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The “New York City of Canada” may feel tame on the surface – perhaps because, unlike most major metropolises, it’s actually clean – but beneath the polite, shiny veneer, an artistic energy percolates. Toronto owes much of its richness in art, dining, and shopping to its international residents (around 50 percent of Torontonians are immigrants). Still unsure of its place on the world stage, the city nonetheless holds its own as a cultural capital.
For the happening art and theater scene (not to mention the famous September film festival), the food, and the cultural diversity . . . Canadian-style.
Like most major cities, bold-faced properties – the Four Seasons, the Marriott, the Westin – are well-represented in Toronto. Unless you’re looking for universal business-travel standards, however, opt for one of the city’s smaller properties for a more intimate “Torontonian” experience. High-end accommodations go for upwards of $350 nightly. Budget rooms can be had for under $250 a night. Falling somewhere in between those two extremes, moderate properties – typically those of the standard business-chain variety – offer guests expected comforts at reasonable rates.
Pantages
Four-star service at the Pantages is delivered with a funky designer twist (think sequenced theatrical lighting in shades of...
Windsor Arms Hotel
The 28-room Windsor Arms pampers guests (which have included icons like George Clooney) with state-of-the-art entertainment...
The Drake
The Drake is like the Gladstone’s older, more refined cousin – with Queen-sized beds, vintage furniture, and...
The Gladstone Hotel
A different artist masterminded each of the Gladstone’s 37 rooms, which explains the contrast between the white-on-white...
The Sutton Place Hotel
The centrally located, 311-room Sutton is a must for elegant, affordable class. Public spaces and suites are furnished with...
Westin Harbour Castle
The Westin’s 977 comfortable, clean-lined, earth-toned rooms offer lake views and access to tennis courts and an indoor...
Pantages
Four-star service at the Pantages is delivered with a funky designer twist (think sequenced theatrical lighting in shades of...
Windsor Arms Hotel
The 28-room Windsor Arms pampers guests (which have included icons like George Clooney) with state-of-the-art entertainment...
Pantages
Four-star service at the Pantages is delivered with a funky designer twist (think sequenced theatrical lighting in shades of...
The Drake
The Drake is like the Gladstone’s older, more refined cousin – with Queen-sized beds, vintage furniture, and...
The Gladstone Hotel
A different artist masterminded each of the Gladstone’s 37 rooms, which explains the contrast between the white-on-white...
The Drake
The Drake is like the Gladstone’s older, more refined cousin – with Queen-sized beds, vintage furniture, and...
The Gladstone Hotel
A different artist masterminded each of the Gladstone’s 37 rooms, which explains the contrast between the white-on-white...
The Sutton Place Hotel
The centrally located, 311-room Sutton is a must for elegant, affordable class. Public spaces and suites are furnished with...
Westin Harbour Castle
The Westin’s 977 comfortable, clean-lined, earth-toned rooms offer lake views and access to tennis courts and an indoor...
Toronto’s diversity manifests itself most dramatically through the city’s cuisine. Nouveau, international fare and diner staples are just as easy to come by as dim sum, sushi, or Italian plates – and specialty grocery stores can be found catering to all cultures, from Korean to Indian.
Bright Pearl Seafood Restaurant
Crowds squeeze into the Bright Pearl’s festive Chinatown dining room for dim sum favorites like shrimp dumplings, BBQ...
Little Tibet
Get your Tibetan fix at this cozy hole-in-the-wall eatery serving a number of lip-smacking dishes like tender pork ribs and...
P.A.T. Market
Looking for snacks on the go? Stop at this Korean grocery store for offbeat fillers like red bean ice cream, sushi wraps, and...
Shanghai Cowgirl
Shanghai Cowgirl’s fare may be simple (think philly cheesesteak, burgers, and Chinese noodles), but it’s solid....
Eight Wine Bar
In February 2008, the fashionable Cosmopolitan Hotel opened its richly hued, well-endowed wine bar to the public. Savor the...
Susur
Internationally acclaimed chef Susur Lee’s eponymous restaurant lives up to the high standards he sets for himself....
Il Gatto Nero
This friendly, all-purpose Italian bistro in the heart of Little Italy woos kids and parents alike with pizzas, paninis, and...
Bright Pearl Seafood Restaurant
Crowds squeeze into the Bright Pearl’s festive Chinatown dining room for dim sum favorites like shrimp dumplings, BBQ...
Little Tibet
Get your Tibetan fix at this cozy hole-in-the-wall eatery serving a number of lip-smacking dishes like tender pork ribs and...
P.A.T. Market
Looking for snacks on the go? Stop at this Korean grocery store for offbeat fillers like red bean ice cream, sushi wraps, and...
Shanghai Cowgirl
Shanghai Cowgirl’s fare may be simple (think philly cheesesteak, burgers, and Chinese noodles), but it’s solid....
Eight Wine Bar
In February 2008, the fashionable Cosmopolitan Hotel opened its richly hued, well-endowed wine bar to the public. Savor the...
Susur
Internationally acclaimed chef Susur Lee’s eponymous restaurant lives up to the high standards he sets for himself....
Il Gatto Nero
This friendly, all-purpose Italian bistro in the heart of Little Italy woos kids and parents alike with pizzas, paninis, and...