How to choose a hotel in Toronto
The Greater Toronto Area (known as the "GTA") is spread out over a wide geographic region, so it's important to choose a hotel that suits the activities and conveniences you desire.
If you're flying in and out of Toronto's Lester B. Pearson airport (YYZ), you may want to consider staying at a hotel near the Toronto Airport. However, be advised that these hotels, while convenient for airport access, are at least a 30 minute drive from the downtown core - where you'll find most of Toronto's best shopping, dining and tourist attractions.
If you are driving or traveling on a budget, and if you don't mind staying out of the downtown core, you might want to consider accommodations in West Toronto, East Toronto, Midtown or Etobicoke to save a bit of money on your reservation and overnight parking fees. However, try to avoid driving if you plan to visit Downtown Toronto, as parking in the core can be $30 or more a day. In addition, parking is not included in the nightly rate at most downtown hotels. Having a car in high-traffic areas such as Yorkville, the Toronto Entertainment District and the Business and Financial District can be more trouble than it's worth sometimes, and getting around by foot, public transit or taxi is easy, cheap and oftentimes more convenient.
What to do in Toronto?
If you're in Toronto to shop, I recommend 3 main areas: 1) Yorkville, an upscale shopping district where you'll find most of the high end designer labels and fashion boutiques; 2) Toronto's Eaton Centre, a large urban shopping mall at Yonge-Dundas Square that anchors a larger shopping district found along the world-famous Yonge Street in Downtown Toronto, and 3) Queen Street, just west of University Avenue, located in the Toronto Entertainment District, also known for its bars, lounges, nightclubs, and restaurants.
If you are an avid foodie and looking to try some of Toronto's diverse restaurants I would recommend the Toronto Entertainment District which is crawling with hundreds of highly rated restaurants and is just a short walk from Toronto's Chinatown. Alternatively staying in the Business and Financial District grants you close access to some of top rated fine dining restaurants in the world.
