Hilton Toronto - Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Hilton Toronto 145 Richmond Street West Toronto, Canada M5H 2L2

By: Dave Grossman Hotel Magician, December 2006

It’s hard to imagine a better hotel for a traveler needing to be in the heart of downtown Toronto, Canada than the Hilton Toronto.

We’ve been staying here on occasion for years now but it seems it only gets better with age! From the lobby to the check-in to the recently renovated rooms, the experience is always a classy one.

In the last few years, a major renovation has been completed leaving the hotel in great shape from the bottom to the top. Ride one of the exterior elevators up to your room and enjoy a marvelous view of the Toronto skyline. We had this view of the CN Tower right from our room!

For executives, the 32^nd Floor lounge is an absolute oasis in the sky. Available for use by anyone paying for an Executive Floor room or

anyone who has attained the Gold or Diamond level in the Hilton

Honors program, the 32^nd Floor lounge is often discussed by frequent travelers as one of the best in North America. For its service, breakfast selection, evening Hors D’oeuvres and complimentary beer and wine alone it would be worth it, but add in great views, free WiFi internet access, and a staff that goes above and beyond and it becomes world class. Take Jessica, a check-in agent on the 32^nd Floor (where Gold, Diamond, and Executive Floor guests can check-in) who remembered us from the last time we stayed there, 12 months ago, before even looking up the name on the reservation. Impressive! There is also an expansive boardroom that can accommodate a meeting up to approximately 10 people (and there is a small fee per guest if they are not on the Executive Level or a Gold/Diamond member).

On to the rooms. If you’re not staying on the Hilton Toronto Executive Levels, we highly recommend asking for a room on the 25^th or 26^th Floor where the rooms have been renovated to a new standard that includes a rain shower. Of course, these rooms cannot be guaranteed before arrival, but it's worth asking! The picture gives you an idea but it’s like a whole small room for your shower, with a big rain showerhead in addition to a hand controlled showerhead. It’ll wake you up or relax you based on your adjustments.

For dining, there is an on site Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse as well as the Tundra Bar and Restaurant (with upscale northern Canadian fare) and Barrister’s Bar. Ovo is their simple morning option for pastries and coffee. The subway is only a block away.

The Hilton Toronto also provides a pool and full fitness centre. If we had to pick out anything we didn’t love at the hotel it’s the approximately $30 daily parking charge, but we suppose that’s as much a function of its downtown location as anything else.

DG