I chose Novotel Hotel in Toronto because of the high reviews on Google. It isn't right in the center of the city and is in walking distance of coffee shops. Here is the break down after a 4 night stay at Novotel:
Pros:
- Close to Downtown: The 410 Freeway isn't too far off, so if you want to drive to downtown, the entrance is pretty close. There are also plenty of Tim Horton coffee shops, eateries, and farmers markets that are in walking distance. The hotel is also connected to a mall.
- Fitness Center: The fitness center is decent where the windows overlook the busy streets.
- Beds: The beds are comfy and I slept like a baby all four nights. There were no back pains!
- Bathroom Size: There are large bathrooms with ample space to move around. I was impressed with the fact that it was bright and airy and didn't feel cramped at all.
Cons:
- Wifi: There was free wifi but it was pretty slow. It took a long time to load and we got kicked out frequently. We were staying on the 6th floor and it seemed to be a common issue for other people as well.
- Clogged Sinks: The shower drain was clogged and took a long time for it to drain. There were parts of the shower pieces that kept on falling off.
- Old Decor: The furniture is pretty dated here and the walls look like it could use another paint job. The lobby looks beautiful and modern, but it doesn't look the same when you go up to the other floors. Don't let the lobby fool you.
- Pay for Parking: Your stay at the hotel does not include parking for your car. If you want to park in the hotel garage, it is an additional $17 per day. We were just given this information when we arrived and parking on the street is nearly impossible. Make sure you take this into account before you book with Novotel.
Bottom Line: I'm sure that I can find other better places to stay. For the time I was there, it was fine...but the parking pay was a little much along with the shower parts falling apart.