What’s the best neighbourhood for travellers to stay in Toronto? That really depends on you and what kind of trip you are taking. But I’ve lived here a long time, explored pretty much every neighbourhood, and stayed/worked/eaten at many of the best-known hotels. And I truly enjoy sharing what I know with visitors, so think I can help.
In this post, I’ll describe the major neighbourhoods that are worth staying in Toronto —whether you want the full-on tourist attraction holiday, or a chiller local experience. I’ll give my recommendations for the most unique and best-quality hotels, from 5-star luxury to budget-friendly local gems. And drop a few of my local tips.
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Best Neighbourhood to Stay in Toronto for First-Timers: Downtown
Toronto’s downtown is vibrant, busy, and packed with things to do. If it’s your first time in the city and want to see the most famous attractions, or if you only have a day or two and want to maximize your fun time while minimizing your time in traffic, choose a hotel right in the core.
Where: South of Dundas Street West to the Harbour/Lake, between Yonge Street to the East and Spadina to the West.
What’s here: Almost everything on the tourist’s Top 10: CN Tower, Scotiabank Arena, Ripley’s Aquarium, Eaton Center, Harbourfront, Rogers Centre, ferries to Toronto Island, etc.
Vibes: A bustling business district where people rush to and fro, large, busy restaurants (from pubs to fine dining), chic rooftop bars, world-class theatre and cinema, lots of international tourists.
Getting Around: Public transportation options are plentiful. Traffic can be a nightmare (especially around concerts or sporting events.) City Bikes are a great way to explore the waterfront bike trail. Or take a hop-on-hop-off bus tour to show you all around.
My Picks for Best Hotels in Downtown Toronto
Fairmont Royal York
- Historic Landmark Hotel
- Steps from Union Station
- Fine Dining and Drinks
This is the kind of classic fancy hotel of the movies, and your dreams. Toronto’s Grand Dame of Hotels opened in 1929 and it’s been hosting VIPs and special occasions ever since. Classic rooms are small; “legacy” suites are extravagant. Drinks at the Library or Clockwork bars are top-notch. And the location cannot be beat: right across the street from Union Station, where you can grab the Go Train, Via Rail or UP Express to Pearson Airport with ease. Flying to Billy Bishop Island Airport? There’s a free shuttle bus to the Royal York. 100 Front Street W at York Street.
Tip: Train travellers can hire a VIA Rail “Red Cap” porter to bring your luggage to the Royal York check-in.
➡️ Check availability at Royal York
Marriott City Centre Hotel
- For the Sports Fan
- Located inside Rogers Centre
- Views of the Baseball Field
The only hotel in North America located inside a MBL stadium, this family-friendly Marriott offers rooms with huge windows facing the playing field, and some with a full-on baseball-theme décor. Or book a table at Sportsnet Grill, which has panoramic views of play, too. Prices jump on Blue Jays game days, obviously. One Blue Jays Way Rogers Centre, south of Front Street West.
Tip: Sometimes offers Free Parking, a real value in Toronto. Check the hotel’s promos.
➡️ Check availability at Marriott City Centre
Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel
- Views of Nathan Phillip’s Square
- Recently Reno’ed
- Superior swimming pools
The location steps from City Hall (aka Nathan Phillips Square) and the Eaton Centre make it a top choice for first-timers to Toronto. It’s a tall hotel: book a room on the North side for excellent views of the Toronto Sign, ice skating rink winter, festivals on most weekends in summer, and sometimes fireworks. (You’re also steps from food trucks selling poutine and hot dogs.) The heated indoor-outdoor pool is a gem. 123 Queen St W at Bay Street.
Tip: You can add on guaranteed early-check in or check out (as late as 4pm) for a fee.
➡️ Check availability at Sheraton Centre
Ritz-Carlton
- World-Class Luxury
- Steps to Theatre District
- Superior Spa on Site
The most impeccably dressed couple I ever saw in Toronto were stepping out of the Ritz-Carlton lobby and into the most expensive sports car I’ve ever seen in Toronto. But don’t be intimidated — the A+ staff treat every guest like someone special. Steps from Roy Thompson Hall (Toronto Symphony), King Street West theatre and club district, and the TIFF Lightbox cinema, if you can afford it this is a no-brainer stay for a weekend of art and culture in a gorgeous, contemporary environment. The bar is outstanding. High tea is served. 181 Wellington St W at John Street
Tip: Some rooms have outdoor terraces and views of Lake Ontario.
