The Saint James Hotel, an Ascend Collection Hotel

The room was a great deal for our overnight stay, booked online by my husband that same day. We got a non-smoking room with a king bed. I was pleasantly surprised by how clean it was, and the staff were polite. The bed was great, and the bathroom and shower were nice. Parking is free but off-site, and wasn’t too inconvenient. It’s not an ultra-modern hotel, though they’ve made some updates. I wondered whether there might be a halfway house next door or a few doors away, but couldn’t tell for sure. The location is good for exploring downtown Toronto, though it isn’t in the hardcore upscale area the city is known for. For one night it was good, but I probably wouldn’t stay longer than two because I like having room service. I’d give cleanliness and staff three stars.

The heating was the main problem. It was old and noisy, with no thermostat, so the room was either too cold or too warm. That got annoying. There was no Chromecast either. The room itself was very quiet despite being downtown. It was clean, the bathroom and amenities were great, and the beds were comfortable. Breakfast at freshii was nice. Parking beside the hotel is free for guests, though the setup is a bit confusing.

The room was spacious and modern, with a very comfortable bed and a good-sized bathroom. I liked the modern fixtures and rainforest shower head. Breakfast downstairs was included, with a choice of breakfast wrap and oatmeal. The hotel is on a relatively quiet street, but restaurants and shops are within walking distance. I’d definitely stay here again.

The room layout worked well, with the microwave and fridge tucked behind a pull-away visor. There’s also a healthy salad bar type of place attached to the hotel, which is handy if that’s your thing. The beds and pillows were comfortable, and they extended checkout when we asked, which I appreciated. I’d stay again, but I’d check the sheets as soon as I arrived. The hotel was quiet and in a good neighborhood, and the staff were welcoming and accommodating. They gave us a welcome pack with water and chips, plus a free parking pass. One sheet had stains, as if the bed had been made with old linen, which really put me off. When I asked for a change, it had been taken care of by the time we got back.