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Hotel Tips for Toronto etc....

MrMerkinballMrMerkinball Posts: 1,978
edited August 2011 in The Porch
Hey there,

I manage a hotel downtown Toronto, and on many occasions, have helped board members in the past with cheap rates, upgraded rooms etc.

This year, I will have a much harder time helping out. The film festival is a crazy time for our city. It's part of my job to ensure there are no discounts during this time (so I can't very well turn around and give discounts to my friends - as much as I would want to).

So I will offer you all a few insider tips, so that you can enjoy our city and the shows without breaking the bank.

1. Book now. A standard philosphy is to build a base of business, and once hotels reach a certain threshold, rates will jump by 20-50%. Rates for film fest are going to jump soon. Hotels typically look 90 days out, and that timeframe is coming up quick. My hotel is selling at $209 now for Sept 11-12, but a month from now, we will be up to $240, and eventually into the 300's.

Also - as hotel managers - we keep our eyes on dates where there are a spike in bookings or inquiries. The more people price shop these dates - the quicker the rates go up.

2. Don't count on priceline or hotwire. Those options will not be there for these dates......at least not for long

3. The longer you stay, the cheaper the rate. a 3 or 4 night stay is gold to a downtown hotel. Discounts are offered for longer stays

4. Join a frequent stay program (Starwood/Delta Privilege etc) before arriving. This will get you free phone calls, internet, and maybe breakfast - depending on the program.

If you would like advice about any hotels dowtown (price/value/reputation/location etc) post here and I will let you know. I am not going to steer you towards my hotel - that's not cool (plus we will be full anyway).

For those whom end up at my hotel - I will do my best to upgrade if possible.

Don't want to post the name of my hotel as I don't want to come accross as advertising for business. I just want to help as many of you as possible.

Cheers

Jon
Post edited by Unknown User on
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    sparky_frysparky_fry Posts: 760
    thanks for the advice. I booked yesterday at: EconoLodge Downtown Toronto on jarvis. it was 276 for 2 nights with taxes/fees included. It was one of the cheapest i could find and its in walking distance to the acc. I'm afraid to hear what you have to say about this place :lol:
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    LeafsJaysCubsRaptorsFanLeafsJaysCubsRaptorsFan Posts: 3,412
    sparky_fry wrote:
    thanks for the advice. I booked yesterday at: EconoLodge Downtown Toronto on jarvis. it was 276 for 2 nights with taxes/fees included. It was one of the cheapest i could find and its in walking distance to the acc. I'm afraid to hear what you have to say about this place :lol:

    Are you sure it is walking distance? I don't think it is.
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    MrMerkinballMrMerkinball Posts: 1,978
    Econolodge is a 15-20 min walk. it's do-able
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    LeafsJaysCubsRaptorsFanLeafsJaysCubsRaptorsFan Posts: 3,412
    MrMerkinball wrote:
    Econolodge is a 15-20 min walk. it's do-able

    Yeah map makes it look worse. Lol
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    sparky_frysparky_fry Posts: 760
    edited May 2011
    dmbpjfan4ever wrote:
    sparky_fry wrote:
    thanks for the advice. I booked yesterday at: EconoLodge Downtown Toronto on jarvis. it was 276 for 2 nights with taxes/fees included. It was one of the cheapest i could find and its in walking distance to the acc. I'm afraid to hear what you have to say about this place :lol:

    Are you sure it is walking distance? I don't think it is.

    well google maps says 2.3 kms, 30 mins walking. they usually overestimate walking times too. I've walked from further to the ACC. address is 335 jarvis in case anyone else is wondering
    Post edited by sparky_fry on
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    grjammergrjammer Posts: 385
    Thanks for the info! I'm thinking about booking at the Novotel...it looks relatively close and the rate is not bad right now...
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    xavier mcdanielxavier mcdaniel Somewhere in NYC Posts: 9,083
    I was going to hold on booking until I actually got tickets. Do you think since those went on sale next Tuesday the 24th, booking either later that day or the following day would be a problem?
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    PillowPantsPillowPants Posts: 4,873
    i booked today at the

