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.
Transportation
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 maskat 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).
Booking at Delta Hotels Toronto
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.
Our valuationMilesopedia first-year estimateFirst-year valueWelcome bonus$255Total$255Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
$255
Welcome offerGet 1,250 points after $750 in purchases per month for 12 months
Apply with confidenceCheck whether your application will be approved before you submit it, with no impact on your credit score*When you apply for a personal American Express Credit Card, we will tell you whether you are eligible without affecting your credit score. So you can apply with confidence.*Instant decisions are only available for consumer Card applications (also called “personal Cards”).
The American Express Cobalt® Card is a versatile American Express card, whether you want points for travel or cash back.
American Express Cobalt® Card welcome offer
The welcome bonus is paid out monthly over your first 12 months. You earn 1,250 Membership Rewards points for each monthly billing period in which you charge $750 in net purchases to your card, in any category (1X, 2X, 3X or 5X). That adds up to 15,000 Membership Rewards points over the year, a welcome offer valued at $255.
Earning the full bonus means $9,000 in net purchases spread across 12 monthly billing periods. This offer rewards steady monthly spending rather than one large purchase.
You can use these points as statement credits on everyday or travel purchases, at the same rate either way: 1,000 points = $10.
You can also transfer them to Aeroplan, Avios (British Airways and Qatar Airways), Flying Blue, Marriott Bonvoy or Hilton Honors. With the full welcome bonus, that is a choice between:
15,000 Aeroplan points
15,000 Avios points
15,000 Flying Blue Miles
18,000 Marriott Bonvoy points
American Express Cobalt® Card benefits
Here is what the card gives you, starting with the benefits cardholders use most.
5X points on eligible eats and drinks in Canada: groceries, restaurants and bars, and home food delivery. A spend cap applies.
3X points on eligible streaming subscriptions in Canada.
2X points on eligible gas, public transit and ride sharing purchases in Canada.
1 additional point on eligible hotel and car rental bookings made through American Express Travel Online.
1X point per dollar on everything else, with no category restrictions.
Points that hold the same value either way: 1,000 points = $10 as a statement credit, or a 1:1 transfer to several airline and hotel loyalty programs.
No minimum income requirement, as with every American Express Canada card.
Additional cards at no extra cost: the first and every other supplementary card is $0.
The Hotel Collection: a room upgrade when available, 12pm check-in and late check-out when available, and up to $100 USD in hotel credit on amenities charged to the room for a stay of two or more consecutive nights, booked through American Express Travel.
Front Of The Line® presale and reserved tickets for concerts and theatre performances, plus offers and events curated for cardmembers through Amex Experiences.
A soft credit check before you apply: you can see whether you will be approved with no impact to your credit score. This applies to American Express personal card applications.
The 5X categories and where they apply
The 5X rate is the reason most people carry this card. In Canada it covers three kinds of merchants:
Groceries: Metro, IGA, Sobeys, Super C, Safeway, Whole Foods.
Restaurants and bars: sit-down meals, takeout and drinks.
Home food delivery.
Convenience stores (Couche-Tard, 7-Eleven): not part of 5X, 1 point per dollar.
The 2X rate covers gas stations such as Esso, Shell and Petro-Canada, along with public transit and ride sharing.
With the American Express Cobalt® Card, you earn between 1 and 5 points per dollar:
Category
Points per dollar
Grocery (Metro, IGA, Sobeys, Super C, etc.)
5
Home food delivery
5
Restaurants and bars
5
Convenience stores
1
Streaming services
3
Service station
2
Transport
2
Travel
1
Other
1
That works out to a 1 to 5% return on those purchases. For example, if you spend $1,000 per month across groceries, restaurants and food delivery, you earn $50 back per month, or $600 per year from that category alone. Transfer the points to a program such as Aeroplan instead and the return can be higher.
You can also stack these categories with the hundreds of stores that offer 5x points.
