posted 04-03-2005 11:20               

That's just my $.02 worth though.

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Barb

posted 04-03-2005 11:26               

One good option might be to park their car outside the city in Mississauga at a GO Train station (free parking) and take the train in and then stay at one of the downtown hotels such as the Eaton Centre Marriott which is in the heart of the action.

Alternatively, they can stay outside the city and take the TTC subway in while parking for the day at a mall such as Yorkdale. For transit info take a look here as it has everything you'd need to know about commuting in and out of the city.

posted 04-04-2005 04:41               

Why don't they contact the Holiday Inn and ask them for the conference rate and how much parking is? If it's the one I'm thinking of it's in the heart of the theatre district - wonderful restaurants all around them! Average room rates are around $150-$200 Cdn/night if I remember correctly.

The Holiday Inn would likely be nicer accomodation that the Travelodge.

quote:

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Originally posted by jo-jo:
Thanks for those suggestions. Can one park one's car for three days at the Go Train station? Being in a downtown hotel would be more convenient for them. (My car is 8.5 years old so I do not think it is a prime candidate for theft!) Thanks for the help.

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posted 04-04-2005 20:15               

1) Novotel is a hotel in the north part of the city and right on the subway line. The area is nice and the hotel charges around $159CDN a night plus 15% tax. You would have to check if they charge for parking. You can easily find them under Novotel North York

2) There is a house in the downtown area near the subway line that rents out to visitors. It is in a tourist area,(but not within walking distance of the meeting at Holiday Inn) and they charge $150CDN a night plus 7% tax. Parking is free and you have a nice place to stay with a kitchen and all the comforts of home (according to their website). www.thecoachhouse.ca

posted 04-05-2005 06:47            

The suggestion to park outside the city and take the subway in is a good one if they don't have a lot of luggage and if they are comfortable with finding their way on their own. To me, the $20-$30 bucks would be worth it to drive right to the hotel, but that's me.

FYI - the Holiday Inn on King is a great hotel in a great location.

They can get a discounted visitor's pass for the subway - this will be cheaper if they intend to use it as their primary source of transportation.

They will have a great time!

posted 04-07-2005 11:25               

Rooms at the Travelodge Toronto Downtown West (621 King Street West) should be about C$ 139 (US $ 113) plus taxes, parking is free.

With a bit of work, you should be able to find something for under C$ 100, and much less if you use Priceline. The money they save should cover parking and more.

They should be able to find parking close to most 'moderate' hotels for about C$ 20 to 25 max per day. If that is just not affordable, they could drive to Mississauga and park in my driveway for free.

Also, if you email me your address I will send you a selection of coupons from the Toronto Entertainment 2005 book (we never use them all).

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Bob G

posted 04-08-2005 06:12            

I would definitely try Hotwire where a 4* can be found for $60 on a good day. Check with biddingfortravel.com or betterbidding.com because I think the Courtyard is a 2.5* - not screaming new but clean and comfortable.

posted 04-08-2005 14:34               

It has ample parking for $4.00 daily (in and out priviledges) and it is right across the street from Yorkdale Mall, which is where the subway can be picked up that takes you right downtown toronto. The cost to travel during the weekdays on the subway is about $2.00 each way and weekends you can get a 'family' rate of $8.00 for 2 adults and 2/3 children for travel all day around the City of Toronto.

The walk through the Mall to the subway underground (very nice setup) takes about 10 minutes max from the Holiday Inn. You can walk outside, but if there were rain/snow, you can walk through the Mall to the subway. It will take you about 15 minutes to get to Union Station (right downtown) on the subway. Very direct subway station location. You would take the subway SOUTH to your stop and when coming back to the Hotel, you would take the train that is going to Dufferin stop. It is very straightforward and you do not have to change trains unless you want to go west or east of the Yonge/University Main Line. To change trains (if you had to) is still very very straightforward. We have an excellent transporation system in Toronto (if youask me and millions of other people).

The Holiday Inn Yorkdale can be $149/night or less (ask for the AAA/CAA rate/Best RAtes, Corporate Rate (check them all for the very best rate). I have stayed there for $109/night for 2 double beds. The rates I quote are all in Canadian funds.

This location is really great because you are really minutes from downtown by the subway, but you can park all day/night at the hotel or come and go as you please. The 401 Highway is literally right near the hotel. Ask for a room away from the Highway, we always get one overlooking the pool/courtyard on the 2nd - 4th floors that have a balcony inside overlooking the pool. It is not noisy and if you do have children you can watch them swim from the room, while another parent watches them at the poolside.

If you would like more details/information about Toronto, please email me. I would be more than happy to assist you. We love to travel and we love to get bargains but nice places to stay.

Respectfully yours,