Best Places to Stay in Toronto – Accommodation Options for Every Budget
Published: November 23, 2023
Whether you’re a first-time visitor to Toronto or a frequent traveller, deciding where to stay in the city can be a daunting experience. With so many vibrant neighbourhoods to choose from, staying near an UP Express Station offers the unique advantage of easy travel to and from Pearson International Airport, allowing you to skip Toronto traffic. Hotels, hostels, and bed and breakfasts are ready to welcome you for a weekend getaway, business trip, or extended family vacation.
No matter your budget, here are our top picks for your next stay.
Where to Stay Downtown Toronto near Union Station
Be in the heart of Toronto’s bustling downtown core when you stay near UP Express Union Station. Just 25-minutes from Pearson Airport, this neighbourhood is home to the city’s financial and business district as well as nightlife hotspots, chic restaurants, hip bars, shopping, and cultural centres all within walking distance. You’ll also have easy access to Toronto’s history with the historic St. Lawrence Market, Distillery District and views of Lake Ontario from Harbourfront, all accessible from UP Express Union Station. This is the place to be for sports fans in town for a Toronto Maple Leafs, Raptors, TFC, Blue Jays or Toronto Argonauts game. Plus, PRESTO card holders can take advantage of admission discounts at the Hockey Hall of Fame, Toronto Argos and TFC games, and Toronto Symphony and more downtown attractions. It’s the best place to stay for those who want to be in the centre of the action!Sound like the place to be? Get more details on the best sights and attractions in our Union Station neighbourhood guide.
If you’re continuing your journey beyond Toronto, staying near Union Station is a great choice. From here, you can easily connect to GO Transit for a day trip – or longer – to explore the beauty, wonder, and excitement of Niagara Falls.
Check out our top picks for your stay based on budget:
Courtesy: Bisha Hotel
Splurge: Fairmont Royal York, Shangri-La Toronto, Bisha Hotel, The Ritz-Carlton, The Omni King Edward Hotel, Ace Hotel Toronto, Le Germain Toronto Maple Leaf Square
Spend: Cambridge Suites Hotel, Hilton Garden Inn, DoubleTree by Hilton Downtown Toronto, Residence Inn Marriott, Novotel Toronto Centre
Save: The Clarence Park Hostel, The Rex Hotel, Planet Traveler Hostel, The Alexandra Hotel
Where to Stay Near High Park and Bloor Station
Live like a local in Toronto’s west end! Trade in the skyscrapers and bustling downtown for a true neighbourhood vibe near UP Express Bloor Station. Cozy cafes, restaurants, and charming shops await in Roncesvalles Village, with buzz-worthy bars and breweries nearby in Toronto’s coolest neighbourhood, the Junction. Perfect for families, nature lovers will delight in High Park’s many walking and cycling paths that are open year-round giving you the chance to spot some of the city’s bird and animal residents. As the temperatures drop, you’ll even find neighbourhood ice rinks opening for skating!
From here, it’s easy to connect to UP Express and local TTC transit to venture downtown Toronto or to one of the city’s many other neighbourhoods, including the charming Annex, West Queen West’s buzzing arts and restaurant scene, and University of Toronto and OCAD campuses. Remember, youth and post-secondary students save on UP Express fares, while kids ages 12 and under always ride for free.
Check out our top picks for your stay based on budget:
Courtesy: The Old Mill Toronto Hotel
Where to Stay near Weston Station
Weston Village can be a great and affordable neighbourhood to explore! Skip the hustle and bustle of downtown Toronto for a neighbourhood that’s filled with locally-owned shops and restaurants as well as a burgeoning art scene. Part of the beautiful Humber River park network, you’re just minutes away from over 8 km of walking and bike trails of the Humber River Recreational Trail that are open year-round. Take in some of the area’s public street art and murals as you stroll through the neighbourhood during your stay. If you’re staying near the airport on business, Weston Village is only one short stop from Pearson Airport, making it an ideal place to spend the night to recharge and get some local flavour away from the airport environs. From here, it’s easy to hop on UP Express with a return fare ticket and spend a day in the downtown core, too.
Top tip for travel: Tap your credit or debit card, or smart wallet on your phone or watch for contactless payment on UP Express. It’s really that simple!
There aren’t many hotels to choose from near Weston, but you’ll find plenty of private room and home rentals and bed and breakfasts at affordable rates.
Check out our top picks for your stay based on budget:
Courtesy: Four Points By Sheraton Toronto Airport East
Where to Stay near Toronto’s Pearson International Airport
Photo by Michael C on Unsplash
Late night flight or early morning connection? No worries! The area in and around Toronto’s Pearson International Airport has many options for all budgets. Staying near the airport you’ll find restaurants catering to travellers on the go as well as transit connections that’ll take business travellers to downtown meetings or conferences in style. Skip the traffic every time and take advantage of the Alt Hotel’s UP Express package which includes a return ticket for the 25 minute journey from UP Express Pearson Airport to downtown Toronto’s Union Station, making it the perfect choice for business travellers – and a great place to grab a slice of pizza.
If your visit to Toronto is only a brief stopover, you can take advantage of UP Express’ Long Layover return fare. If you have seven hours or longer at the airport, you can easily hop on board UP Express to downtown Toronto and take in some of the city’s most iconic sights around Union Station like the CN Tower, St. Lawrence Market, Hockey Hall of Fame and more during your pit stop. You’ll have peace of mind during your brief visit knowing UP Express can whisk you from Toronto’s downtown core back to the airport in just 25 minutes without any traffic headaches to worry about as you make your next onward connection.
Check out our top picks for your stay based on budget:
Courtesy: Alt Hotel
Splurge: Delta Hotels Toronto Airport and Conference Centre, Sheraton Gateway Hotel, Sandman Signature Hotel, Great Canadian Casino Resort
Spend: Courtyard By Marriott Toronto Airport, Crowne Plaza Toronto Airport, The Westin Toronto Airport, Hilton Toronto Airport Hotel & Suites, Alt Hotel Toronto Airport
Save: Hilton Garden Inn Toronto Airport, NU Hotel, Holiday Inn Toronto Airport, Tru by Hilton Toronto Airport West
Wherever you decide to stay in Toronto, UP Express will help make your journey an easy one. Featuring overhead storage, roomy luggage racks, free Wi-Fi and barrier-free boarding, we’re ready to welcome you on board.