The benefits of staying close by Toronto’s 401 and Don Valley Parkway The Montrealer April 20, 2011 6182 TORONTO – On our way back from a recent winter trip to Niagara Falls, we had no intention of just passing by Toronto on the way home. We always enjoy spending time in Canada’s largest city and look no further than right off Highway 401 and the Radisson Toronto East (www.radisson.com/torontoca_east). We stayed at this property three years ago and enjoyed it. If you have to go downtown, this spot is only one exit away from the Don Valley Parkway – a quick 20 minute route to the theatre district and Eaton Centre. Nestled in a corporate hub, surrounded by malls and major attractions, the hotel is precisely located at the 401 and Victoria Park. All rooms have Sleep Number Beds, where the firmness of the mattress can be adjusted for your best sleeping comfort. Complimentary high-speed internet is available in each room as well. You can unwind in the bar lounge, take a splash in the indoor swimming pool or tone yourself in the fitness center. Other convenient amenities include a complimentary shuttle service to local businesses within the vicinity. There is a full service restaurant, Le Café, and room service to take care of your taste buds. While I usually seek out a suite for my family when travelling, the Radisson Toronto East is excellent for seeking out the adjoining room option. We had two rooms, one with two double beds and another with a king. Upon request, we got a fridge and microwave. With a large grocery store only two blocks away we were able to stock up on our own foods to make breakfast and lunch. The rooms have comfortable desks, perfect for working on a laptop, chairs, ample cupboard and drawer space and two telephones. At the front desk, staff are very attentive to all of your needs. is important when budgeting. Hotel General Manager Chad Hope says the hotel is booked for many corporate functions and meetings. The exact address is 55 Hallcrown Place. You can make reservations by calling 1-800-395-7046 or email [email protected]. There is plenty of shopping in the area. Near the hotel you will find the Fairview Shopping Centre and the Yorkdale Mall. In terms of dinner and entertainment, Toronto is home to one of the phenomenal Dave and Busters (www.daveandbusters.com) franchises at 120 Interchange Way in Vaughan. This is a gigantic facility where you can “eat, drink and play.” The menu is extensive and the choice of terrific games pretty well endless. Toronto has a lot of fun options year-round. Just log on to www.seetorontonow.com for many options. Of course this place is now kind of famous for its huge musical theatre offerings. We saw the second to last showing of Rock of Ages at the Royal Alexandra Theatre. Just go to www.mirvish.com to see what is playing when you are in town. If you are looking ahead to next summer, Canada’s Wonderland and the Toronto Zoo are musts. So is Ontario Place. Mike Cohen’s email address is [email protected]. Follow his travels at www.sandboxworld.com/travel and on twitter at www.twitter.com/mikecohencsl.