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Best Places to Stay in Toronto: Neighbourhoods & Hotels

Best Places to Stay in Toronto: Neighbourhoods & Hotels
Find where to stay in Toronto for your upcoming Toronto trip! From luxury Toronto hotels to budget Toronto hostels and everything in-between, this Toronto accommodation guide breaks down the best neighbourhoods and hotels to stay in. Click to find the best places to stay in Toronto!

Find where to stay in Toronto for your upcoming Toronto trip! From luxury Toronto hotels to budget Toronto hostels and everything in-between, this Toronto accommodation guide breaks down the best neighbourhoods and hotels to stay in. Click to find the best places to stay in Toronto!

Find where to stay in Toronto for your upcoming Toronto trip! From luxury Toronto hotels to budget Toronto hostels and everything in-between, this Toronto accommodation guide breaks down the best neighbourhoods and hotels to stay in. Click to find the best places to stay in Toronto!

Find where to stay in Toronto for your upcoming Toronto trip! From luxury Toronto hotels to budget Toronto hostels and everything in-between, this Toronto accommodation guide breaks down the best neighbourhoods and hotels to stay in. Click to find the best places to stay in Toronto!

Toronto is not only a top city to visit in Canada because of its trendy neighbourhoods, its fine eats and multiculturalism, but also a world class city. It’s an entertainment destination where no matter what type of traveler you are you will not get bored no matter how long your trip to Toronto is.

Be forewarned that Toronto is not the cheapest destination to stay in, especially for accommodation. But I have put together this list of top hostels and hotels in Toronto to fit any budget. From backpacker hot spots in hostels to boutique hotels in Toronto, plus budget hotels, you’re guaranteed to find the best hotels in Toronto for your upcoming stay.

Where to Stay in Toronto

Depending on what Toronto attractions you would most like to see or what kind of vibe you would like to stay in will determine which area of Toronto is best for you. No matter which area you stay in I can pretty much guarantee that you’ll be walking lots or hopping on public transit as many of Toronto’s top sights are spread across the city.

Don’t fret about finding the perfect area to stay in Toronto, you will undoubtedly spend time in a couple of areas (at least) during your Toronto sightseeing.

Prices are similar through the downtown core, which is where it’s recommended to stay for first-time and returning visitors so base where you want to stay on Toronto on the neighbourhood breakdown below for the ultimate Toronto trip!

READ MORE: How to Plan the Perfect Toronto Itinerary

Best Neighbourhoods to Stay in Toronto

Toronto is a massive city with 140 neighbourhoods, some of which are great to live in, such as High Park, others that are perfect for visitors to this sprawling city, such as the Entertainment District.

These Toronto neighbourhoods below are the best for tourists in the city, each has a distinct vibe and if you visit Toronto multiple times it’s highly recommended that you stay in a different area each time!

Entertainment District

Best for nightlife, dining, sports & shows

The Entertainment District is easily the best place to stay in Toronto for first-time visitors. It’s right in the centre of many of Toronto’s top neighbourhoods, making it an ideal spot to see the best attractions in Toronto, such as the CN Tower and the Rogers Centre, as well as getting around to other areas.

It’s called the Entertainment District for a reason, as there’s no shortage of things to do. Sports venues for baseball (Blue Jays), hockey (Maple Leafs) and basketball (Raptors) are in the area, as well as a number of the city’s hottest bars and clubs, plus amazing restaurants on King West and beyond and even theatres for world-famous shows!

I used to live right in the middle of this area and can vouch for how amazing and really how much you have at your fingertips and within walking distance!

Best Hotels & Hostels in the Entertainment District

Luxury: Ritz Carlton

Kick-back and indulge at this 5-star hotel in Toronto’s downtown core. The surrounding area is known for its shopping, the CN Tower and Queen Street West among other top attractions are all within walking distance. Spend some time at the indoor swimming pool, golf course and beauty centre that are all on-site.

Mid-Range: Residence Inn by Marriott Downtown Toronto

This Toronto hotel has a fabulous location, almost on the edge of the Harbourfront area just south of the Entertainment District. When you stay here you’ll be within 5-minutes walking distance to sights such as the CN Tower and Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada, not to mention the Mirvish Theatre, Second City for comedy and the TIFF Bell Lightbox.

