Where to stay in Toronto?

Toronto is a large sprawling city made up of distinct neighbourhoods where different cultures and cuisine come together in a lively mix. It is a city of beautiful beaches, a buzzing nightlife and world-class visitor attractions. Stay in one of Toronto's Chinatown districts and enjoy tasty street food or dip into the hippie culture of the Kensington Market area and the continental flavour of Little Italy. Rainbow pedestrian crossings dot the Village while Yonge has one of the world's longest shopping streets.

Toronto had already been settled for centuries by the Iroquois and Wyandot peoples when the French arrived in the mid-1700s. The French were followed by the English who set up a trading post but by the late 19th century, Toronto had become the economic and cultural heart of Canada. In the 20th century, liberal immigration policies transformed it into one of the most diverse cities in the world where dozens of languages can be heard and dozens of different cuisines enjoyed.

Features of hotels and rooms in Toronto

Luxury, boutique, budget and chain hotels, as well as hostels and bed and breakfast accommodation, are plentiful in Toronto so you'll be spoiled for choice when deciding where to stay. If you want to be near both the city's main tourist attractions and the beaches then the area around Bloor Street is the place to start your search. Book a room high up in a skyscraper hotel for amazing city views or search out hotels that offer an eclectic mix of oriental charm and contemporary elegance. Sitting nestled among a skyline of towering modern buildings is the Fairmont Royal York Hotel, an Art Deco triumph that has kept many of its original features including a stunning lobby and ballroom. At the other end of the spectrum are backpacker hostels with friendly and buzzing vibes and family-friendly bed and breakfast or budget hotels. One thing is for sure, you'll find the perfect accommodation for you in Toronto.

An amazing view in Toronto

There is nothing like getting up high in a city to get an overview of its sights and charms and many hotels in Toronto definitely come with a view. Some have floor-to-ceiling windows in the rooms while others make a feature of their rooftops with terraced bars, cafes and restaurants. Whether it is enjoying the view during the day or watching the city skyline change colour as the sun sets finding a hotel with a view offers a magical experience.

If you are not lucky enough to have a room with a view, don't despair. Many cocktail lounges have rooftop locations or pay a visit to the CN Tower which disappears into the clouds. At 500-metres high, this is the tallest freestanding structure in North America. Take the glass elevator to the top and if you are brave enough walk out onto a glass floor. The CN Tower also has a revolving restaurant from where you can see all of Toronto as you dine.

The Magical Sights of Toronto

The Royal Ontario Museum is unique and magical. Its facade is typically Victorian on the outside but step inside and a series of crystal cubes is revealed. These take you on a tour through eight Centres of Discovery which go back in time from modern Canada to ancient civilizations. Continue your cultural tour with a visit to the Art Gallery of Ontario. This outstanding museum sweeps from Inuit carvings and Henry Moore sculptures to rare Canadian artefacts. Something a little smaller and definitely quirkier is the Bata Shoe Museum!

No visit to Toronto is complete without spending some time at the beach. Ward's Island Beach is probably the prettiest while Gibraltar Point Beach is quieter and more rural. Queen's Park is the city's green lung and home to the Ontario Parliament while the top spot for shopping is the St Lawrence Market Complex with its specialty food stalls. If you want to buy holiday souvenirs or new beachwear then head to the sprawling Toronto Eaton Centre with its impressive indoor fountain or Yonge with its extra-long street.

Toronto's peak tourist season runs from May through to September so, not surprisingly, this is a time when flights are full and hotels get booked up. At BudgetAir we are always on hand, ready to find you our best deals on flights and help you book the hotel of your dreams.