Visiting Toronto: Westin Harbor Castle, Toronto Review

The Westin was our final stop in our trip to Toronto and Niagara Falls.

We stayed at the Sheraton Centre Toronto first.

Then, on to Niagara falls (read here and here), with a stay at the Sheraton on the Falls.

I also previously detailed things to do in Toronto.

The Westin is located right on the lake, not far from the Stadium and CN Tower.  It’s probably about 15 minutes from Sheraton Centre Toronto.  Other than the lakefront, which didn’t seem that active during our short one-night stay, there’s not a whole lot going on around this hotel.  It’s an older property, though with Westin-style amenities.  The lobby is in very nice shape.

We had reserved 3 rooms here.  Two were standard rooms and they were connected in the middle by a Queen Murphy Suite.  From the looks of it, the SPG site has renamed this a Parlor Suite which is appropriate.  It didn’t cost any more than a regular room, and had slightly less space than one.  The hotel is curved at the point where these rooms are, so the room is narrower on one end, wider at the windows.  It has, somewhat obviously, a Murphy bed in it.

The other two rooms were very standard Westin amenities.  I’ve stayed in my fair share of Westins over the years, and this was Westin to a T.  Black marble bathrooms, oddly uncomfortable chair at the desk, flat screen TVs, soft bed linens.

As a Platinum, the hotel informed me upon check-in that I would receive free continental breakfast for up to 2 people in the restaurant as my breakfast benefit.  I asked about whether a “buy-up” to full breakfast was available.  The front desk agent seemed a bit confused, but went in back to ask a manager.  She came back with a coupon valid for one free full breakfast in the restaurant.  Probably worth a bit less than 2 continental breakfasts, but free is free.  🙂

The bar had a decent wine list of Canadian ice wines.  And, like they say, when in Rome…..

My pictures of the restaurant didn’t turn out well for some reason.  This is a typical Westin restaurant.  Nice finishes, well-stocked buffet.  Extra buffet options over a Sheraton like fresh smoothies.  We had an enjoyable breakfast, with everyone choosing the buffet option.

Overall, while the property is old it’s perfectly serviceable for a short stay.  I think I prefer the Sheraton Centre location better, as there’s more to walk to.  This property is a category 4 redemption rate, just like Sheraton Centre, so 10,000 points a night.

That being said, while I would definitely return to Toronto, I think I would try one of the two downtown Hyatt properties next time we come.  Both of the Starwood downtown properties have a bit of age on them.  And, while they do a good job dressing that up, I prefer a more modern property overall.

For families, I’d probably select Sheraton Centre Toronto, especially if traveling on a budget.  Our rooms were a bit bigger there, and the club lounge provides a free breakfast for everyone in your party.  Not a full American breakfast, but definitely more than the standard continental.  And, the location makes it easier for families to get around town.