American Express Cobalt® Card insurance coverage
The card comes with a broad insurance package. The amounts below are the coverage limits; conditions, age limits and exclusions are set out in the certificate of insurance linked in the Insurance section above.
Travel insurance
Emergency medical: up to $5,000,000 for the first 15 days of a trip.
Travel accident: accidental death and dismemberment of up to $250,000 for you, your spouse and dependent children under age 23 when travelling on a common carrier (plane, train, bus or ship) and the tickets are charged to your card. Supplementary cardholders and their families are covered too.
Flight delay: up to $500 for necessary hotel, meal and sundry expenses bought within 48 hours when you are delayed or denied boarding for four hours or more and no other transportation is available. This $500 is an aggregate limit per occurrence, shared with missed connection and delayed baggage coverage.
Delayed baggage: up to $500 for essential clothing and sundries bought within four days when your outbound luggage is delayed six hours or more. This $500 is an aggregate limit per occurrence, shared with missed connection and flight delay coverage.
Lost or stolen baggage: up to $500 per occurrence for all insured persons combined, for checked or carry-on baggage and personal effects in transit, when the airline tickets are charged to your card. Within that limit, jewellery is capped at $300 per occurrence and golf clubs, including golf bags, at $250 per occurrence.
Hotel and motel burglary: up to $500 against the loss of most personal items if your hotel or motel is burglarized, when the stay is charged to your card.
Rental car insurance
Theft and damage coverage is included for a rental car with an MSRP, for its model year, of up to $85,000 excluding all taxes, for rentals of up to 48 days. To use it, decline the Loss Damage Waiver (LDW) or any similar option from the rental company and charge the full rental to your card. There is no cost for this coverage, and it replaces the daily insurance the rental company charges, usually $16 to $23 per day.
Mobile device insurance
Your device is covered for up to $1,000 per occurrence when it is charged to the card, for up to two years from the date of purchase. The payout is based on the depreciated value of the device, which falls by 2% of the purchase price for every completed month, less a 10% deductible. Theft and accidental damage coverage starts on the 91st day after purchase, because the first 90 days are covered by purchase protection.
Purchase protection and extended warranty
Eligible items charged to your card are insured against accidental physical damage or theft for 90 days from the purchase date, up to $1,000 per occurrence for all items combined. The card also extends the original manufacturer’s warranty by up to one additional year on eligible items, with indemnification limited to $10,000 per insured item and $25,000 per Cardmember per policy year for all items combined.
American Express Cobalt® Card fees
Card fee: $15.99 per month, which equals $191.88 per year, for residents outside Quebec. Quebec residents are billed $191.88 per year.
Additional cards: $0.
Purchase interest rate: 21.99%.
Cash advance interest rate: 21.99%.
Foreign transaction fee: 2.5%.
Minimum income required: none.
Because the fee is billed monthly rather than in one annual charge, you can stop and restart the cost in step with how much you are actually using the card.
Legal
American Express is not responsible for maintaining or monitoring the accuracy of information on this website. For full details and current product information, click the Apply Now link. If you apply and get approved for an American Express Card, we may receive compensation from American Express, which can be in the form of monetary payment.
Annual fee
Primary card$191.88
Additional card$0
Annual income required
Individual$0
Household$0
Conversion fees
2.5%
Earning rate
5xRestaurants
5xGroceries
3xStreaming
2xTransit
2xGas
1xAll spending
Value
1st Year Value$1,675
2nd Year Value$799
Transfer partners
AeroplanAirline
British Airways ClubAirline
Cathay Asia MilesAirline
Etihad GuestAirline
Flying BlueAirline
Hilton HonorsHotel
Marriott BonvoyHotel
Travel insurance
Travel medical (under 55)Up to $5,000,000 / 15 days
Travel medical (55-64)Up to $5,000,000 / 15 days
Delayed BaggageUp to $500
Lost BaggageUp to $500
Flight DelayUp to $500
Hotel BurglaryUp to $500
Travel AccidentUp to $250,000
Purchase protection
Purchase ProtectionUp to $1,000 / 90 days
Extended Warranty+1 years
Mobile DeviceUp to $1,000 / 2 years
Auto Rental Collision (primary)Up to $85,000 / 48 days
This hotel was visited during the COVID-19 period.