➡️ Check availability at Ritz Carlton
Le Germain Hotel Maple Leaf Square
- Canadian-owned
- Chic design
- Steps from Scotiabank Arena
Coming to Toronto for a concert or game at Scotiabank Arena? This smart, upscale hotel is just a one-minute walk from the gate. It’s the rooms that are the real attraction though —contemporary design, space to breathe (or sit and read), and some suites with balcony/terraces, separate powder rooms, or other premium features. 75 Bremner Blvd at York Street
➡️ Check availability at Le Germain
Cambridge Suites
- Good for Groups
- Kitchenettes in Suites
- Budget-friendly Rates
There aren’t many true budget hotel options in downtown Toronto anymore (that aren’t dumps) butthis place offers a good value for its central location near the Eaton Centre, Massey Hall, and St. Lawrence Market and larger suites good for girlfriends travelling together. If you don’t need boutique décor or a fancy bar, but you could use a room with separate bedrooms, sofa beds, kitchenettes and microwaves, this is a solid choice. 15 Richmond St E at Yonge Street
Tip: There’s a DIY laundry room on site
➡️ Check availability at Cambridge Suites
Pod-Inn
- Great for solo travellers
- Minimal but modern
- Shared Bathrooms
Toronto’s only “pod hotel” has taken the place of old-school hostels, offering budget accommodations with free breakfast for solo travellers or couples who don’t mind sharing a bathroom. Each pod has a small lockable closet, smart TV, charging ports, and individually lighting. Upgrade to a “pod room” with desk and chair. All have access to community lounge, kitchen and dining area, and complimentary tea/coffee. 237 Simcoe Street between Dundas and Queen streets.
➡️ Check availability at Pod-Inn
Best Neighbourhood for Designer Shopping: Yorkville
Toronto’s most upscale shops are clustered around Bloor Street and Yorkville Avenue, where you’ll also find the city’s toniest hotel chains. If you’re coming to indulge in some shop-til-you-drop and would like your concierge to treat you like a rock star, make this neighbourhood your home base. Especially pretty in winter when holiday lights and ice sculpture festivals are on.
Where: The area around Bloor Street west between Church Streets and University Avenue, notably Cumberland and Yorkville Streets.
What’s here: Designer fashion (Chanel, Hermes, etc.), Michelin star restaurants, The Royal Ontario Museum, the Bata Shoe Museum, a huge Eataly, independent art galleries, Whole Foods, visiting celebrities.
Vibes: Expensive.
Getting Around: At Bloor and Yonge, you’re right at the intersection of Toronto’s two subway lines. But most people spending to stay here are calling a car.
My Picks for Best Hotels in Yorkville
W Toronto
- Chic, fun design
- Local art on display
- A place to meet people
Toronto’s W hotel has the upscale chain’s cool, creative trademarks, with a lively bar scene (including a rooftop patio), local artwork in the common areas, and rooms with luxe design details. I feel like this is the ultimate hotel for getting ready with your girl gang for a wild night out. 90 Bloor St E, between Yonge and Church streets.
Tip: I once saw a champagne vending machine in the lobby, for your 24/7 party needs.
➡️ Check availability at W Toronto
Park Hyatt
- Heart of Yorkville
- Amazing rooftop bar
- Superior spa on site
My favourite view of Toronto is from the Writer’s Room, a bar on the 17th floor of the Park Hyatt. The patio has a panorama that’s perfect when the sun goes down and the office towers light up, and they serve delicious cocktails inspired by famed Canadian authors. Rooms and suites are elegant and the on-site Stillwater spa gets great reviews. A place for discrete, understated luxury. 4 Avenue Rd at Bloor Street West
➡️ Check availability at Park Hyatt
The Windsor Arms
- Small luxury hotel
- Opulent Design
- Spa on-site
One of those if-you-know-you-know hotels — small, elegant, discrete. Just 28 rooms, all of them opulent, some with soaker tubs, and one with a harp. (For real.) Live music in the Gatsby Bar on Friday nights, Afternoon Tea on the terrace, and spa services whenever you need them. A beautiful place for a special occasion trip. 18 Saint Thomas St., near Bay and Bloor Streets.
➡️ Check availability at Windsor Arms
The Yorkville Royal Sonesta
- Good for solo women
- Indoor rooftop pool
- Budget friendly-ish
When you’ve had a long day (whether of business or pleasure) and you need a great rest, the Royal Sonesta has rooms with superior comfort without distractions. The clientele is professional, service is quietly efficient, and the pool and gym facilities excellent. Can often be more affordable than nearby hotels. 220 Bloor St W at Bedford Rd.
➡️ Check availability at Yorkville Royal Sonesta
The Anndore House
- Intimate boutique hotel
- LGBTQ-friendly
- Hosts wellness events
If you prefer a more intimate hotel, the Anndore House is in 10-story brick building between Yorkville and Church and Wellesley (Toronto’s original Gay Village). They offer vinyl record players on request, have a hip barber shop on site, and often host wellness events like full moon south baths. Bathrooms have a retro vibe; rooms are modern and cozy. 15 Charles Street East, just south of Bloor
➡️ Check availability at Anndore House
Best Neighbourhood for Alternative Culture: Queen West
Queen West is my personal stomping grounds, and despite changing from its true independent era still has more of an edge than most neighbourhoods in Toronto, with good places for live music, cheap eats, vintage shopping, etc. Major chains like Zara and H&M recently closed up and it does feel like a new era is coming., Not as many hotels around here but here are a few picks where artists and weirdos will feel more at home.
Where: Queen Street, west of University Avenue, stretching quite far to Trinity Bellwoods-Park. Queen and Spadina is the heart.