    Isabella hotel - $202.92

    and the The Westin Harbour Castle, Toronto - $562
    trying to get a best rate price match on this one


    thoughts on these?
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    PillowPantsPillowPants Posts: 4,873
    xavier mcdaniel wrote:
    I was going to hold on booking until I actually got tickets. Do you think since those went on sale next Tuesday the 24th, booking either later that day or the following day would be a problem?


    book a refundable now?
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    sparky_frysparky_fry Posts: 760
    xavier mcdaniel wrote:
    I was going to hold on booking until I actually got tickets. Do you think since those went on sale next Tuesday the 24th, booking either later that day or the following day would be a problem?

    thats what i thought too but theres no cancellation fee when i booked mine so its worth the chance either way
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    grjammergrjammer Posts: 385
    PillowPants wrote:
    i booked today at the

    Isabella hotel - $202.92

    and the The Westin Harbour Castle, Toronto - $562
    trying to get a best rate price match on this one


    thoughts on these?

    I stayed there for the 09 show at the Molson Amp. It is a really nice hotel. I remember the valet parking being a little steep but it was convenient. As I recall, it is basically across the street from the ACC.
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    LeafsJaysCubsRaptorsFanLeafsJaysCubsRaptorsFan Posts: 3,412
    grjammer wrote:
    PillowPants wrote:
    i booked today at the

    Isabella hotel - $202.92

    and the The Westin Harbour Castle, Toronto - $562
    trying to get a best rate price match on this one


    thoughts on these?

    I stayed there for the 09 show at the Molson Amp. It is a really nice hotel. I remember the valet parking being a little steep but it was convenient. As I recall, it is basically across the street from the ACC.

    Yes Weston harbor is basically across the street
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    BLACK35BLACK35 Hanover, Ontario Posts: 22,481
    Is the International or Incontinental Convention centre right there also, close to ACC i mean? I think its around $200 a night, pretty good i figure for downtown and the short walk
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    whitepantswhitepants Posts: 723
    Trust me, with TIFF in town during the same time, if you even *think* you want to go to the Toronto shows, you better book the hotel first, then procure tickets later. Hotel prices are higher during TIFF time anyway.
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    LeafsJaysCubsRaptorsFanLeafsJaysCubsRaptorsFan Posts: 3,412
    BLACK35 wrote:
    Is the International or Incontinental Convention centre right there also, close to ACC i mean? I think its around $200 a night, pretty good i figure for downtown and the short walk

    Yes. Intercontinental hotel is right next to the metro Toronto convention centre. You can take the path and just walk inside to the acc
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    mjbmjb Posts: 1,314
    there is a new Le Germain hotel located right in Maple Leaf Square which is a new development that is pretty much connected to the ACC. It would be my bet if money was no option, of course with TIFF in town, dates seem to be blocked out. People may have to think outside the downtown core for these shows.
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    VartVart Posts: 291
    I just booked the Novotel. It was $521 USD for three nights. I checked around and this seemed like the best deal for a hotel that isn't a complete dump. I really wanted to stay at the Westin Harbor again(got the $55 priceline deal last time), but it was over $700 for three nights.
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    MrMerkinballMrMerkinball Posts: 1,978
    BLACK35 wrote:
    Is the International or Incontinental Convention centre right there also, close to ACC i mean? I think its around $200 a night, pretty good i figure for downtown and the short walk
    Intercon is a perfect location...200 is a good deal for that one during TIFF.
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    MrMerkinballMrMerkinball Posts: 1,978
    Vart wrote:
    I just booked the Novotel. It was $521 USD for three nights. I checked around and this seemed like the best deal for a hotel that isn't a complete dump. I really wanted to stay at the Westin Harbor again(got the $55 priceline deal last time), but it was over $700 for three nights.
    Novotel is close. 521 for 3 nights is reasonable. You are super close to the Biergarden (great option for a pre party I would say....)
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    VartVart Posts: 291
    I'm going to try to get a AAA discount when I check in. I didn't know what the code was on the website, and the girl I spoke to on the phone wasn't very helpful.

