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Oct 13, 2016
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Toronto Film Festival
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Seeing as how the Toronto International Film Festival requires a lot of hotel rooms, we've lined up several hotels below, and some of the best the city has to offer, chosen for their proximity to the Bell Lightbox and excellent guest ratings. You won't go wrong with any of these hotels unless you end up paying 5 star prices for a 3 star hotel!
Editor's Top 15 Picks
Editor's Picks
Book from ~C$374
Classy downtown Toronto luxury hotel with indoor pool, fine dining and high-end amenities
The posh Ritz, a 5-Diamond award winner, is the epitome of class, elegance and service. It's newly built (opened in 2011) and it's the closest 5 star to the Bell Lightbox, at only a 4-minute walk. This hotel offers a superb, world-class spa (voted #1 hotel spa by Travel + Leisure World Best Awards in 2013), great dining at TOCA, authentic and chef-made Japanese tapas and sushi at the Ritz Bar, Canada's only cheese cave and the stylish outdoor DEQ terrace with fireplace, overlooking Metro Hall Park. It has stunning public spaces and indoor pool, first-class health and fitness amenities and elegant rooms with beautiful city views. It is very highly rated online with a very hight recommendation rate for its ambiance, spa, dining and service.
Pros
- Free amenities: Wi-Fi, bottled water, shoe shine, newspapers
- The rooms were elegant and well furnished with high quality furniture and amenities
- Wi-Fi was rated as excellent by online reviewers
- Guests loved the views of Lake Ontario and the CN Tower from south-facing rooms
- Excellent buffets, dining and drinks at the hotel said guests
- Staff provided efficient and thoughtful service
- Prime downtown location, an easy walk to entertainment venues, restaurants, shopping and business offices
Cons
- Valet parking is $50 for overnight
Editor's Picks
Book from ~C$207
High-style, luxury boutique hotel in downtown Toronto with upscale amenities & fine dining
Hotel Le Germain is a 4 star boutique hotel, with excellent guest ratings, that is only a 3-minute walk to the Bell Lightbox. This hotel is in an excellent downtown location, according to guests, for being near to nightlife, restaurants, bars, and Toronto's major downtown attractions. It has modern, spacious and well-equipped rooms that include mini-bar and fridge. The hotel offers a high-quality breakfast, cappuccinos in the library, and Wi-Fi, all free of charge. Hotel amenities include a rooftop putting green, restaurant and bar.
Pros
- Free amenities: Wi-Fi, wired Internet, breakfast, all day coffee and drinking water, newspapers, pet supplies
- Room were spacious and well appointed with comfortable beds
- Location convenient to restaurants, theatres and attractions
- Staff were attentive and helpful, according to guests
- Many guests enjoyed the free breakfast and late breakfast hours
- Wi-Fi rated excellent by online guest surveys
Cons
- Valet parking is $45 per 24 hours
- Occasionally guests complained of poor views from their rooms
- Some guests found the neighbourhood street and bar noise a disturbance
- Some guests did not like the see-through glass shower
Editor's Picks
Book from ~C$107
Pet-friendly downtown Toronto hotel with indoor pool and suites with full kitchens
For the value-minded, we suggest the Residence Inn, which is newly built (opened 2008) and is an excellent 3 star hotel which includes Wi-Fi and breakfast in the room rate. You can reach the Lightbox in 4 minutes on foot from this hotel. Guests have given high ratings for this hotel's rooms with fully-equipped kitchens, on-site amenities (pool, hot tub, fitness centre, restaurant) and customer service.
The hotel provides a grocery-shopping service and you can also easily walk to grocery stores in the area for saving on meals. (Foodland is across the street for the basics and Rabba Marche, a mini-supermarket which carries everything, is just 1 city-block down Blue Jays Way to the south.) If you plan to come by car, the valet-only parking here is a little pricey at $35 per night. It may be possible to park instead at the surface lot close by, at the corner of Wellington and Blue Jays Way, and negotiate an overnight rate for the length of your stay.