What’s here: Clothes shopping — Doc Martens, Aritzia, Urban Outfitters, etc.; some vintage shops, Grafitti Alley street art, record stores, Horseshoe Tavern, Rex Jazz Bar. Art Gallery of Ontario and Kensington Market close by.
Vibes: Youthful, casual, creative, and a bit scrappy. Teens from the suburbs still come down here on weekend to walk around in their new outfits. Drink aficionados still pack BarChef for the world’s most inventive cocktails. Some of the King Street club scene has migrated up here but it’s just as vibrant during the day as night.
Getting Around: The 501 streetcar runs up and down Queen Street 24 hours a day.
My Picks for Best Hotels near Queen Street West
Ace Hotel
- Boutique hotel
- Good for solo travellers
- Hopping rooftop lounge
A proper boutique hotel, tucked away just south of Queen Street across from a small park and near the excellent Waterworks Food Hall. Really, it’s own cool ecosystem, from the lobby bar where creatives meet and work during the day to Evangeline, an indoor/outdoor lounge where local DJs host fun, welcoming happenings every weekend. Pet friendly policies, and a “small” size room that’s priced less than average — good for solo travellers. 51 Camden St, near Adelaide and Brant.
➡️ Check availability at Ace Hotel
Hotel Ocho
- Historic building
- Central Location
- Budget-friendly
A bit of a local secret, steps from Queen and Spadina on the edge of Chinatown, Hotel Ocho is an intimate boutique hotel with comfortable rooms at a good price. The event space is popular for weddings and parties. 195 Spadina Ave at Queen
➡️ Check availability at Hotel Ocho
1 Hotel
- Luxury hotel
- Sustainability focused
- Gorgeous lobby bar
If you’re going to splurge on a hotel in Toronto, get some good karma for choosing the most eco-friendly one. This luxury hotel, walking distance from Queen and Bathurst, has gorgeous design using warm, reclaimed wood. A real commitment to sustainability, from an electric vehicle service, bikes for loan, no single use plastic water bottles in rooms and a zero-waste restaurant. Rooms have all modern conveniences and the Flora Lounge is one of the most beautiful bars in the area. 550 Wellington St W at Bathurst
➡️ Check availability at 1 Hotel
Gladstone House
- Historic Building
- Local Art on Display
- Hosts karaoke nights
This historic building (built 1889) and former rooming house turned small boutique hotel is a local institution. If you want to get far away from downtown and into the heart of a creative community, come here, to the far end of West Queen West on the edge of Parkdale. Small rooms have exposed brick walls, modern, minimalist design, and local art (painting, photography, ceramics, etc.) Cassette Bar hosts trivia nights and karaoke. 1214 Queen St W at Gladstone
Tip: Take a ride in the historic elevator – one of the oldest self-operated elevators in Canada
➡️ Check availability at Gladstone House
Best Local Neighbourhood Hotels
If you prefer to spend your time away from tourist attractions and large hotel chains, you don’t need to book an AirBnb. There are some real hotel gems in cool neighbourhoods where you can just chill at the local bar, check out independent boutiques and smaller art galleries or museums and see a different side of Toronto. A few for your consideration.
Broadview Hotel (Riverside)
- Historic Boutique Hotel
- Close to Distillery District
- Rooftop bar with views
East of the Don River, you’ll find Riverside, a quiet residential neighbourhood TV fans might know as the shooting location of Degrassi. (There’s a Degrassi Street here.) There are local craft breweries, delicious bakeries and brunch spots, and it’s not far to the Distillery District. The Broadview Hotel was in 1891 and has a storied history, from high society hangout to strip club. Today, it’s an art and design focused boutique hotel with 57 rooms and a rooftop bar offering stellar views of the Toronto skyline. 106 Broadview Ave at Queen East
➡️ Check availability at Broadview Hotel
Ode Toronto (Little Portugal)
- Black-owned business
- Artist-designed rooms
- Budget-friendly
The folks at Ode hotel describe this neighbourhood very well: Portuguese bakeries, hole in the wall galleries, thrift shops and restaurants “whose cuisine can only be described as unruly.”One of the hippest areas of Toronto, Little Portugal is full of life and nightlife, close to the hopping Ossington Avenue and Trinity Bellwoods-Park. Ode is a small, independent hotel with 10 room, each with their own theme and colour palette. Prices are very reasonable. 1417 Dundas St W at Gladstone
Tip: Each summer, Du West festival turns this neighbourhood into a full-on street party.\
➡️ Check availability at Ode Toronto
The Old Mill (Humber River)
- Old-world charm
- Close to nature
- Spa on site
If you want to feel like you’re not in the biggest city in Canada, this quiet hotel near the Humber River is great for hiking or bike riding. It’s also close to High Park and the shops of Bloor West Village. The Old Mill hotel has an old-school European vibe and vintage b&b aesthetics in its large rooms with big wooden beds. The spa is popular with mother-daughter duos and couples. 9 Old Mill Rd, Etobicoke
Tip: Salmon spawn on the Humber River in fall and it’s lovely to go watch them jump up the Old Mill damn.
➡️ Check availability at The Old Mill
Need more Toronto travel inspiration? Read my picks for the Best Hotel Pools in Toronto
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