55 Hallcrown Pl, Toronto, Canada | (888) 962-8097
Quiet and peaceful ambiance outside of Toronto's city bustle
Newly updated rooms with plush beds and plenty of space
Easily accessed by car on Highway 401
Convenient Le Café Lounge and Restaurant with ample breakfast buffet and cocktails
Large indoor pool
Spacious and bright fitness center
Free Wi-Fi throughout
Reasonable charge for on-site parking
Business center and event space
Old appliances in otherwise newish rooms
Dated carpet throughout
Weak Wi-Fi and fuzzy TVs in some rooms
Car is necessary for exploring Toronto and surrounding area
This large, quiet chain hotel is situated about 30 minutes from downtown Toronto and is geared toward guests with cars. The suburban location means it's more affordable than downtown hotels and the pool and peacefulness make it a good choice for visitors planning on driving everywhere. Rooms are stylish and comfortable for a mid-range hotel while the on-site restaurant and fitness center are nice perks. Still, some carpets and appliances need upgrading and the Wi-Fi is spotty.
Scene
Bland decor with a few sleek features
Although the hotel exterior is bland and sterile, the interior lobby and rooms are surprisingly modern and nice. That said, the place lacks personality, with very little wall decor in common areas. The lobby is simple, with a couple of small seating areas and patterned purple carpets. The on-site restaurant and lounge, Le Café, is dominated by light woods and patterned grey carpets. The pool area is equally plain, although the pool itself has a unique shape, similar to a twisted bowling pin. Most guests just use the hotel as a place to shower and sleep before exploring Toronto or attending business meetings.
Location
Outside of downtown, a 20-minute walk to the subway station
The hotel is located between Scarborough and North York, right along Highway 401, which runs across the Greater Toronto Area. It's a few minutes from the Don Valley Parkway that connects to downtown's Gardiner Expressway, although plan on at least 30 minutes to get to the CN Tower and the Historic District. The Ontario Science Centre, with an IMAX theatre and fascinating demonstrations, is the nearest attraction (about a 10-minute drive away), while Pearson Airport is 20 minutes by car. Don Mills subway station and Fairview Mall are about a 20-minute walk from the hotel; from here you can reach downtown in about 15 minutes by train.
Rooms
Spacious, somewhat generic rooms that mix new and outdated amenities
The 240 rooms and suites at Radisson Hotel Toronto East are spacious and have plush beds, wood paneling along one wall, and leather armchairs. A swirled pattern permeates the carpet (some carpets need to be replaced). Beds are made up with simple white sheets and decorated with a khaki-colored bed runner. Thin wooden dressers and nightstands look generic, but still pleasant. Flat-screen TVs are of the older variety and phones and alarm clocks appear to date back to the early-1990s. Wi-Fi is free but spotty in some rooms. Bathroom countertops and tiles looks a bit old, but showerheads and single-cup coffeemakers are shiny and new.
Features
Big fitness center, free Wi-Fi, and lots of meeting space
Most Radisson hotels have pools, restaurants, and meeting areas, and the Toronto East meets, but doesn't exceed, the brand's reputation for features. There is free Wi-Fi throughout, cheap on-site parking, and an enormous presentation room and business area. Le Café Lounge and Restaurant serves a breakfast buffet with a la carte options. Cocktails and dinner are served in the evenings. There's also a spacious and modern fitness center with a variety of equipment and an indoor pool.