Pros
- Free amenities: Wi-Fi, wired internet and hot breakfast
- All suites have fully equipped kitchens
- Many guest reviewers loved the downtown location as it was close to many attractions
- The rooms were large, comfortable and clean according to numerous guest reviews
- Staff received high praise in several reviews and were said to be friendly, helpful and courteous
- Complimentary breakfast had a good selection and great food, said many guests
- Frequently praised as good value for the money by guest reviewers
Cons
- Guests found the parking expensive ($35/day)
- Some reviewers complained about an insufficient quantity of food at the free breakfast when the hotel is busy
- Some rooms had poor views, according to some guests
- Some reviewers complained about uncomfortable sofabeds
Editor's Picks
Toronto Film Festival Book from ~C$101
Downtown Toronto hotel in a prime location with seasonal rooftop pool and sun deck
The Hyatt Regency Hotel is next door to the Bell Lightbox and can be reached in about 1 minute or less on foot.
Pros
- Many guests praised the hotel's proximity to downtown attractions and shopping
- The hotel's staff were complimented on their accommodating and efficient service
- Several lodgers were pleased with their clean and modern rooms
Cons
- Wi-Fi is an extra $14.95 per day
- Parking is an added $32 per day
- Dated decor and small rooms were reported by a few travellers
Editor's Picks
Book from ~C$123
Centrally located downtown Toronto hotel with well-equipped rooms, indoor pool & restaurant
In downtown Toronto's club district and close to the shops and restaurants of Queen Street, this Hilton is a 3-minute walk from the Bell Lightbox.
Pros
- Free amenities: Wi-Fi, wired Internet, local calls, newspapers
- Rooms were clean with comfy beds said guests
- Guests appreciated in-room mini-fridges and microwaves
- Location was well liked, an easy walk to restaurants, shopping, Rogers Centre and other downtown attractions
- Wi-Fi was very good according to guests
- Staff were friendly and helpful said guests
- Breakfast on site was varied, delicious and good value said guests
Cons
- Valet parking is $47 for overnight
- Some guests complained of noise disturbances from the nightclub next door and neighbouring rooms
- Some were disappointed that the bar closed at 10 pm
Editor's Picks
Book from ~C$223
Highly praised luxury boutique hotel in downtown Toronto with indoor pool and gourmet dining
Next to a park and close to restaurants, this stylish boutique hotel is a 5-minute walk or 1-minute drive from the Bell Lightbox.
Pros
- Free amenities: local shuttle service, pet stays
- Rooms were well appointed with comfy beds and gorgeous bathrooms
- Location was in walking distance of main attractions, restaurants, a park and public transit
- Wi-Fi rated excellent by guest reviewers
- Staff were well liked, accommodating and professional
- Guests enjoyed dining on site
Cons
- Self-parking is $35 and valet parking is $40 per night
- Mandatory daily $11.90 + tax facility fee charged to non iPreferred members includes Wi-Fi, local calls, gym and pool use
- A few guests complained of noise disturbance originating from outside and also inside the hotel
- Some rooms felt a little small and lacked views according to guests
Editor's Picks
Book from ~C$98
Downtown Toronto hotel in Rogers Centre with field-view rooms, dining and indoor pool
Attached to Rogers Centre and boasting the city's largest hotel pool, the Renaissance is an 8-minute walk from TIFF Bell Lightbox.
Pros
- Free amenities: Wi-Fi, wired Internet
- Rooms were often described as clean and spacious with comfy beds
- Location was appreciated for being close to downtown attractions and Union Station
- Staff offered friendly and efficient service
- Restaurant had good food, good beer and a good view of the field
Cons
- Self parking is $30 and valet parking is $45 per day
- Some found worn rooms in need of updates
- Some guests complained of a dated and unappealing pool area
- Some felt the hotel was overpriced
- Noise was an issue for some from rooms that faced the stadium or train tracks
Editor's Picks
Book from ~C$93
Classy downtown Toronto hotel attached to Convention Centre with indoor pool & fine dining
Attached to the Metro Toronto Convention Centre on busy Front St. and close to the CN Tower, the Intercontinental is a 12-minute walk or 2-minute drive from the Bell Lightbox.
Pros
- Free Wi-Fi to IHG rewards members
- Many enjoyed clean, quiet rooms with comfortable beds
- Some guests had spectacular views of the lake and city
- Location was ideal to the convention centre, and handy to attractions, restaurants and public transit
- Guests spoke highly of the spa area, staff and treatments
- Many enjoyed the pool and hot tub
Cons
- Wi-Fi (for non-club members) daily cost is $13.95/regular and $17.95/premium
- Valet parking is $45 per day, plus tax
- Guests often found breakfast, room service and other meals pricey
- Some guests thought that the hotel was expensive
Editor's Picks
Book from ~C$90
New and highly praised luxury hotel in downtown Toronto near CN Tower with indoor pool
The beautiful new Delta is a 12-minute walk or 5-minute drive to the Toronto International Film Festival venue.