Hotel amenities include a fitness centre, indoor pool and a hot breakfast buffet is included.

Budget: The Clarence Park

This hostel is restored in a beautiful building and is amidst a little oasis across from a park. The rooftop deck is equipped with a BBQ, there’s a french cafe to grab a freshly baked croissant and events are held weekly for guests. It’s a prime location with shopping, entertainment and food all within a few minutes walk.

Harbourfront

Best for attractions and waterfront views

Harbourfront and the Entertainment District overlap in some areas but Harbourfront continues its way east along the lakeshore. Harbourfront is one of the best areas to stay in Toronto in the summer because you’ll have easy access to Toronto Islands, Toronto’s downtown beaches and plenty of restaurants.

Some of the highlights of the Harbourfront area are St. Lawrence Market, the Hockey Hall of Fame, Sugar Beach and the Distillery District on the far east end.

This is also the area you’ll be in if you come to Toronto on the train, take the UP from Pearson International Airport (both come in at Union Station) or land at Billy Bishop Airport.

Best Hotels & Hostels in Harbourfront

Luxury: Fairmont Royal York

You’ll be living the high life with the amenities and location of this swanky hotel. Find yourself surrounded by shopping, trendy restaurants and some of Toronto’s main attractions all within walking distance. The rooms feature private spa baths and on-site there is a spa, Turkish bath, heated pool, jacuzzi and sauna.

Mid-Range: The Westin Harbour Castle

This luxurious hotel is one of the most affordable luxury hotels in Toronto! And it has epic views over Lake Ontario as it sits right along the water.

From here you’ll be able to walk to highlights such as The Air Canada Centre and the Harbourfront Centre.

Top amenities include an indoor pool, rooftop tennis courts and a fitness centre. Plus a beach is super close to the property!

Budget: The Strathcona Hotel

Though technically in the Financial District, this hotel is a great option for those who want to be within close walking distance to the water but prefer to spend their money on entertainment, shopping or activities than accommodation.

Plus, it’s just a 6-minute walk from Union Station and is also a short walk to Toronto’s Theatre District.

Yonge & Dundas (Downtown Toronto)

Best for shopping and dining

Yonge & Dundas is the heart and centre of Toronto. The square is a bit like Times Square, expect a miniature version, with billboards and entertainment happening in the square throughout the year.

It’s here that you’ll find plenty of restaurants (Toronto has over 9000 restaurants) and Toronto’s biggest mall, the Eaton Centre. From downtown Toronto it’s easy to access many of Toronto’s other top areas and is a great place for first-time visitors who love to shop.

Best Hotels & Hostels in Downtown Toronto

Luxury: The St. Regis Toronto

Luxury at it’s finest, The St. Regis Toronto is easily one of the best hotels in Toronto. It offers Toronto city skyline views, an excellent location and modern amenities with an elegant style.

Many of Toronto’s highlights are within walking distance including shopping at the Eaton Centre, Union Station and the Air Canada Centre.

The on-site restaurant provides panoramic city views and other amenities include a 2-level spa facility, juice bar, an indoor pool, a fully-equipped fitness centre and a fabulous lobby bar.

Mid-Range: Marriott Downtown at CF Toronto Eaton Centre

Located right in the heart of Toronto is the Marriott Downtown This hotel is connected directly to the Eaton Centre (heaven for shopping lovers) and to the PATH, an underground mall that connects much of downtown Toronto without ever needing to go outside!

Hotel amenities include a rooftop pool, a fitness centre and a bistro on-site.

Budget: DoubleTree by Hilton

This 4-star hotel at a convenient price is located in a Toronto hot spot, the entertainment district. Right in the city centre, bars, restaurants and shopping is all located in a short walk. There are two on-site restaurants, a jacuzzi, indoor pool, sauna and free Wi-fi.

Hostel: HI Hostel Toronto

You’ll struggle to find budget accommodation with a better location that HI Toronto. From the hostel you can walk to St Lawrence Market, shopping on Queen Street or the Eaton Centre, a ton of nightlife and a grocery store. Free tours and city events are organized for guests and you can check out the on-site bar, The Cavern for drinks, food and live music.

