Hilton Garden Inn Toronto Downtown

The 17-floor Hilton Garden Inn Toronto Downtown is a high-rise that’s centrally located in the city’s happening party area, with decked-out partygoers walking through the lobby at night, especially on weekends. But considering the lively nearby club scene and revelers passing through the public spaces, rooms are fairly quiet, except for the occasional incident. And the hotel's festive vibe becomes a bit more business-friendly during the week. Sleek and modern, the hotel’s lobby sports a monochromatic look with gleaming black-and-white floors, a white drum chandelier, and beige walls. A small fireplace, flanked with dark bookshelves, and a tray ceiling elevates the look. There's little seating, aside from a pair of backless benches and two striped slipper chairs, but baked goods and cold water are on offer, making the space more inviting. Hallways decorated with black-and-white photographs of Toronto landmarks continues the look to the bank of elevators that leads to rooms. 

On the border of Chinatown in the Entertainment District, the hotel is surrounded by nightlife, but also close to businesses and tourist sights. The immediate area holds bars, restaurants, cafes, and nightclubs, including Tryst and the Aria Entertainment Complex, both a block away in opposite directions. The CN Tower, Rogers Centre, Roy Thomson Hall, and Ripley’s Aquarium are within a 15-minute walking radius. The Financial District can also be reached in 15 minutes on foot. Lake Ontario, with the Harbourfront Centre, takes 20 minutes on foot. There are two light rail lines (the 504 and 510) nearby, and a subway station about six blocks away. Shopping at the Toronto Eaton Centre and live entertainment at Yonge-Dundas Square are a 20-minute walk or 15 minutes by public transportation. It’s a 15-minute drive to the Distillery District, or 25 minutes by public transportation. Toronto Pearson International Airport is a 25-minute drive. 

A modern, neutral palette runs through the gray-and-tan checkered curtains, cream leaf-patterned wallpaper, ebony writing desks, and white bedding. But granite countertops, wall-to-wall carpets, and patterned armchairs betray a more dated, chain-hotel aesthetic. All rooms feature upscale amenities like flat-screen TVs, microwaves, mini-fridges, Keurig coffeemakers, safes, irons/ironing boards, and beds with adjustable firmness controls. Large windows overlook the city or provide unexciting views of other buildings. Whirlpool tubs, bathrobes, fireplaces, and sofa beds in upgraded rooms give another level of luxury. Bathrooms have sizable, if dated, granite countertops plus hairdryers, Neutrogena toiletries, and shower/tubs or walk-in showers. Some have body jet showers with windows facing beds. Those with mobility issues can book accessible rooms with roll-in showers and portable shower chairs.

The Hilton Garden Inn Toronto Downtown’s 24-hour facilities appeal to both early risers and night owls. The Pavilion Pantry sells snacks, sundries, and microwaveable meals 24 hours a day. The 24-hour gym has modern cardio equipment, free weights, and a flat-screen TV. Two PC computers and a copier are in the 24-hour business center. There are also two meeting rooms that can respectively fit a maximum of 45 and 60 people. The Marquis Bistro and Lounge, which can also be rented out, is a contemporary atmosphere with a skylight, a buffet area and a bar. Breakfast is available, but it's not included in most room rates. The hotel's clean indoor pool has little seating around a tiled deck, but it does have a hot tub. Valet parking, for a fee, is on-site or there’s public parking nearby. Extra security is enforced Thursday through Saturday, requiring guests to show their room keys before being allowed entry, a policy that can be a nuisance for some.