The Fairmont Royal York

The Fairmont Royal York Hotel is located on Front Street in downtown Toronto. Getting to the subway from the Royal York is easy -- all you have to do is descend the stairs from the lobby. You'll pass shops selling clothing, games, toys, cigars and more. After the shops underneath the hotel's lobby, you'll run directly into Union Station on the Yonge-University-Spadina line. This makes navigating Toronto very convenient. 

The concierge is helpful, and she worked very hard to ensure that we had an effortless stay. She gave great tips for seeing the city, she made reservations for dinner and called a taxi (and she did all this with a smile). 

You can purchase hotel packages to include spa privileges, bed & breakfast, sightseeing and culture throughout Toronto. 

With several lounges and restaurants on site, you may not want to leave the hotel. You can dine at the Epic, have teriyaki steak at Benihana Japanese Steakhouse, grab breakfast at York's Kitchen, sample homemade muffins at York's Deli or eat Canadian food at the comfortable Piper's Gastropub. 

Cocktail spots on site include the Library Bar (complete with leather furniture and hardback books) and York Station. The Library Bar is a cool place to order a drink before dinner on the town. 

I was delighted to find a recycling bin in my hotel room placed discreetly beside the waste basket. The Royal York is part of Green Key Eco-Rating Program, so eco-friendly tourists can feel good about their stay here. 

Residents of Quebec and Ontario may be eligible for a Resident's Rate. Contact the Royal York for more details. 

(For an outing filled with soul, try The Rex Jazz & Blues Bar on Queen Street.)

- by Jessica Bates, Toronto Reporter for HelloMetro  (Click to leave a message)

Jessica Bates

Jessica is a freelance journalist residing in lovely southern California. She holds a bachelor's degree in English and journalism. She writes for a green living publication, which she thoroughly enjoys. Once upon a time she was an editorial board member for Steel Toe Books choosing poetry manuscripts for publication.