jp

I'm planning to spend about 5 days/4 nights in Toronto around mid to late September. How is the weather around that time, and are there any type of festivals, fairs, etc. happening during that time? Also, does anyone know about the Radisson Hotel Toronto East and how far is that from the action downtown? I'd appreciate any input.

Paula

September can be a very pleasant month to visit Toronto. As your trip approaches, check out the Toronto five-day weather forecast at www.weatheroffice.ec.gc.ca as its difficult to predict temps for Sept. - could be cool, could be hot.<BR><BR>The Toronto International Film Festival runs Sept 5-14/02. For info on other festivals, events, etc. try www.torontolife.com. This website also provides reliable restaurant recommendations.<BR><BR>I have never stayed at the Radisson East but I am aware of its location. It's a fair distance from downtown but it is conveniently located near the highways that take you downtown. My guess is that your drive time to downtown would be at least 20 minutes, more if traffic is heavy. (Note that downtown parking can be expensive.) <BR><BR>Have a great vacation!

Gayle

September weather is usually lovely, often still quite hot, but cools off a bit at night and a sweater or light jacket may be needed. The Toronto Film Festival is on in September but I'm unsure of the dates. Check out www.torontolife.com for a wealth of information on upcoming events. What street is the Radisson east located on? I have a feeling it's the one off of Hwy 401, east of Kennedy in which case you are very far from anything and in a wasteland of an earea.

jp

Paula and Gayle, thanks much for the info. Unfortunately it looks like I'll miss the film festival. The hotel in question is offered through a travel package in expedia.com, I could either stay there and take the metro downtown, or I could pay up more and stay downtown... does anyone have any tips on this issue?

Paula

Gayle, you're close - its the Hwy 401 and Victoria Park location.<BR><BR>JP, the public transit system in Toronto is very good and I use it often. You may want to be aware that the trip from the Radisson East to downtown is a long one. It will require a bus ride to the subway stop and then a subway ride downtown. (I would estimate ~20 minutes on the bus and ~30 minutes on the subway, depending on where downtown you want to go. Add in your walk to the bus stop and wait times, you're probably looking at a ~1 hour trip.) It all depends on what it is worth to you in hotel savings vs time spent on public transit. If you can afford the extra cost of staying downtown, I would give it very serious consideration. The trek back out to the Radisson East is not one that I would want to have to make after dinner and a long day of sightseeing. <BR><BR>I hope this helps.

jp

Paula, thanks for the info. I guess it's better to esplurge a bit more for a hotel downtown, rather than skimp, and waste more $$$ on cabs and stuff. How is the nightlife from an insider's perspective?

Paula

If your interest is in Toronto's nightlife, I think you'll be very happy to have spent the extra money for a downtown hotel. Toronto has a reputation for a very good nightlife. Lots of bars, clubs, live music, concerts, etc. In addition to torontolife.com, you may find www.nowtoronto.com and www.eye.net to be good resources regarding nightlife specifics.

Gayle

I agree completely with Paula. Stay closer to downtown. I hear there are lots of good hotel deals. And there is NO nightlife near the Radisson East.

jp

Paula and Gayle, THANKS SO MUCH for your kind responses. I'm definitely heading to TO this Sept., and if the people there are as nice and cool as you two, then I'll have a blast. Thanks again, and I'll have a Molson for you later on. Cheers !!!

Cheryl

Try the Town Inn (www.towninn.com). It's an all-suites hotel (a bit older, but very clean). They have a kitchen, dining room, living room, and one or two bedrooms. It's downtown, and I believe around $109 Cdn. ($75 American) per night. I'll be staying there in October.

kate

You should definitely stay in downtown Toronto, and you might be able to find a deal. Ideally, you should look for a hotel between Yonge (Eastern border), Spadina (Western border), Front St (southern edge) and Bloor (northern border).<BR><BR>A couple of things to watch out for. There are some less expensive hotels downtown East of Yonge St (eg on Church, Jarvis, Carlton or one of the E-W streets between Queen and Bloor east of Yonge) - although it's quite lively, it's also a bit seedy (by Canadian standards). Yonge Street south of Bloor and north of Dundas is also a little seedy. <BR><BR>Staying down at Harbourfront might sound appealing - but it's inconvenient: there is an expressway that divides downtown from Harbourfront/Lakeshore, and to cross it you'll have to walk under it, take the streetcar or possibly a shuttle - it will add 15-20 minutes to your travel time. It's a safe trip - just not very scenic. And while Harbourfront has great views, it's rather sterile. There is a Sheraton Four Points down by the Lakeshore that might sound like a good deal, but it's practically under the expressway - perhaps convenient if you rent a car - but not very attractive. <BR><BR>I'm not sure what your price range is, but in the moderate (by US or UK standards) but not nosebleed price range I can recommend the two Marriotts downtown (Eaton Centre and Bloor Street), the Sheraton, the Fairmont Royal York, the Delta Chelsea, Sutton Place and the Cambridge Suites (Richmond Street). The Metropolitan is popular and convenient - although it is the heart of Chinatown (so hectic and fragrant at times). You also might check out the Holiday Inn on King Street West. <BR><BR>A very good budget choice is the Quality Hotel Midtown on Bloor Street West - great location near Yorkville, very close to the subway lines and close to the university district and an attractive residential neighbourhood (the Annex) - although it's on a busy street. I haven't seen the Comfort Hotel on Charles Street, but it's a safe and convenient location. <BR><BR>Some of Expedia's other choices I wouldn't recommend (because of location or run-down character) are the Strathcona, Best Western Primrose, Quality Hotel Downtown, Town Suites. <BR><BR>The Novotel Toronto Centre (although East of Yonge and close to Harbourfront) might be worth it if you get a good price. The Marriott Courtyard on Yonge Street is on a better block in the middle of the seedy Yonge Street strip (but the street is busy and not dangerous) - if you get a really good deal, it could be worth it (but the other two Marriotts are better-located and worth paying more for).<BR><BR>I don't know how you can research B&Bs, but if you can find the one that is located on Walmer Road (address about #11 or 12), you should check it out - it used to belong to my great-great uncle.<BR><BR>To find out what's on in Toronto, have a look at whatsupintoronto.com. As for festivals, you might catch "Word on the Street" (books).

jp

Gayle and Kate, thanks a lot for the input. I'm currently checking out the Quality Hotel Midtown, and it seems to be in excellent price range for me. I heard there's a shuttle from Pearson Airport to Downtown that charges half of what cabs and limos cost. Any suggestions?

Paula

JP, there's a thread called "ATM at Toronto's Airport?" that you might be interested in. It provides several opinions on the cab vs. shuttle question.<BR><BR>

jp

Thanks a lot for all the responses!!!

Paula

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