Book by: ASAP
Travel by: Various through September 2006
The Deal
September is the ideal time to experience the cosmopolitan streetscapes of Toronto, Canada's shining urban star. Frommer's describes it as "truly sublime in the fall" and we agree. It's also when the high-profile Toronto International Film Festival takes place (it's scheduled for September 7–16 this year). While booking an affordable room during this celebrity-studded time is challenging, discounts abound both before and after the film extravaganza, when three-night packages start at $476 and four-star hotels go from $223/night.
September flings right downtown, with air, start at $608
The best value comes courtesy of Expedia, which offers a four-night long-weekend fling in Toronto for just $608, including airfare from New York and lodging at four-star Fairmont Royal York. Location-wise, this landmark hotel can’t be beat. It’s at the heart of Toronto’s downtown, half-a-mile from the CN Tower. The hotel’s illustrious history dates back to the late 1920s, when it was built by the Canadian Pacific Railway. The grand lobby evokes the railway-era style, with hand-painted ceilings, travertine pillars and ornate furniture. The plush theme continues in the tasteful guestrooms. Facilities are top-notch; as Fodor’s says, “The signature restaurant, Epic, has the city's best Canadian whole lobster (either butter-poached, steamed, grilled, or roasted), and the snug Library Bar just might have Toronto's best martinis.” The rack rate for your lodging alone could top the cost of this air-inclusive package. Note that the deal is available for departures on Thursday, September 28, returning on Monday, October 2.
Save in Toronto this September from only $476
We spotted another well-priced offer through United Vacations. A midweek three-night sojourn, with air from five Midwestern getaways, now starts at just $476. At this low cost, accommodation is at the midrange
Courtyard by Marriott Downtown described by ThisIsTravel as a “formulaic but appealing property, within walking distance of principal shopping areas and financial district.” $479 gets you lodging at three-star Delta Chelsea Hotel, described by WCities as “one of the city's newer hotels and the largest in Canada . . . in the heart of Toronto's downtown district” where rates can run north of $300/night. Another option is a stay at Metropolitan Hotel for $489, a slightly more upscale downtown option with, claims Fodor’s, “a striking modern look.” Departure cities available at this price include Chicago and Detroit; from East Coast getaways, including New York, Boston and D.C., the price goes up by $85. Note that this deal is valid on select Monday departures through September 30; we verified the price on several dates and found some availability. But book fast! Package costs are going up by the minute.
Low weekend rates at swank hotel from $223/night
We also spotted discounted weekend rates at fancy Hôtel Le Germain, one of Toronto’s swankiest properties. Frommer’s writes, “Located in Toronto's Entertainment District, the Hôtel Le Germain has an elegant but slightly offbeat sensibility. Its design is edgier than that of other Toronto hotels. The public spaces are magnificent . . . The guest rooms are beautifully designed.” First-rate facilities, including the chic Chez Victor restaurant and a well-equipped fitness room with floor-to-ceiling windows round up the luxe offerings. Not a surprise that regular nightly rates here run over C$600 (US$530). Although it’s completely booked up through the Film Festival, the hotel offers reduced rates on weekends in late September. Weekend dates with well-priced rooms include September 22–23 and 29–30.
Shopping package at exclusive Four Seasons from only $296/nt
For a spot of free shopping and a taste of five-star luxury, Four Seasons is the place to stay this September. This exclusive Toronto property now offers a Shopping for All Seasons package that costs just C$335 (US$298) for a deluxe overnight with complimentary valet parking and a C$100 Holt Renfrew Gift Card per stay. If you take into account that standard nightly rates in September start at a whopping C$400 (US$355) without any freebies, this package is a steal of a deal. We checked available dates and here’s what we found: September 23–24 and September 29–30. Of the hotel, Frommer’s writes, “The Four Seasons is famous as the favored haunt of many visiting celebrities. The hotel, in the ritzy Yorkville district, has earned a reputation for offering fine service and complete comfort.” This fall you can stay here and save a bundle to boot!
The Dollars
See details above. Note that the first two packages are priced per person based on double occupancy and exclude air taxes and fees. The hotel packages exclude hotel taxes and service charges.
The Catch
The weather should hold out through the end of September, but do bring a jacket just in case.
is a guide to top travel deals and destinations. which features the best editor-screened deals from hundreds of travel providers and is delivered to over 2.5 million subscribers, free, each week. ShermansTravel also publishes to inspire, guide, and go.