Where To Stay In Toronto Canada For A Local Experience

Canada’s largest city and the capital of Ontario, Toronto has so much to offer that it deserves a second visit. A cosmopolitan melting pot, the city’s dining, arts and culture scenes are a rich and spicy ragout peppered with international influences. With dozens of neighborhoods, such as Queen Street West, Harbourfront and the Distillery Historic District, to explore, you’ll want to return often. The city is also home to some top-rated hotels offering an authentic Toronto experience. Here’s where to stay in Toronto to experience the city like a local, bookable with Culture Trip.

1. Canada Suites – 832 Bay Street

Apartment

A bright and modern double room with a private balcony and stunning city views at Canada Suites – 832 Bay St.

Close to Queen’s Park, the University of Toronto and Ryerson University, Canada Suites offers apartment-style units with two bedrooms and two bathrooms, fully equipped for long or short stays. Culture buffs will appreciate the short walk to the Royal Ontario Museum, with its stunning galleries full of international exhibitions and natural history displays. Walk a few blocks east to colorful Church-Wellesley Village, an LGBTQ-friendly neighborhood with indie shops, DJs and drag shows on offer.

2. Cambridge Suites Toronto

Apartment, Hotel

A spacious and modern suite at Cambridge Suites Hotel.

A sophisticated take on executive suite living, with attention to details such as high-thread-count linens and goose-down duvets, Cambridge Suites will shelter you from cold Canadian winters. Keep to the 19mi (30km) underground PATH system, lined with shops, restaurants and entrances to all of the major sports facilities in the city, or pop above ground to the designer furniture district of King East. Explore the finest in contemporary European and Canadian design, then take your pick of an array of dining options in the area – from all-day Belgian waffles to pad thai.

3. The Drake Hotel

Boutique Hotel

A stylish and contemporarily furnished double room with a glass-walled bathroom at The Drake Hotel Toronto.

To say the Drake is a passionate supporter of the arts would be an understatement. Every floor is adorned with paintings, installations and sculptures, which may be why it’s found a place in the heart of Queen Street West. Crowded with cafes, galleries – including one hidden in a basement – unique shops and everyone’s favorite local bookstore, Type Books, this area is a tight-knit artistic community.

5. Hotel Ocho

Boutique Hotel

This four-story former textile factory has repurposed exposed beams and brick walls into contemporary loft-style rooms in the heart of Chinatown. Take your pick from dozens of Asian restaurants in the neighborhood, but leave room for a trip to Mother’s Dumplings. These puffy pillows of goodness are highly rated by locals in the know.

6. Old Mill Toronto Hotel

Hotel, Spa Hotel

Set on a river ravine, the stone-covered Old Mill is a welcome respite from busy downtown Toronto. Soft armchairs and crown moldings set the scene in the comfortable bedrooms. The Bloor West Village, with its European ambience, is perfect for strolling. Visit a local cheese shop for some samples, buy some flowers for your room or browse through a stationery shop, such as Marlborough’s, in business since 1922.

7. Executive Hotel Cosmopolitan Toronto

Spa Hotel, Hotel

A stylish and contemporary double room at Executive Hotel Cosmopolitan Toronto.

This hotel knows how to work in the spotlight. A favorite with film crews, the hotel has hosted many actors, including Kate Hudson and Kevin Costner. Take a short walk to the Distillery Historic District, filled with beautiful architecture and vintage shops, and try the gin and vodka at Spirit of York Distillery, made from Canadian spring water. When you return, expansive windows and subdued decor make the Executive Hotel Cosmopolitan Toronto the perfect place to unwind.

8. Le Germain Hotel Toronto Mercer

Hotel, Apartment

Stylish lounge at Le Germain Hotel Toronto Mercer.

Part of a group of family-owned hotels that has been expanding across Canada, Le Germain provides European service in well-appointed surroundings. Every detail has been personally curated to offer a perfect blend of beauty and functionality. Steps away in the Entertainment District, enjoy live comedy at the Second City. Alumni include Joan Rivers, Bill Murray and many original Saturday Night Live cast members. Music lovers can attend performances by the Toronto Symphony Orchestra at Roy Thomson Hall. The Toronto International Film Festival rolls out the red carpet annually at TIFF Bell Lightbox just a block away and screens films year-round.

Looking for more places to stay in Toronto? Explore the city in style from the comfort of one of these chic, boutique hotels in Toronto or bring your animal pal along for the ride with a stay at one of these pet-friendly Toronto hotels — all bookable with Culture Trip,

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.