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.
Around Delta Hotels Toronto
The Delta Hotels Toronto is conveniently located, clean and close to all the things to do in town:
CN Tower;
Aquarium;
Visit of the Distillery Historic District;
Walk to the St. Lawrence market;
Not to mention ferry access to the Toronto Islands.
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.
Delta Hotels Toronto Lobby
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.
My bedroom
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.
Our valuationMilesopedia first-year estimateFirst-year valueWelcome bonus$600Total$600Plus $100 of bonus paid after the first year, not counted in this total.Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
Apply with confidenceCheck whether your application will be approved before you submit it, with no impact on your credit score*When you apply for a personal American Express Credit Card, we will tell you whether you are eligible without affecting your credit score. So you can apply with confidence.*Instant decisions are only available for consumer Card applications (also called “personal Cards”).
The Marriott Bonvoy® American Express®* Card is the best credit card in Canada for free hotel nights.
New Cardmembers can earn up to 70,000 Marriott Bonvoy® points with the current offer:
Earn up to 60,000 points after you spend $3,000 on your Card in your first 3 months of Cardmembership.
Plus, earn 10,000 points after you spend $500 on your Card in your 13th month of Cardmembership.
The annual fee is $120, and there is no annual fee on Additional Cards, so you can add a partner or a family member at no extra cost.
Every year after your first Card anniversary, you receive an Annual Free Night Award good for a redemption of up to 35,000 points at eligible hotels and resorts worldwide. At a valuation of 0.9 cents per Marriott Bonvoy point, that certificate is worth roughly $315, which on its own more than covers the $120 annual fee. That is the main reason to keep this Card year after year instead of cancelling it.
To get the most out of the certificate, aim it at a night that would otherwise price close to the 35,000 point ceiling.
The Card also gives you 15 Elite Night Credits each calendar year and automatic Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite status. Those credits count toward the next Elite tier, so you begin every year 15 nights ahead of where you would otherwise start.
You move up to Gold Elite status automatically when you reach $30,000 in purchases on the Card in a year, or when you combine 10 qualifying paid nights within one calendar year with the 15 Elite Night Credits from your Card.
Marriott Bonvoy points are generally valued at 0.9 cents each. On that basis, the 70,000 point welcome offer is worth about $630, and an Annual Free Night Award used at its full 35,000 point ceiling is worth about $315.
Marriott Bonvoy points pull their weight on free nights rather than on gift cards or merchandise, which is why this Card should be judged on the hotel stays it produces.
You earn 5 points per dollar on eligible purchases at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels and 2 points per dollar on all other purchases. Points can be redeemed for free nights with no blackout dates at more than 7,000 hotels around the world.
The Card carries a solid package of coverages: $500,000 travel accident insurance, flight delay, baggage delay, lost or stolen baggage and hotel or motel burglary at $500 each, car rental theft and damage up to $85,000 for rentals of up to 48 days, Purchase Protection for 90 days and a one year Extended Warranty.
Two things to plan around: the 2.5% foreign transaction fee on purchases made in a foreign currency, and the 21.99% purchase interest rate, which makes this a Card to pay in full every month. Like all American Express Canada Cards, no minimum income is published for this Card, and you can see whether you would be approved before you apply, with no impact on your credit score.
Legal
American Express is not responsible for maintaining or monitoring the accuracy of information on this website. For full details and current product information, click the Apply Now link. If you apply and get approved for an American Express Card, we may receive compensation from American Express, which can be in the form of monetary payment.
