There’s a warmth to the approach by the Doubletree by Hilton brand – though maybe I’m just blinded by the warm chocolate chip cookie they give every guest on check in. But it’s that sort of consistency – cookies, comfortable rooms, soothing colour schemes – that has made them the sort of chain that people become emphatic about frequenting. I’ve stayed in many around the world, and there’s a level of service and experience that they seem to live up to at every location; their Toronto location being no exception.
From the ease of check in, with warm cookie in hand, it wasn’t long before I was comfortable in the room. Wi-Fi was available free and without login; the little things like that just make everything that little easier and that little more stress free.
The lobby itself was comfortable, though crowded at check in; the staff were very helpful and the brilliantly conceived MADE Market ensures you can grab anything you need on site. You’ll see it hidden away in the back of the photo above. Elsewhere you’ll find a 24-hour fitness centre, heated indoor swimming pool and sauna, a complimentary 24-hour business centre and dining and room service from the on site Hemispheres Restaurant & Bistro.
I was staying in their standard King Bedroom, which, as the name suggests, comes complete with a massive, very comfortable King Bed, and everything you could possibly need. A big flat screen TV, elegant toiletries from Crabtree & Evelyn, comfortable though small bathroom with bath and shower, desk and the warm colours that the brand is known for. Select rooms will give you a pretty great view of the city, too! You’ll also find complimentary coffee in the room courtesy of The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf (sort of like a Starbucks).
Location wise, the hotel is as central as you get – walking distance to places like Dundas Square, Eaton Centre for shopping, Nathan Philips Square and a short tram ride pretty much everywhere else. There’s also the underground train service, of which the Dundas station is nearby. This is very much a walkable city, and you don’t need a car unless you’re planning to travel far outside the city centre. UberPool is available as an affordable alternative to taxis, and the new UP Express train to Toronto’s main airport couldn’t make the journey to Pearson quicker or easier. Union Station, from where the train departs, isn’t far from your hotel – a 20 minute walk or a quick taxi ride. The city’s bus terminal is even closer, about four minutes walk away.
And then there’s the Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport on the Toronto Islands, which primarily operates flights from Porter Airlines, to select US and Canadian destinations. You can literally walk from the city, underground, onto the island – or you can catch a ferry across. If the route suits, there’s no better airport to enter or leave Toronto from; you’ll save hours on queues alone!
This hotel was booked via the hotels.com mobile app, which makes it easy to book hotels anywhere in the world. Their reward system is also one to be reckoned with; stay nine nights, get the tenth free – and every time to enjoy a free night your status rises, helping you access better rates and exclusive offers. Speaking of, the app itself gives hotels.com Rewards members access to some Secret Prices which you won’t find on the website.
The Doubletree by Hilton
Address: 108 Chestnut St, Toronto ON M5G 1R3
For more details about the hotel, head HERE, and book at hotels.com HERE.
The journalist spent two nights at the hotel, partially courtesy of hotels.com. Images, unless otherwise credited, courtesy of the hotel.
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