To the point
Here is my opinion on the Novotel Toronto Centre hotel, which I tried during my stay in Toronto. It's an Accor Live Limitless hotel.
Booking at the Novotel Toronto Centre
To get my room at the Novotel Toronto Centre Hotel, I took advantage of the one night paid, second night free promotion by booking directly on the Accor Live Limitless website. This meant that the average price per night was $110.
In my opinion it was a very good deal for this kind of hotel, without forgetting the accumulation of Rewards points or Aeroplan miles depending on tour account configuration.
Novotel Toronto Centre hotel location
The Novotel Toronto Centre is a 4* hotel, very well located in a nice area (East Bayfront) next to the Entertainment District.
As far as the hotel itself is concerned, it is a modern hotel with an up-to-date and very pleasing decoration. This is true both for lobby and the rooms .
There is indoor parking with two options (thanks to the staff at the reception desk for this information):
- $75 paid directly to the hotel (for two nights) with an “In and Out”.
- $50 paid directly at the parking lot terminal – note that “In and Out” is not officially allowed, but the attendant told me that they have never had any problems mentioned by their clients on this subject. I can confirm this; I’ve used my car two or three times without ever having a problem. There are no barriers at the entrance and exit. And the parking lot is accessed directly by an elevator from the hotel.
A “check in” can be done online via the Accor Live Limitless application the day before your arrival and on site. A form (Thank you Covid-19) about your health must be completed online (through a QR code).
Personally, I found the staff at the reception desk (both for the arrival and departure) not very friendly, despite being polite and efficient.
We were also informed that cleaning will not be done during our stay, but that we can always call the reception to get products or towels delivered if necessary.
Another interesting thing is that wireless internet is free in the rooms, at least for Accor Live Limitless members.
Around the Novotel Toronto Centre
Union Station is located near the Novotel Toronto Centre Hotel. This station is very useful if you arrive by train with VIA Rail, or by plane through Pearson airport and its train service, Up Express.
There are also many restaurants in the area including The Keg located directly in front of the hotel. But that’s not all, there is also the Old Spaghetti Factory and a Bier Markt: everything you need to have a nice evening.
For lovers of green spaces, there is a very original park, the Berzcy Park which is located a few steps from the hotel. It’s a great place to take nice pictures and why not bring your lunch that you bought at Hot House. I am sure you will be dazzled by its magnificent fountain.
If you like shopping, the Eaton Center is also just a few minutes away from the hotel.
Moreover, if you are a theatre lover, the city’s many theatres are all within walking distance of the hotel.
Of course, in this time of pandemic, they are closed, but one day this pandemic will be a thing of the past. I’m a city walker, I only take public transit when I really need it, and luckily Toronto is a great place to walk! And those who, like me, love the atmosphere of big cities will be happy.
Our room
I had a room on the 4th floor, with two queen size beds. It had been recently renovated.
This one was modern – with a beautiful 52” television – and a nice decoration. The bedding was very comfortable (much better than some other luxury hotels) and many electrical outlets were available (as well as USB plugs) on the headboard, or very close by.
It’s handy when your charging cable is short!
The bathroom
As in the majority of hotels, the bathroom offers useful products (shampoo, shower gel, body cream as well as a conditioner).
The shower has a “rainfall” style showerhead. No bath though.
There was an air-conditioning system – a little noisy – which made me happy in these hot days. The room had all the comforts sought after in this kind of hotel: a large desk, two comfortable chairs to relax, coffee maker, mini fridge, but no mini bar on the other hand.
Services at the Novotel Toronto Centre Hotel
Most of the hotel services are closed – restaurant, bar, swimming pool and gym – and are not available at this time because of COVID-19. There is however a cash dispenser in the lobby; the reception desk also offers a currency exchange service if needed.
There are also, on some floors, vending machines for soft drinks (and water). Interesting fact: these machines accept payment by credit card. But be careful and don’t forget to press the finish button after the purchase, because you would then, in spite of yourself, offer a drink to the next person!
The only negative point, and it’s a temporary negative point due to COVID-19, is that during my stay, we were asked to clean our hands when we arrived, before taking the elevator, in the elevator… the problem is that three bottles (on 4 elevators) were empty and the one in the lobby, was also empty during the check out!
I notified the staff twice about the bottles in the elevators, but they were never replaced.
My overall impression of the Novotel Toronto Centre
It was a first for me, staying in this category that are the Novotel hotels, and I liked it! It’s a pity that Accor Live Limitless is not more present in North America (except for some Novotel, Sofitel and of course Fairmont hotels).
All in all, I’d recommend this hotel, which is very well located in Toronto, and in a quiet environment.
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