    Do you mean the Bier Markt? After looking at their website, I t looks like I will be spending quite a bit of time there over the three days. :D
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    keeponrockinkeeponrockin Posts: 7,446
    MrMerkinball is a great guy!

    That is all.
    Believe me, when I was growin up, I thought the worst thing you could turn out to be was normal, So I say freaks in the most complementary way. Here's a song by a fellow freak - E.V
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    MrMerkinballMrMerkinball Posts: 1,978
    Vart wrote:
    I'm going to try to get a AAA discount when I check in. I didn't know what the code was on the website, and the girl I spoke to on the phone wasn't very helpful.

    Do you mean the Bier Markt? After looking at their website, I t looks like I will be spending quite a bit of time there over the three days. :D
    Yep - that's the one. Kick ass place. Especiialy on a Saturday night.

    Also - I highly recommend Real Sports Bar (attached to the ACC). BEST. PLACE. EVER!!!!
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    MrMerkinballMrMerkinball Posts: 1,978
    keeponrockin wrote:
    MrMerkinball is a great guy!

    That is all.
    :oops:
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    PillowPantsPillowPants Posts: 4,873
    Vart wrote:
    I just booked the Novotel. It was $521 USD for three nights. I checked around and this seemed like the best deal for a hotel that isn't a complete dump. I really wanted to stay at the Westin Harbor again(got the $55 priceline deal last time), but it was over $700 for three nights.

    i booked the The Westin Harbour Castle through their site for like 215 a night

    then submitted a best rate guarantee thingy

    i ended up with the hotel for $137.34CAD a night


    you always have to look for other websites with cheaper deals!!
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    keeponrockinkeeponrockin Posts: 7,446
    MrMerkinball wrote:
    keeponrockin wrote:
    MrMerkinball is a great guy!

    That is all.
    :oops:
    You hooked us up with a deal last time, and we had a nice chat at the preparty haha.
    Believe me, when I was growin up, I thought the worst thing you could turn out to be was normal, So I say freaks in the most complementary way. Here's a song by a fellow freak - E.V
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    mikesbrimikesbri Toronto Posts: 854
    just a suggestion but the subway goes right into the ACC so something close to a subway will also be a good idea. Might save a few bucks by not staying right in walking distance of ACC.

    You can even use hotwire or priceline as an option. Usually get good deals on hotels if you book months in advance.
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    IndifferenceIndifference Posts: 2,648
    I booked the Sheraton over the Westin as seemed more central downtown and still walkable to the show......

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    pjhawkspjhawks Posts: 12,213
    what's driving into toronto and the ACC like? if problems getting a hotel room in Toronto would being in Niagra Falls be too much of a pain to drive in and out of that weekend?
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    MrMerkinballMrMerkinball Posts: 1,978
    keeponrockin wrote:
    MrMerkinball wrote:
    keeponrockin wrote:
    MrMerkinball is a great guy!

    That is all.
    :oops:
    You hooked us up with a deal last time, and we had a nice chat at the preparty haha.
    I remember. The preparty in '09 was pretty damn good.
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    MrMerkinballMrMerkinball Posts: 1,978
    pjhawks wrote:
    what's driving into toronto and the ACC like? if problems getting a hotel room in Toronto would being in Niagra Falls be too much of a pain to drive in and out of that weekend?
    Niagara Falls a long drive 1.5-2 hours or so. Driving in Toronto is tough at times. The Sep 11 show should be fine as it is on Sunday. Heavy traffic on Monday's show
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