Annual fee
Primary card$120
Additional card$0
Annual income required
Individual$0
Household$0
Conversion fees
2.5%
Earning rate
5xMarriott Bonvoy hotels
2xAll spending
Value
1st Year Value$1,110
2nd Year Value$312
Travel insurance
Delayed BaggageUp to $500
Lost BaggageUp to $500
Flight DelayUp to $500
Hotel BurglaryUp to $500
Travel AccidentUp to $500,000
Purchase protection
Purchase ProtectionIncluded
Extended Warranty+1 years
Auto Rental Collision (primary)Up to $85,000 / 48 days
Bedroom
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.
Our valuationMilesopedia first-year estimateFirst-year valueWelcome bonus$600Total$600Plus $100 of bonus paid after the first year, not counted in this total.Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
Apply with confidenceCheck whether your application will be approved before you submit it, with no impact on your credit score*When you apply for a personal American Express Credit Card, we will tell you whether you are eligible without affecting your credit score. So you can apply with confidence.*Instant decisions are only available for consumer Card applications (also called “personal Cards”).
The Marriott Bonvoy® American Express®* Card is the best credit card in Canada for free hotel nights.
New Cardmembers can earn up to 70,000 Marriott Bonvoy® points with the current offer:
Earn up to 60,000 points after you spend $3,000 on your Card in your first 3 months of Cardmembership.
Plus, earn 10,000 points after you spend $500 on your Card in your 13th month of Cardmembership.
The annual fee is $120, and there is no annual fee on Additional Cards, so you can add a partner or a family member at no extra cost.
Every year after your first Card anniversary, you receive an Annual Free Night Award good for a redemption of up to 35,000 points at eligible hotels and resorts worldwide. At a valuation of 0.9 cents per Marriott Bonvoy point, that certificate is worth roughly $315, which on its own more than covers the $120 annual fee. That is the main reason to keep this Card year after year instead of cancelling it.
To get the most out of the certificate, aim it at a night that would otherwise price close to the 35,000 point ceiling.
The Card also gives you 15 Elite Night Credits each calendar year and automatic Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite status. Those credits count toward the next Elite tier, so you begin every year 15 nights ahead of where you would otherwise start.
You move up to Gold Elite status automatically when you reach $30,000 in purchases on the Card in a year, or when you combine 10 qualifying paid nights within one calendar year with the 15 Elite Night Credits from your Card.
Marriott Bonvoy points are generally valued at 0.9 cents each. On that basis, the 70,000 point welcome offer is worth about $630, and an Annual Free Night Award used at its full 35,000 point ceiling is worth about $315.
Marriott Bonvoy points pull their weight on free nights rather than on gift cards or merchandise, which is why this Card should be judged on the hotel stays it produces.
You earn 5 points per dollar on eligible purchases at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels and 2 points per dollar on all other purchases. Points can be redeemed for free nights with no blackout dates at more than 7,000 hotels around the world.
The Card carries a solid package of coverages: $500,000 travel accident insurance, flight delay, baggage delay, lost or stolen baggage and hotel or motel burglary at $500 each, car rental theft and damage up to $85,000 for rentals of up to 48 days, Purchase Protection for 90 days and a one year Extended Warranty.
Two things to plan around: the 2.5% foreign transaction fee on purchases made in a foreign currency, and the 21.99% purchase interest rate, which makes this a Card to pay in full every month. Like all American Express Canada Cards, no minimum income is published for this Card, and you can see whether you would be approved before you apply, with no impact on your credit score.
Legal
American Express is not responsible for maintaining or monitoring the accuracy of information on this website. For full details and current product information, click the Apply Now link. If you apply and get approved for an American Express Card, we may receive compensation from American Express, which can be in the form of monetary payment.
Annual fee
Primary card$120
Additional card$0
Annual income required
Individual$0
Household$0
Conversion fees
2.5%
Earning rate
5xMarriott Bonvoy hotels
2xAll spending
Value
1st Year Value$1,110
2nd Year Value$312
Travel insurance
Delayed BaggageUp to $500
Lost BaggageUp to $500
Flight DelayUp to $500
Hotel BurglaryUp to $500
Travel AccidentUp to $500,000
Purchase protection
Purchase ProtectionIncluded
Extended Warranty+1 years
Auto Rental Collision (primary)Up to $85,000 / 48 days
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 🙂 .