Pros
- Free amenities: Wi-Fi, wired Internet, local calls, newspapers
- Many found the beds very comfortable and the rooms very clean with upscale bathrooms
- Rooms on higher floors that faced the water had splendid views and were quieter
- Location was well liked, close to Union Station and city's entertainment venues
- Staff were typically very accommodating
- Wi-Fi was rated excellent by guests online
Cons
- Self-parking costs $35 per 24 hours and valet parking costs $48 with unlimited in/out privileges
- Some guests found the parking limited, especially during Jays and Raptors games
- Some were disturbed by the trains from Union Station even on the higher floors
- Some guests missed having a mini-fridge or mini-bar in their rooms
- Guests were often underwhelmed by the dining on site and found it expensive
Editor's Picks
Book from ~C$133
Highly praised classic luxury hotel in downtown Toronto with high quality rooms and dining
This beautifully renovated 4-star hotel is a 15-minute walk or 8-minute transit ride to TIFF.
Pros
- Free amenities: Wi-Fi in the lobby
- Location ideal to downtown attractions, restaurants, shopping and public transit
- Great stylish, spacious and comfortable rooms said guests
- Professional, friendly and helpful service from staff
- Guests enjoyed good dining on site
Cons
- In-room Wi-Fi costs $14.95 or $19.95 per 24 hours
- Valet parking is $48 per day
- No swimming pool on site
- Restaurant a little pricey according to a few guests
Editor's Picks
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Trendy downtown Toronto boutique hotel with modern decor, restaurant, rooftop pool & lounge
A 15-minute walk or 8-minute ride using transit will bring you to TIFF from the Thompson.
Pros
- Free amenities: Wi-Fi, wired Internet, pet stays, newspapers
- Comfortable, clean and modern rooms, said many guests
- Wi-Fi was rated as excellent by guests
- Guests enjoyed meals at the Lobby Bar, Thompson Diner and Colette dining room
- Rooftop pool and lounge offered great views and ambiance said guests
- Staff friendly and helpful said guests
- Location was convenient to restaurants and bars on King Street, Rogers Centre and public transit
Cons
- Valet parking is $45 and self-parking is $30 per night, plus tax
- Guests were often disappointed to not have access to the rooftop pool and lounge, due to it being rented out to a group
- Loud music from the nightclub on site a disturbance to guests
- Some felt the hotel lacked the polish of a true luxury hotel
- In-room furniture looked nice but not very functional said some guests
Editor's Picks
Book from ~C$207
Highly praised downtown Toronto luxury boutique hotel with modern decor and on-site dining
This luxury boutique hotel is a 5-minute drive or 13-minute transit ride to TIFF.
Pros
- Free amenities: Wi-Fi, wired Internet, breakfast, newspapers
- Rooms were modern and very clean with comfy beds
- Guests liked the staff and found them attentive and helpful
- Guests enjoyed meals on site and room service
- Location was convenient to Union Station, Air Canada Centre, Rogers Centre, restaurants and financial district
- Breakfast was typically enjoyed by guests
- Wi-Fi was rated as excellent by reviewers online
Cons
- Valet parking is $49 per night
- A few reviewers complained about street noise or sounds from fans leaving the Air Canada Centre (next door)
- Some felt breakfast could be improved with more hot items and variety
- Some felt the glass shower with blinds did not offer full privacy
Editor's Picks
Book from ~C$379
Luxury Toronto-Yorkville hotel with private balconies, indoor pool, day spa and fine dining
This luxury 5-star hotel is a 10-minute drive or 18-minute transit ride to the TIFF Bell Lightbox.
Pros
- Free amenities: Wi-Fi
- Rooms were designer modern, spacious with comfortable beds and high-end amenities
- Staff exceptional according to many guests
- Guests enjoyed the pool and fitness facilities on site
- Many found the dining and breakfast delicious
- Location perfect for walking in Yorkville to shops, restaurants, galleries
Cons
- Mandatory property facility fee $12 daily includes local calls, in-room coffee, tea and cold drinks, house car service, business centre, pool and fitness centre, newspapers
- Valet parking costs $40 overnight
- Some guests complained about the desk staff trying to upsell them at check-in time
- Some felt breakfast was overpriced
- Poor views from some rooms a disappointment at times
- Wi-Fi speed slow according to a few guests
Editor's Picks
Book from ~C$335
Luxury boutique Toronto-Yorkville hotel with indoor pool, day spa, High Tea & fine dining
Still one of the best hotels in the city, Windsor Arms is a 10-minute drive or 15-minute transit ride to TIFF events.
