Hotel Toronto

The Hotel Toronto is a simple budget property that attracts travelers on a budget, including international backpackers and domestic travelers passing through the nearby New Delhi Railway Station. The property is squeezed in among other budget hotels and commercial buildings on a narrow side street, and would be easy to miss were it not for a large sign outside. A few steps descend into the basic lobby, which is a bit basic and features an old striped sofa and a colorful mural of Delhi sights behind the front desk. The simple, but relatively modern, style is a clue as to the rest of the hotel, which consists of nothing more than rooms. This is modestly priced place to crash for a night or two for those looking for a no-frills, no-fuss hotel with clean interiors and easy access to the backpacker markets of Paharganj and the bustling train station.

Hotel Toronto is located off busy DB Gupta Road, across from a police station in the northeastern part of the Paharganj neighborhood. The area is mostly known for its cheap flophouses aimed at international backpackers, though this particular strip is more popular with domestic travelers needing easy access to the nearby New Delhi Railway Station. The western entrance to the station is a 15-minute walk or 10-minute rickshaw ride from the hotel. Paharganj's main bazaar takes about the same amount of time to reach, and is full of backpacker-friendly eating joints, vendors selling cheap hippie clothes, and cheap travel goods. The Jhandewalan Metro station is an eight-minute walk from the hotel, while getting to the metro at Ramakrishna Ashram Marg takes just under 15 minutes on foot.There are plenty of upmarket shops, restaurants, and cafes at nearby Connaught Place, a five- to 10-minute drive from the hotel. Old Delhi attractions such as the Red Fort and the busy market area of Chandni Chowk are also a 10-minute drive from the hotel, while it takes a bit longer to reach Old Delhi Railway Station due to consistently congested traffic in that area. Factor in about 15 minutes by car to India Gate, or 20 minutes to Humayun's Tomb. South Delhi attractions such as the Lotus Temple and Qutub Minar can take 30 to 45 minutes to reach depending on traffic. It's likewise at least 30 minutes by car to Indira Gandhi International Airport, though traffic at peak times means at least an hour should be budgeted. 

Rooms at the Hotel Toronto are simple but well-maintained and clean, with off-white marble tile floors, modern dark-wood furniture, and recessed ceilings with track lighting and ceiling fans. Standard amenities include small flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi and air-conditioning, and all rooms have phones to call down for room service. All rooms also have at least a small wardrobe for storage, but it's worth noting that some rooms lack windows. Bathrooms are simple, with wet room-style open showers and square-shaped rainfall showerheads. Rooms with up to three beds are available for families and those traveling in groups. Some rooms do allow smoking, so be sure to ask ahead if this is a bother for you.

The Hotel Toronto is basically just a place to sleep, and doesn't offer many amenities for travelers who want to hang out at their hotel. However, there is room service from the on-site kitchen, with both Indian and international options available. There's also a travel desk that can arrange tours, train tickets, and other travel services. Laundry can be organized through the front desk and Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.