Having a long-distance relationship means that you have to travel regularly if you want to spend time with your loved one. So, despite this pandemic and the lockdown of the last few days, I did not cancel the trip I had planned to Toronto for Christmas.
I chose the train as my transportation mode. With the “Escape” fare, a return trip from Montreal to Toronto to Montreal is $112.68, taxes included. As this fare sells out quite quickly, you should book a few weeks or even months before departure.
On this 24th of December, the line for train 63 is quite long. When we get in line, a VIA Rail attendant disinfects our hands and asks us the usual few questions about COVID-19 (fever, cough, contact with someone who has COVID-19, traveling outside, etc.) and we are asked to keep our distance.
On the way back to Montreal, none of the employees came in with disinfectant and the only question we got was, “Do you have a fever?” On the other hand, some passengers were reprimanded for not following distancing protocol.
Car 05 of train 63 to Toronto was at its 50% capacity: two passengers per row, on the window side only, with the other seat blocked off (unless they were travelling together). It should also be noted that although we have been assigned a car and seat number when booking the ticket, these are not taken into account when boarding.
As in the station, it is compulsory to wear a mask at all times on the train, except when drinking or eating. A warning is given several times during the journey: those who do not respect this instruction will be forced to leave the train at the next stop.
This train is equipped with a large shelf attached to the front seat, which is ideal for working or watching a movie on your laptop. Unfortunately on the return train (66), we had a very small shelf hanging from the armrest. These two trains offer free Wi-Fi, and a menu is available to quench your thirst or hunger (for a fee).
Fun fact
On the return trip, the train was delayed for one hour and fifteen minutes – emergency brake check near Morrisburg. VIA Rail has offered all passengers on this train a 50% discount on a next trip (valid for six months).
I chose to stay at the Delta Hotels Toronto, as it seemed to be the best option for this stay, due to its proximity to Union Station. It’s a category 5 hotel and you’ll need 30,000 points per night in low season.
For my part, I didn’t use the points, but rather took advantage of the “Stay longer” promotion, which offers a special price for a stay of three nights or more. In my case, the price was $105 per night, plus applicable taxes, which I paid with my American Express CobaltMD Card to get the $50 credit with a $200 Marriott spend.
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This hotel was visited during the COVID-19 period.
Hotel fact sheet (Delta Hotels Toronto):
From Union Station, you can get to Delta Hotels Toronto without even going outside.
Indeed, a long passag called the “Skywalk”, which is about 500 meters long, connects Union Station and the CN Tower, with a direct link to the hotel. On the other hand, you must have a mobile key in your possession, which you can get through the application, otherwise you will find yourself in front of a locked door.
If you fly in from Pearson Airport and use the UP express to get to Union Station, that works too. This option can be very feasible during heavy rain or snowstorms.
I preferred the journey from the train station to the hotel outside, because in my opinion it is faster: the journey from outside takes less than five minutes, while going through the SkywalkIn some places, there are no moving stairs: with a suitcase, it’s not ideal.
If you decide to go outside, you will have to follow the “25 York” signs, and through the Skywalk you will follow the “Up / CN Tower” signs instead.
If you prefer to use a car, Delta Hotels Toronto has an underground parking lot with three electric car charging stations (they are free) and valet parking is $52 per day (but not available during this pandemic), otherwise you will have to pay $45 per day for parking.
But there are a few parking options in the vicinity and at lower cost. I suggest you download the SpotHero application, which will show you the paid (and available) parking lots with the cost according to the number of hours or days chosen.
The Delta Hotels Toronto is conveniently located, clean and close to all the things to do in town:
And if you’re going there on business, it’s in the heart of Toronto’s famous business and entertainment district.
One of the big advantages of this hotel, apart from the view of the CN Tower, of course, is its location and accessibility whether by car, train or even plane.
Twenty-four hours before my arrival, I chatted with the hotel staff as suggested by Jean-Maximilien: I asked them if they had foam pillows, because I prefer them and I was really looking forward to discovering this hotel, chosen to go from Gold to Platinum status.
I was congratulated on my upcoming status and mentioned that the foam pillows will be well installed in the corner room with a view of the CN Tower and the city skyline, which was offered to me thanks to my status… the Gold one, that is.
When I arrived in Toronto, I still hadn’t received my mobile key. They then explained to me during my check-in at the counter that they wanted to hand-deliver a flyer to compliment me once again on my fifty nights in the Marriott Hotels because they avoid entering the rooms of these clients unnecessarily.
Here I am in the huge lobby of the Delta Hotels Toronto. It’s a very luminous lobby, thanks to its large windows, wood decor and large phosphorescent panels representing some of Toronto’s buildings.
The space is well utilized with its many armchairs, sofas, hanging fixtures and 70’s style lamps, which diffuse a purple light that matches the lighting behind the counters.
As for Christmas decorations, there are only two Christmas trees in the lobby: a small one towards the entrance of Bremner Blvd. and the larger (and more impressive) one at the main entrance on Lower Simco St.
In the lobby, you will find the Whisky bar “Char No 5” (unfortunately closed) and the restaurant “SOCO Kitchen & Bar” which offers only take-out meals.
It should be noted that for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, the latter offered a special menu that could be obtained by contacting the reception and that, in addition to its entrance via the lobby, it has its own outdoor entrance.
Also, for those interested, there is a “Terrace” version of this restaurant/bar: The Roof at SOCO which, according to the staff, is all the rage in the summer for its food and breathtaking view of the CN Tower, but which is unfortunately closed during this time of pandemic.