Bathroom
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.
Delta Hotels Toronto Services
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.
Our valuationMilesopedia first-year estimateFirst-year valueWelcome bonus$600Total$600Plus $100 of bonus paid after the first year, not counted in this total.Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
Apply with confidenceCheck whether your application will be approved before you submit it, with no impact on your credit score*When you apply for a personal American Express Credit Card, we will tell you whether you are eligible without affecting your credit score. So you can apply with confidence.*Instant decisions are only available for consumer Card applications (also called “personal Cards”).
The Marriott Bonvoy® American Express®* Card is the best credit card in Canada for free hotel nights.
New Cardmembers can earn up to 70,000 Marriott Bonvoy® points with the current offer:
Earn up to 60,000 points after you spend $3,000 on your Card in your first 3 months of Cardmembership.
Plus, earn 10,000 points after you spend $500 on your Card in your 13th month of Cardmembership.
The annual fee is $120, and there is no annual fee on Additional Cards, so you can add a partner or a family member at no extra cost.
Every year after your first Card anniversary, you receive an Annual Free Night Award good for a redemption of up to 35,000 points at eligible hotels and resorts worldwide. At a valuation of 0.9 cents per Marriott Bonvoy point, that certificate is worth roughly $315, which on its own more than covers the $120 annual fee. That is the main reason to keep this Card year after year instead of cancelling it.
To get the most out of the certificate, aim it at a night that would otherwise price close to the 35,000 point ceiling.
The Card also gives you 15 Elite Night Credits each calendar year and automatic Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite status. Those credits count toward the next Elite tier, so you begin every year 15 nights ahead of where you would otherwise start.
You move up to Gold Elite status automatically when you reach $30,000 in purchases on the Card in a year, or when you combine 10 qualifying paid nights within one calendar year with the 15 Elite Night Credits from your Card.
Marriott Bonvoy points are generally valued at 0.9 cents each. On that basis, the 70,000 point welcome offer is worth about $630, and an Annual Free Night Award used at its full 35,000 point ceiling is worth about $315.
Marriott Bonvoy points pull their weight on free nights rather than on gift cards or merchandise, which is why this Card should be judged on the hotel stays it produces.
You earn 5 points per dollar on eligible purchases at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels and 2 points per dollar on all other purchases. Points can be redeemed for free nights with no blackout dates at more than 7,000 hotels around the world.
The Card carries a solid package of coverages: $500,000 travel accident insurance, flight delay, baggage delay, lost or stolen baggage and hotel or motel burglary at $500 each, car rental theft and damage up to $85,000 for rentals of up to 48 days, Purchase Protection for 90 days and a one year Extended Warranty.
Two things to plan around: the 2.5% foreign transaction fee on purchases made in a foreign currency, and the 21.99% purchase interest rate, which makes this a Card to pay in full every month. Like all American Express Canada Cards, no minimum income is published for this Card, and you can see whether you would be approved before you apply, with no impact on your credit score.
Legal
American Express is not responsible for maintaining or monitoring the accuracy of information on this website. For full details and current product information, click the Apply Now link. If you apply and get approved for an American Express Card, we may receive compensation from American Express, which can be in the form of monetary payment.
Annual fee
Primary card$120
Additional card$0
Annual income required
Individual$0
Household$0
Conversion fees
2.5%
Earning rate
5xMarriott Bonvoy hotels
2xAll spending
Value
1st Year Value$1,110
2nd Year Value$312
Travel insurance
Delayed BaggageUp to $500
Lost BaggageUp to $500
Flight DelayUp to $500
Hotel BurglaryUp to $500
Travel AccidentUp to $500,000
Purchase protection
Purchase ProtectionIncluded
Extended Warranty+1 years
Auto Rental Collision (primary)Up to $85,000 / 48 days
My overall impression of Delta Hotels Toronto
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.