Pros
- Free amenities: Wi-Fi, newspapers
- Guests often praised the rooms for their beauty and comfort
- Staff were attentive and welcoming said guests
- Location was perfect, on a quiet street, but near to Bloor's restaurants, shops and subway stop
- Many enjoyed meals on site
- The pool and other facilities were well liked
- Wi-Fi was rated as excellent by guests online
Cons
- Valet parking is $30 per day or $45 for overnight
- A few guests complained that there was no lobby seating
Editor's Picks
Book from ~C$397
Luxury hotel in Toronto's Yorkville district with elegant rooms, day spa and fine dining
This refined 5-star luxury hotel is a 12-minute drive or 21-minute transit ride to TIFF.
Pros
- Free amenities: Wi-Fi, shoe shine, newspapers
- Rooms were beautifully designed and well appointed
- Location excellent for shopping, dining and near public transit
- Staff gave excellent service
- Dining on site was highly praised by guests
- Many guests enjoyed spa services on site
- Wi-Fi was rated excellent
Cons
- Valet-only parking is $50 for overnight including tax
- Some felt spa, parking or room rates were expensive
- Some complained of hearing loud music
5 Other Hotels Close to Toronto Film Festival
Editor's Picks
Book from ~C$426 
Luxury downtown Toronto hotel highly praised for its amenities, fine dining and service
Location
Located on the edge of Toronto's Entertainment District, the Shangri-La is one of TIFF's hospitality partners and is about a 2-minute drive or 8-minute walk from the Bell Lightbox.
Pros
- Free Wi-Fi
- Numerous guests were pleased with the hotel's downtown locale
- The hotel's rooms were deemed luxurious and spacious by many reviewers
- Several guests complimented the staff's friendly and attentive service
Cons
- A few guests were disappointed with the price and portion size at the hotel's restaurant
- Parking is valet only for $48 per night
Editor's Picks
Book from ~C$86
Historic luxury landmark hotel in downtown Toronto with indoor pool, day spa and fine dining
Location
In a heritage building, and one of the classic hotels of the city, the Royal York, a hospitality partner of TIFF, is about a 3-minute drive from the Bell Lightbox, or a 17-minute walk.
Pros
- Free amenities: Wi-Fi is included for President’s Club members and Gold Floor rooms and available for free in the lobby
- Rooms were clean, updated and had comfy beds and nice decor
- Location was well liked, close to Union Station, Air Canada Centre, the PATH
- Staff were attentive and friendly
- Guests enjoyed delicious meals and breakfast buffets on site
- Guests praised the elegant interiors and public spaces of the hotel
Cons
- Wi-Fi is $15.76 or $27.06 per 24 hours for non Club members
- Valet parking is $53 per night
- Some complained of small rooms with little closet space
- Noise from hallways and other rooms an issue for some
- A few guests found the hotel pricey
Editor's Picks
Book from ~C$304
Highly praised luxury hotel in downtown Toronto with infinity pool, spa and fine dining
Location
One of TIFF's hospitality partners, the swanky Trump International Hotel is located in the Financial District of downtown Toronto, and is reachable on foot in 12 minutes or by car in 3 minutes from the Bell Lightbox.
Pros
- Free Wi-Fi and free pet stays
- Many guests described their rooms and the hotel in general and classy and luxurious
- Many reviewers found their rooms well-equipped with high-end amenities
- Several guests found their beds comfortable
- Several reviewers found the location convenient for exploring the city on foot
- Many guests felt they received outstanding service at this hotel
- Many guests were very pleased with the hotel's fine dining
Cons
- A few guests thought that the room and food prices were expensive
- Valet parking is $50 per night
Editor's Picks
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Popular Toronto-Yorkville luxury hotel with rooftop lounge, restaurant and spa
Location
Located just off Bloor Street, the Park Hyatt, in the Yorkville district can be reached in 7 minutes by car from the Bell Lightbox.
