Four Points by Sheraton Toronto Airport

Not be to be confused with other Sheraton properties surrounding Toronto's main airport, the Four Points does a good job lifting transit vibes with spacious layouts and an outdoor area. Interiors with floor-to-ceiling windows are homey, thanks to exposed stone or brick, cozy russets, and patterned carpeting chopping up cream-tiled floors. An indoor pool overlooks a lawn garden with patio furniture and colorful parasols -- an unexpected touch for an airport hotel, although its gazebo-sheltered barbecue grill is only used Wednesdays, when free wings and Happy Hour beers offer guests a chance to mingle. Some airplane noise can be heard, but most guests don't find it disruptive.

Travelers choose the Four Points for airport proximity. A five-minute drive from Pearson Terminal 3 (or 15-minute walk), the hotel is well-placed, with Terminal 1 a few minutes farther. Best reserved in advance, free shuttles run to Terminals 1 and 3 every 30 minutes. There isn't a huge amount nearby, although a Tim Hortons is a three-minute walk, and a 7/11 is five minutes farther. It's five minutes by car for trade shows and conferences at The International Centre, with the Congress Centre two minutes farther. Sports and entertainment venue, the Hershey Centre, is a 17-minute drive. Most destinations can be reached with a nearby bus, but cars/taxis are your best bet here. Downtown Toronto is a 42-minute drive, or a 15-minute train ride from Terminal 1's UP Express Station.

A decent 264 square feet (25 square meters), rooms have neutral palettes and the chain's Four Comfort beds. Amenities include desks, satellite flat-screen TVs, tea- and coffee-making facilities, bottled water, ironing facilities, safes, and individually controlled AC (which can be noisy). In-room fridges are available for a fee. Some rooms have runway panoramas, while alternative parking lot views are drab -- though a bit quieter. Small bathrooms have shower/tub combos, hairdryers, and toiletries. Rooms can be fitted with cribs and accessible rooms are available. Note, room windows do not open. 

De Maple Restaurant and Lounge serves three meals, all at a fee. Buffet and a la carte breakfasts are available, and casual lunch and dinner options include salads, sandwiches, and international entrees, plus kiddy options. The bar's chalkboards display its craft beer collection, and these are especially popular on Wednesdays, when free barbecue wings accompany Happy Hour drinks. The garden patio's sheltered seating is used for the event, weather-permitting. Coffee is free 24/7 in the lobby bar and a good selection of alcoholic and soft beverages are on offer. Surrounded by loungers, the heated indoor pool isn't the largest, but it's well-maintained, and its position overlooking the gardens is pleasant. The 24-hour gym has a handful of cardio and resistance machines, plus free weights. Meeting rooms are on-site and free airport shuttles run 24/7, but they fill quickly. On-site parking is at a fee, while Wi-Fi is free throughout.