Sheraton Gateway Hotel in Toronto International Airport

The only hotel connected to the city’s main airport, this Sheraton buzzes with activity throughout the day. It has a substantial inventory of meeting space, so it’s not unusual to see corporate groups holding functions there as well. But this large hotel handles the traffic well. Its modern and expansive lobby offers several quiet places to escape the crowds. The gray-marble floors and white leather furniture give it an upscale vibe, as do the handsome wood columns and a four-sided, glass clock with Roman numerals. The Mahogany Bar is a good place to catch up on the news or watch sports, with several TVs and a long bar that has more than a dozen stools. 

The Sheraton is connected to Terminal 3 at Toronto Pearson International Airport, and it's a one-minute walk via an indoor bridge to the trains that transport travelers to the other terminals. The terminal’s drop off/pickup area is right outside the hotel entrance. Several restaurants in the terminals are within walking distance or a short train ride, including the Mill Street Brewery, which is 10 minutes away on foot. The Toronto Congress Center, Woodbine Casino & Racetrack, and Woodbine Shopping Center are all within a 10-minute drive. Downtown Toronto, including the CN Tower, is about a 30-minute drive away, depending on traffic, or about an hour's trip on public transportation.

There’s nothing distinctive about the Sheraton's guest rooms, which are decorated in soft earth tones such as tan walls and beige carpeting and drapes. The wood furniture has a rich, reddish-brown finish, but some of it shows signs of wear and tear. The nicest aspect of the furnishings is the oversize, brown leather armchairs and matching ottomans. Bright-white duvets and vibrant, abstract art help to brighten the spacious rooms. Simple bathrooms have roomy, white-marble vanities, and beige tile frames the shower/tub combos. All in all, it's not unpleasant, but decor is a bit tired, with several past guests reporting issues that range from cracked bathroom tiles and frayed carpeting to torn wallpaper. Traditional (standard), Deluxe, and Superior Rooms have either a king bed or two double beds. Some of the larger Deluxe Rooms include sleeper sofas. Seven Luxury Suites on the top floor have either one or two bedrooms, with the largest measuring 1,241 square feet. Standard amenities include coffeemakers, magnifying mirrors, flat-screen TVs, and safes. In-room Wi-Fi is free only for SPG members who book directly through the Starwood website, or guests staying in Executive Club Rooms. Those guests also receive access to the Club Lounge, and a continental breakfast, appetizers, and beverages are included in those rates. While rooms are generally quiet, some rooms on lower floors that face the train station and runway pick up ambient noise. 

The amenities at this full-service Sheraton are rather extensive. None of its features are especially stylish, but they're all serviceable, starting with a heated indoor pool and whirlpool, and a large fitness center that’s open 24/7. The fitness center is outfitted with Lifecycle equipment and free weights, and it includes men’s and women’s locker and shower facilities. A beauty salon is outside the fitness center as well. The Mahogany Grill Restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and the spacious Mahogany Bar also serves food during lunch and dinner hours. The lobby gift shop sells sundries and souvenirs, and Wi-Fi is free in the lobby (although in-room Wi-Fi is only free for SPG members with direct bookings or Club-level guests). Up to 300 people can be accommodated in the hotel’s 24 meeting rooms that include a 2,600-square-foot ballroom. Concierge services include valet dry cleaning and laundry, and parking is available in the airport’s covered lot.