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| - My friend described it as the most expensive hostel he has ever stayed in. I think that is an apt description, but maybe not with as much snarkiness as my friend entered. First off is the price. For downtown Toronto you are not going to find as cheap for as good. It is centrally located and every part of the downtown is within walking distance to the location. The rooms are functional, but sparse. The shared bathrooms were always clean and readily accessable.
The jazz bar downstairs, and I only ever heard jazz, does a brisk business. I could hear the music through the floor of my room, but it ended by midnight and was not too distracting. The only problem in the cold winter is that the room thermostats must be located in the bar because around 11pm at night when the bar is packed it starts to freeze in your room. But by 2 am your room turns into a sauna.
The bar and hotel staff are all very pleasant and helpful. The $5 breakfast is the best and most reasonable meal you will have in Toronto (except for Smoke's Poutinierie). Start your day off with it and it will save you cash.
Here is the deal. It gets 4 stars because it is a little low rent and not the most comfortable stay. It gets as high as 4 stars because it is fun, unique, and makes for a great story. Mostly though is for the price you get a comparative good place to lay your head. Anywhere else in down town with as much amenities is going to cost you 25 to 50% more.
If you are used to pampering and comfort, this is not your hotel. If you are looking for a cheap, cool place to make your base of operations as you spend 12-16 hours a day out exploring Toronto, then this is your place. And have the Canadian bacon, oh holy jeez Louise it's good eh.
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