Holiday Inn Toronto Downtown Centre by IHG

For the price, this was good value, and the pool was a real bonus. It was warmer than pools at most hotels we’ve tried. The place felt clean, well maintained, and pleasant, with friendly staff and a stay that ran smoothly. The rooms are small, though, and the hallways are quite narrow, so luggage makes things feel cramped.

The location worked perfectly for my downtown business, and I felt safe there. I like cities, but anyone who doesn’t enjoy an urban setting may not feel the same. Check-in and checkout were quick, the price seemed reasonable for such a central spot, and every staff member I met was helpful and kind. My room was clean and quiet, and about the standard size I’ve seen elsewhere. I visited in the off season and I’m not fussy about hotels, so that may be part of why I don’t share the negative reviews. Paying in USD also gave me a better deal than someone paying in Canadian currency.

The central location meant I hardly needed the car. Restaurants and places like McDonald’s, Tim Hortons, Shoppers Drug Mart, Winners, and a grocery store are all walkable. The Eaton Centre took about 20 minutes on foot, and the University of Toronto and Trinity College are nearby too. The area’s unhoused residents didn’t affect my stay; I saw some people, as you might in any downtown core, but it wasn’t overwhelming. I stayed on the quieter side and found it peaceful. The room was good, well equipped, and didn’t seem dated, with a fridge, two bottled waters, and solid amenities. No microwave, though. The bathroom had a glass shower door, a nice touch. I heard the front side is newer. The flat screen TV didn’t make it easy to stream Netflix or Disney+, so I was glad I brought my Roku, which worked perfectly. I skipped breakfast because the buffet was around $22-$23 and Tim Hortons nearby was a better option for me. My main hassle was parking: the signs weren’t clear, so I accidentally entered a nearby grocery store lot and had to call. Hotel parking is behind the building and should be marked better. The bed wasn’t the most comfortable I’ve had, but I slept fine. Despite those parking and TV issues, it was a pleasant, comfortable stay in a very convenient location.

The staff at the Holiday Inn made a difficult time a little easier, and I’d come back in a heartbeat. Before my surgery, I was put in a tiny room with no hot water, which was discouraging. My husband called the desk, and they quickly moved us to another room where the hot water was splendid. They also did what they could to make it right, including giving us free breakfast vouchers. After my surgery the next day, the room had been cleaned with real care, and the staff member brought me extra pillows and towels. The hotel was very nice and clean, the food was great, and the staff were amazing.