We found our home in Toronto in Holiday Inn Hotels and Suites. When we were preparing for the trip, we were pushing for Marriott Hotel, however, the one in Canada is not company accredited. We were also hopeful to book Hilton Hotel, however, since it was Toronto International Film Festival, we were not able to book 6 rooms as the hotel was fully booked on the first two days of our itinerary. Our next goal is to book a hotel with kitchen so we can also cook. But the one that we found got bad reviews. So we confirmed the reservation in Holiday Inn Hotels and Suites which is a good 5-minute drive from our office. I am all okay staying in Holiday Inn, as my first stay in the hotel chain was pleasant.
Judging from the pictures from the internet, I know we would be staying in a business hotel. So I forgot about grand entrance doors, fancy chandeliers and nice staircases. The image in my mind was true as soon as we arrived. I do not know if I should say that the pictures are far better than what it is in actual, but I know for sure, I am missing that time when we arrived in our hotel. It is one of the best days (or nights) in our stay in Toronto - because it signals the start of our adventure. I missed that time that we were just getting our luggage from the cab service, and checking in.
Anyways, let me share more stories..
Hotel Location
I have to say, Holiday Inn Hotels and Suites is not near any mall or supermarket - but we thought it is the perfect hotel for us because it is just less than 5-minute drive from our office. We were always teased by our colleagues that we were staying in a "province" - a rural place - probably because most of them got to stay in downtown areas during their business travels in USA.
It is funny that the businesses near the hotels are mostly industrial businesses - like wood carving stores, carpet stores, printing press, etc. Nothing for shopaholic like me. The nearest grocery store would be Food Basic (cab fare around $10CAD) but there are Esso Stores (two of them!) in Steeles Ave (like 5-minute walk from hotel), and there is a good Italian Restaurant that offers buffet - Frankie's Tomattos! (also 5- minute walk from the hotel).
Restaurants like Swiss Chalet and Starbucks are 15-minute walk from the hotel. You have to be covered though when walking because it is TOO CHILLY outside.
Seriously, talking and writing about these places makes me sad and miss the place. I will write about these restaurants SOON. Promise.
The hotel is near the hi-way, and bus stops. But to get to the nearest subway station, you have to take a bus first (Bus 53 Steeles Avenue).
The Room
It was Janine who welcomed us that morning (we arrived past 2AM). We already had reservation, so she patiently logged our records in the system and provided us the Vhing Card (that hotel key card! My colleagues were so amazed to know what it is called..)
As usual, we presented our cards and she asked us to sign an agreement - something like, the room is not smoking room and we need to pay $10,000CAD for any room damage. Then, she provided us with our keys, and breakfast vouchers (our room has free breakfast included). We were surprised to know that each of us would have two queen-sized beds!
Since we are a big group, the reservation officer tried to keep everyone in the same floor - and we stayed in the 8th floor which is a Priority Club Level.
Click Read More to see more pictures of my room...
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