Bottom Line
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.
Our valuationMilesopedia first-year estimateFirst-year valueWelcome bonus$600Total$600Plus $100 of bonus paid after the first year, not counted in this total.Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
Apply with confidenceCheck whether your application will be approved before you submit it, with no impact on your credit score*When you apply for a personal American Express Credit Card, we will tell you whether you are eligible without affecting your credit score. So you can apply with confidence.*Instant decisions are only available for consumer Card applications (also called “personal Cards”).
The Marriott Bonvoy® American Express®* Card is the best credit card in Canada for free hotel nights.
New Cardmembers can earn up to 70,000 Marriott Bonvoy® points with the current offer:
Earn up to 60,000 points after you spend $3,000 on your Card in your first 3 months of Cardmembership.
Plus, earn 10,000 points after you spend $500 on your Card in your 13th month of Cardmembership.
The annual fee is $120, and there is no annual fee on Additional Cards, so you can add a partner or a family member at no extra cost.
Every year after your first Card anniversary, you receive an Annual Free Night Award good for a redemption of up to 35,000 points at eligible hotels and resorts worldwide. At a valuation of 0.9 cents per Marriott Bonvoy point, that certificate is worth roughly $315, which on its own more than covers the $120 annual fee. That is the main reason to keep this Card year after year instead of cancelling it.
To get the most out of the certificate, aim it at a night that would otherwise price close to the 35,000 point ceiling.
The Card also gives you 15 Elite Night Credits each calendar year and automatic Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite status. Those credits count toward the next Elite tier, so you begin every year 15 nights ahead of where you would otherwise start.
You move up to Gold Elite status automatically when you reach $30,000 in purchases on the Card in a year, or when you combine 10 qualifying paid nights within one calendar year with the 15 Elite Night Credits from your Card.
Marriott Bonvoy points are generally valued at 0.9 cents each. On that basis, the 70,000 point welcome offer is worth about $630, and an Annual Free Night Award used at its full 35,000 point ceiling is worth about $315.
Marriott Bonvoy points pull their weight on free nights rather than on gift cards or merchandise, which is why this Card should be judged on the hotel stays it produces.
You earn 5 points per dollar on eligible purchases at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels and 2 points per dollar on all other purchases. Points can be redeemed for free nights with no blackout dates at more than 7,000 hotels around the world.
The Card carries a solid package of coverages: $500,000 travel accident insurance, flight delay, baggage delay, lost or stolen baggage and hotel or motel burglary at $500 each, car rental theft and damage up to $85,000 for rentals of up to 48 days, Purchase Protection for 90 days and a one year Extended Warranty.
Two things to plan around: the 2.5% foreign transaction fee on purchases made in a foreign currency, and the 21.99% purchase interest rate, which makes this a Card to pay in full every month. Like all American Express Canada Cards, no minimum income is published for this Card, and you can see whether you would be approved before you apply, with no impact on your credit score.
Legal
American Express is not responsible for maintaining or monitoring the accuracy of information on this website. For full details and current product information, click the Apply Now link. If you apply and get approved for an American Express Card, we may receive compensation from American Express, which can be in the form of monetary payment.
Annual fee
Primary card$120
Additional card$0
Annual income required
Individual$0
Household$0
Conversion fees
2.5%
Earning rate
5xMarriott Bonvoy hotels
2xAll spending
Value
1st Year Value$1,110
2nd Year Value$312
Travel insurance
Delayed BaggageUp to $500
Lost BaggageUp to $500
Flight DelayUp to $500
Hotel BurglaryUp to $500
Travel AccidentUp to $500,000
Purchase protection
Purchase ProtectionIncluded
Extended Warranty+1 years
Auto Rental Collision (primary)Up to $85,000 / 48 days
Our editorial integrity
Our reviews and rankings are based on an objective assessment. Advertisers do not influence our content. We may receive compensation through some links; our analysis and opinions remain independent.