Bloor & Yorkville

Best for luxury and glamour

Even if you don’t opt to stay in this part of the city, a visit up to Bloor Yorkville is a must to witness the most luxurious area of Toronto.

Here you’ll be able to window shop at stores such as Chanel and Louis Vutton, fine dine and may even spot a celebrity. In this Toronto neighbourhood, aside from seeing high-end fashion trends, you can visit the ROM (Royal Ontario Museum), the Bata Shoe Museum and shop (don’t worry, not every store is high-end!).

Best Hotels in Bloor & Yorkville

Luxury: Four Seasons Toronto Hotel at Yorkville

Opt for a night or few of being treated like a celebrity at this fabulous, luxury hotel in Toronto. Located in the luxurious Yorkville neighbourhood, you won’t have a shortage of high-end amenities at your fingertips.

This 5-star hotel offers a lap pool, hot tub, an on-site restaurant with a globally inspired menu and some rooms feature Toronto skyline views from the bathtub.

Mid-Range: InterContinental Toronto Yorkville

This hotel’s chic location is ideal for art lovers as it’s across the street from the ROM and a number of other art galleries in the pretty Yorkville area.

Guests are treated to amenities that include a seasonal patio (patios in Toronto are rare!), an indoor pool, fitness centre, on-site bar and restaurant.

Queen West & Chinatown

Best for budget travellers, shopping and trendy spots

Queen Street West is one of the top shopping streets in Toronto and is just north of the Entertainment District. It also neighbourhoods Chinatown, a hot spot in Toronto where budget eats and a mix of cultures collide.

Not much further along Queen West is Kensington Market, easily the trendiest neighbourhood in Toronto where you can find small independent bars, restaurants and shops with tasty cocktails, local brews and handmade goodies.

Best Hotels & Hostels in Queen West & Chinatown

Luxury: Shangri-La Hotel Toronto

Set in the middle of the action, Shangri-La Hotel Toronto is a luxury hotel within walking distance of the trendy Queen Street West, CN Tower and Dundas Square.

This luxurious 4-star accommodation offers an in-house spa, a fitness centre with a pool and a Turkish steam bath. Don’t even get me started on the on-site restaurant and bar where you’ll be treated like a superstar.

Mid-Range: Hotel Ocho

Just a 10-minute walk to the trendy Kensington Market and 5-minutes to Chinatown, this hotel in Toronto is a budget-friendly spot in one of Toronto’s hottest districts.

The hotel is housed in a 1902 factory building, thus the furnishings and artwork reflect the modern industrial look.

Budget: Super 8 Downtown Toronto

Super 8 Downtown Toronto is within walking distance of some of Toronto’s best neighbourhoods like Chinatown and the famous Queen Street West which is known for its shopping.

Many tourist attractions are also close-by like the Art Gallery of Ontario. The hotel rooms are cozy with amenities that include an on-site gym and massage services.

The Annex & Little Italy

Best for local culture 

While the Annex is next to Yorkville, it seems like they’re worlds apart. The Annex is the spot for you to stay if you want to be close to downtown Toronto but also want to experience the city’s vibe like a local does.

The Annex, which melts into Little Italy, is an affordable spot where the University of Toronto and its students hangout. Because of this there are a number of local hip and culturally diverse restaurants.

You won’t find many attractions here other than Casa Loma, Toronto’s castle, but you can easily access all areas of Toronto from here.

Best Hotels in the Annex

Luxury: Kimpton Saint George Hotel

Talk about swanky, this top hotel is a great pick for guests who want to be right on the edge of Yorkville but still stay in the Annex as Bloor street shops and fine dining restaurants are just minutes away.

The Royal Ontario Museum, Bata Shoe Museum and the University of Toronto are also close-by this trendy hotel.

Mid-Range: The Annex Hotel

This modern and simple hotel is perfect for guests who want a home away from home. Its clean decor invites visitors in with a desk in all rooms.

Top attractions within walking distance include the Royal Ontario Museum, the University of Toronto and Queens Park. A restaurant and bar are available on-site for guests.

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