Like the majority of Marriott hotels, disinfectant gel dispensers can be found almost everywhere, and the staff at the six counters are protected by plexiglass.
The colours of the countertops – wood and black – as well as predominantly purple lighting give the lobby a modern look. I was told that due to the restaurants closure on the hotel site, it is still possible to order a “Grab & Go” breakfast at the “SOCO Kitchen & Bar”. An interesting fact: one of the employees at the reception speaks French. A much appreciated detail.
The Delta Hotels Toronto has 541 rooms and 26 suites spread over 46 floors. Arrival is at 15:00 and departure is at noon.
Here are the types of rooms in the Delta; there’s something for everyone:
Bedroom, 1 king size bed, city view Bedroom, 2 queen size beds, city view Bedroom, 1 king size bed, city view, corner room Bedroom, 1 king size bed, view – CN Tower, city panorama view, corner room Bedroom, 2 queen size beds, view – CN Tower, city panorama view Bedroom, 1 king size bed, harbour view Bedroom, 2 queen size beds, harbour view Bedroom, 1 king size bed, corner room with city view and deep bath Club Level Room, King Size Bed, Club Lounge Floor Club Level Room, 2 double beds, Club Lounge Floor Club Level Room, 2 queen size beds, Club Lounge Floor Deluxe Junior Suite, 1 king size bed, sofa bed, city view Hotel Suite suitable for long term stays, Executive Suite with 1 bedroom More spacious suite with 1 bedroom, 1 king size bed, sofa bed Luxurious suite, more spacious suite, 1 king size bed, sofa bed, harbour view
There are two elevator sections in the lobby corridor: one side for floors 1 to 26 and the other side for floors 27 to 46. We need to use our key to activate the elevator to our floor.
I got room 3101, 31th floor. When I got to the room, the maid was still there. She apologized many times and gave me two bottles of water (extra) for the wait.
First of all, the first thing you see when you enter the room is the bathroom and the splendid view it offers of the Rogers Centre and the CN Tower through a huge window at the back of the bathroom.
The bedroom part is reached by crossing a corridor with a carpet in shades of beige and brown that continues to the bedroom, as does the blue wall.
In this corridor, there is a space for the coffee machine (a little outdated), a kettle and a cupboard with a safe (big enough to store a laptop), iron and ironing board, as well as shelves and hangers. This is also where you can admire yourself in a large mirror before leaving the room. Always helpful to be at your best.
In the centre of the room is a comfortable king bed with foam pillows and a huge headboard – made of red oak veneer. The bedside tables are attached to the headboard and harmonize well with the dark blue and white colours found on the walls of the room.
The red oak veneer is found on all the furniture in the room: refrigerator, television and small table.
The only one forgotten is the desk part made of white melamine. On this desk there is a lamp and a panel with various cables, a single USB socket and four electrical outlets.
On the bedside tables, there are two electrical outlets on each side, but no USB sockets are present.
The other part of the desk is composed of storage spaces (shelves hidden by doors) and a 55″ smart TV. A turquoise blue meridian – very worn and faded – completes the furnishings of this room.
Five lamps – two on stands, two on bedside tables and one on the desk – provide lighting modelled to your liking.
Let us now talk about those very large floor-to-ceiling windows, which provide a magnificent view of the different facets of Toronto.
On one side we have a view – on the city centre – of the CN Tower, but as soon as we get close to the window and look up, the magic happens in front of this impressive tower. Looking at it in the evening, when its whole lighting changes… it’s quite captivating.
From the other large windows in the room, we have an elusive view of the buildings in downtown Toronto.
As a lover of very urban life, I could spend hours contemplating these architectural wonders. Rarely did I turn on the lights during the day, as the natural light coming through the windows was more than enough. The highlight of the show is to lie on your bed at night and admire the lights of the city.
Please note, if you are a light sleeper, it is best to close the blackout curtains and unfortunately for some, the noise of trains passing right by the hotel can be disturbing. This is not my case, I even slept with the curtains open so as not to miss the view 🙂 .
The bathroom is equipped with all the products necessary for personal hygiene, as well as a hair dryer, a magnifying mirror and storage space for personal belongings. I confess that I lowered the blinds on the window for fear of being seen in the shower… but fear not: the windows are bluish from the outside.
Of acceptable size, it has a sliding door and the toilet is separated from the rest of the bathroom by a small low wall.
The shower is separate from the bath, but both are in a glass space. It is surrounded by beige ceramic tiles that harmonize well with the rest of the bathroom, decorated in shades of beige and brown with a beautiful white ceramic floor.
Unfortunately in this time of COVID, there are no breakfasts.
Amenities such as the pool, Jacuzzi, gym and lounge were also closed.
The cleaning service only comes every three days, but it is always possible to request towels, or other necessary items, either at the reception or through the chat. The service is fast.
In spite of the somewhat old and worn-out furnishings in my room (which was still very comfortable), the elevators that would need some refreshment and the somewhat monotonous corridors, I highly recommend this hotel.
I plan to go back to Delta Hotels Toronto because I have a crazy desire to try one of the sixty different whiskies offered by “Char No 5“, and I will always remember the breathtaking view we had of the CN Tower and the city panorama.
Thank you Milesopedia, without you I would never have discovered the benefits of earning points. In such a short period of time, I went from “not a Marriott member” to a “Platinum” member!
Thank you again for your involvement in each of our successes.
Savings are here:
