Toronto. It’s also a great fit if you’re wondering where to stay in Toronto for the first time.
Check out the Chelsea Hotel Toronto close to Yonge-Dundas Square, the DoubleTree by Hilton Toronto Downtown located behind City Hall/Nathan Phillips Square, or the Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel across from City Hall on Queen Street West.
For a suite-style hotel in the city centre, the Yonge Suites Furnished Apartments are on Yonge Street across from the Eaton Centre.
A more affordable accommodation option in this area would be The Rex Hotel Jazz & Blues Bar.
All of the above accommodations have you within walking distance to top sights, attractions, restaurants, shops, and places for drinks.
You’d also be very well-connected to the subway and streetcars to get to explore any other areas of the city with ease.
Where to stay in Toronto with family?
If you are travelling to Toronto with family/kids, there are lots of accommodations that make for a good place to stay.
Usually, suite-style hotels or aparthotels make a good option since the rooms generally have kitchen/kitchenettes. These kinds of places make a nice base to explore the city from for a few days.
Check out Yonge Suites Furnished Apartments to be very centrally located, iHost Suites Ice Condo to be closer to the Harbourfront close to lots of attractions, or even One King West Hotel and Residence with stylish apartments also in the heart of downtown.
Where to stay in Toronto on a budget?
If you are seeking out a cheaper place to stay in Toronto, there are budget-friendly accommodations dotted across the downtown/city centre area.
Check out The Rex Hotel Jazz & Blues Bar to be right on Queen Street West in the city centre. The Holiday Inn Toronto Downtown Centre is steps to Yonge Street and the subway.
In another nice area near the Fashion District, The Alexandra Hotel offers “no-frills” accommodation.
You might even find the odd guesthouse at an affordable rate in the residential areas near Bloor-Yorkville. Check out Keppner Guesthouse if this sounds like it works for you.
Where to stay in Toronto’s Entertainment District for nightlife?
To enjoy the best of Toronto nightlife, a stay in/close to the Entertainment District is a great idea.
Some of the best hotels in the Entertainment District for nightlife would be King Blue Hotel Toronto or the Hilton Garden Inn Toronto Downtown.
These centrally-located accommodations would have you within walking distance to many attractions as well as numerous bars and restaurants.
An aparthotel option in this area would be Loft – Entertainment & Financial District.
And there you have it – a rundown of where to stay in Toronto! In the end, there is no single best place to stay in Toronto.
All the areas in or around downtown/the city centre have advantages over one another and work well for different visitors. Have a blast exploring!
As always, Keep Exploring, eh?
-L&E
Related Articles
Toronto is one of the best places to explore in Ontario. So if you need more Toronto knowledge, have a look at our detailed guides on exploring the city:
- Visit 27 the Best Toronto Tourist Attractions
- How to Spend One Day in Toronto
- 17 Day Trips from Toronto (+How to Get There)