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| - Writing this review primarily for the hotel, though yes, this is a GREAT place for jazz lovers! I just completed my 4th stay at the Rex while visiting Toronto for the 2017 TIFF festival. Why do I keep coming back? Mostly, I am budget-minded traveler and the rates at The Rex are extremely low compared to other properties in the getting-more-expensive-by-the-day Toronto area. Accommodations are very basic but CLEAN and staff are extremely friendly. Rooms have individually controlled heating/cooling units and wall-mounted TVs. The bathrooms are surprisingly sleek and modern and again, extremely clean. Carpet in hallways is quite worn but just adds to the charm for me, I guess. Street facing rooms can sometimes be noisy, as you will hear the streetcar going by often, but as a city person, I barely noticed. Rooms on the first floor (which is the 2nd floor, if you're an American) may hear music from the shows going on below, so ask for a room on a higher floor if this will be a bother. For me, it was a plus, as I was too exhausted one night on a previous stay to check out the performance, so I was able to enjoy some of it in my room! I can highly recommend this property to solo female travelers for location and safety. Again, this was my 4th stay over 5 years and I have never encountered a problem. The Queen West neighborhood is chic, funky and vibrant with shops and restaurants galore. Great area to walk, even late in the evening, as there are many people out and about. The Rex is within walking distance of the entertainment district, including the Tiff Bell Lightbox and Scotiabank cineplex. It's also a 10 minute walk from the fabulous Art Gallery of Toronto (AGO) and close to lots of public transport. I have enjoyed incredible shows in the jazz club and have always appreciated the diverse crowd of patrons, from hipsters to seniors. Never an attitude at The Rex! There are fancier places to stay in Toronto, but the Rex has won my heart.
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