Pros
- Free Wi-Fi and free area shuttle
- Several guests liked the hotel's restaurant and/or rooftop lounge
- Numerous guests felt that the staff provided exceptional service
- Many guests enjoy the location close to high-end shopping and restaurants
Cons
- Parking is valet only and costs $47 per night
- Some rooms are dated, according to guests
Editor's Picks
Book from ~C$157 
Highly praised and hip Toronto-Queen West boutique hotel with live entertainment and dining
Location
The 3 star, hip and arty Drake Hotel is one of TIFF's hospitality partners. It's located in the art and design district of West Queen West, dubbed "Toronto's coolest neighbourhood", in a building that's been a hotel since 1890.The Bell Lightbox is an approximate 8-minute drive from the hotel.
Getting Around: Public Transit
The #501 Queen Streetcar can be caught right outside of the hotel, and includes a 5-minute walk to King Street from the stop at John Street. Total travel time is approximately 16 minutes.
Location
This impressive, high-design 5 star hotel in the Yorkville district of Toronto, opened its doors to the public in October 2012, and is about a 9-minute drive to the Bell Lightbox.
Pros
- Free Wi-Fi
- Many guests described this hotel as charming and stylish
- The food at the on-site restaurants was frequently praised
- The staff were frequently complimented for their attentive service
- Many reviewers thought that their rooms were well-appointed and comfortable
- A few guests enjoyed the vibrant neighbourhood immediately surrounding the property
Cons
- On-site parking is $25 per night by reservation only. There is also a Green P lot across the street.
- Several guests were disturbed by noise and partiers into the wee hours
- A couple of reviewers thought that the design of the in-room showers lacked privacy
Tips For Staying Near Toronto Film Festival
Location
The Toronto International Film Festival (aka TIFF) is held every September for 11 days in downtown Toronto. It is one of the most prestigious film festivals in the world and draws thousands of celebrities, film makers and cinephiles to the city for worldwide movie premieres.
The Bell Lightbox at King and John Streets is TIFF's headquarters. With a 3-storey atrium, gift shop, two restaurants, a lounge, a rooftop terrace, three exhibition galleries, five theatres and the Malaparte event space on the 6th floor, it provides activities for movie enthusiasts year-round.
Getting Around
In the heart of downtown Toronto, the Bell Lightbox is perfectly situated for those looking to explore Toronto's downtown area on foot and take up guest status in one of its many hotels.
Public transit and taxis are two highly recommended means of getting around the downtown area.
Driving your own car can be time consuming due to high volumes of traffic (especially during rush hour) and parking is expensive in the downtown core, with free spaces sometimes difficult to find.
The Gardiner Expressway, serving east-west traffic across the city, can be reached in 3 minutes, while the Don Valley Expressway is an 8-minute drive away. The 401 is about a 20-minute drive away from the Lightbox and the Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) is approximately a 25-minute drive, depending on traffic.
Getting Around: Public Transit
Public transit, which includes light rail, buses and subway, is operated by the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) throughout the greater Toronto area or GTA.
The closest subway station to the Bell Lightbox is St. Andrew Station (located at King and University), which can be reached on foot in 3 minutes. Also, the King streetcar (light rail) can be caught immediately outside of the Lightbox.
Parking
The closest parking lot to the TIFF Bell Lightbox is on Widmer Street, operated by Target Parking. Rates start at $12 per day, and there are a number of car-cleaning options available for an extra fee while you are parked. Visit their website for more information.
Dining
On-site dining at the Bell Lightbox includes Luma, an Oliver & Bonacini restaurant and lounge with an upscale atmosphere and menu, which is open for lunch Monday to Friday, and dinner from Monday through to Saturday. Also located on site, the O & B Canteen is a casual market cafe and bakery with seasonal patio, and is open daily for dine-in or take-out.
During the festival, certain restaurants, bars and nightclubs are well known for welcoming celebrities. So if star-gazing is your thing, a number of restaurants in the Entertainment District, as well as in Yorkville, are known for hosting celebs.
Entertainment
Ranging from art house films to international cinematic debuts, the films on offer at TIFF are constantly changing and the schedule has offerings year-round at the Bell Lightbox. For information on film screenings, workshops and filmmaker talks, visit their website.
During the festival, a list and map of all the participating theatres and film screenings, as well as suggested restaurants and hotels, is released well in advance as tickets are pre-purchased and plans are made to attend as many films as possible.
Other Tips
It's advisable to book your hotel room well in advance of TIFF, as prices will go up as the demand for hotel rooms in the city increases just before the festival. Remember it usually starts the first Thursday in September, just after the (Canadian) Labour Day long weekend, and continues for 11 days thereafter.
Or, consider these other hotels...
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