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When you're really having a good time on vacation, you want nothing more than to stay an extra day. Starwood is making it easy to do just that with its new Better Tomorrows offer. For every night you pay regular rates, you get the next night at 50% off. It's as simple as that: Stay one night at the Westin Resort & Spa, Cancun (pictured) at the regular rate, and enjoy the next night at half off, with plenty left for dinner in a traditional palapa (straw hut) on the beach from the resort's Sea & Stones restaurant. Stay two nights at the Four Points by Sheraton Toronto Lakeshore at regular rates and enjoy two nights for 50% off, enough to take in the views from the nearby CN Tower. Stay four nights at regular rates at the exciting new W Scottsdale, get four nights at 50% off, and splurge on a night out on the town with the savings. You get the idea. The offer is good through March 31, 2009, so choose your Better Tomorrows destination and savor those extra days.
Recently in Toronto Category
Stay an Extra Day With a Better Tomorrows Getaway
Monday December 1, 2008
Toronto's Royal Agricultural Winter Fair Brings the Country to the City
Tuesday November 4, 2008
From November 7-16, 2008, Toronto will celebrate the bounty of the Canadian harvest at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair, the largest combined indoor agricultural fair and international equestrian competition in the world. Now in its 86th year, the fair welcomes thousands of visitors to the Exhibition Place on the shores of Lake Ontario to watch growers, breeders, and special exhibitors compete for prizes, while enjoying delicious farm-fresh food and local spirits. Competitions categories include beef, livestock, and agricultural competitions as well as equestrian competitions and a good old fashioned Canadian-style rodeo. I'm partial to the "black and white" category, a class of dairy cattle that exhibit those perfect spots that make herds so recognizable. In between the competitions, be sure to sample a few locally-produced wines from vendors across Ontario. It's a good way to stay warm as the cold weather descends on the great white north. The fair is convenient to several Starwood properties, including the nearby Westin Harbour Castle, Toronto.
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More Earn 1,000 Bonus Starpoints for Weekday Stays
Thursday June 5, 2008
Sometimes travel can lead to ... more travel. SPG is offering up to 1,000 bonus Starpoints for visits to some of the most beautiful places on the planet this summer. Register here and book a Sunday through Thursday stay at a participating property in the United States, Canada, the Caribbean, or Hawaii and your summertime adventure will earn you bonus Starpoints that can be redeemed for great rewards, one-of-a-kind experiences, or the vacation of your dreams. Racking up the Starpoints is as easy as frolicking in the blue waters of St. John at the Westin St. John Resort & Villas (pictured), where an outstanding spa, health club, private beach, and Westin Kids Club ensures that every visitor has the time of their lives. Or take to the desert at the Phoenician resort in Scottsdale (a member of Starwood's Luxury Collection) and experience the ultimate in pampering, service, and amenities against a stunning backdrop of blue sky and red rocks. Or maybe your travel dreams have you heading north this summer. Le Méridien King Edward in Toronto has welcomed discerning guests for over 100 years with old world charms, sophisticated comforts, and easy access to the Harbourfront. Wherever you decide to go, the trip will be that much sweeter knowing that it can lead to further adventures around the world. Start by entering your SPG number right here and then get traveling. Far away is closer than you think.
Starpick the Sheraton Gateway Hotel in Toronto International Airport
Wednesday May 14, 2008
Toronto is always a pleasure to visit, but it's that much sweeter when the weather's balmy. The springtime sun stays out later into the evening, the flowers blossom in Downsview Park, and sidewalk cafes begin putting out their tables and chairs for people to enjoy alfresco refreshments. A weekend in Toronto just might be in your near future, thanks to Starpicks. The Sheraton Gateway Hotel in Toronto International Airport is one of this week's participating Starpicks properties, with last-minute rates of at least 20% off regular rates for stays during the next two weekends, so you could find yourself in this gem of a city of the shores of Lake Ontario in no time. Check out the dinosaur bones in the Royal Ontario Museum, zip to the top of the CN Tower, the tallest free-standing structure in the Americas, or pretend to be a king and visit Casa Loma. Whatever you wind up doing in the big T.O., at the end of the day you'll enjoy a comfortable room with the finest amenities and a great night's sleep in your Sheraton Sweet Sleeper Bed. What could be better than that? The Sheraton Gateway is just one of many participating Starpicks properties this week, so check the list and find the destination that's calling your name.
The Life of Darwin in Toronto
Friday April 25, 2008
Of the 27 original pages of Charles Darwin's revolutionary manuscript "On the Origin of Species," only one page still exists. It's on display along with other artifacts from the naturalist's life, and exhibits explaining his theories, at the Royal Ontario Museum in Toronto, through August 4.
Darwin: The Evolution Revolution takes visitors on a journey through the scientist's career, allowing us to tag along on his five-year voyage aboard the HMS Beagle, peer through his antiquated magnifying glass, examine the blue-footed boobies, finches, and other types of birds he would have observed during his studies, and watch a pair of live giant tortoises, cousins to the ones he encountered on the Galapagos Islands, in 1831. But it also transports us to 19th century England, where we get a glimpse into Darwin's life at home with his wife Emma, and their ten children, through a recreation of the scientist's study. Here, we learn that he corresponded frequently with other scientists around the world, and discover the great apprehension and fear he experienced in the time before going public with his views of evolution. Once published, his theories did end up ruffling the sensibilities of Victorian England, as well as those of his devoutly religious wife. And though Darwin's theories continue to incite controversy today, there's one thing we can all agree on: the great naturalist would most certainly select The Westin Prince, Toronto, surrounded by 15 acres of parkland, as his home base during a visit to the city.
Starpick the Westin Harbour Castle, Toronto
Tuesday February 19, 2008
Toronto might be many miles from the ocean, but it's still very much a waterfront city. Located on the northwestern shore of Lake Ontario, Toronto is one of the jewels of the Great Lakes, and there's no shortage of things to do in this bustling metropolis of 2.5 million, from fishing and sight-seeing to dining and taking in some of the city's many cultural offerings. In celebration of winter's last gasps, consider a weekend trip to Toronto's premiere waterfront hotel. The Westin Harbour Castle, Toronto is one of this week's participating Starpicks properties, with last-minute rates of at least 20% off regular rates for stays during the next two weekends. The hotel is just minutes from the city's greatest attractions, including Toronto Antiques on King, the Princess of Wales Theatre, and the CN Tower, but there's plenty to do at this luxurious destination as well. The WestinWORKOUT Powered by Reebok Gym overlooks the picturesque Toronto Islands and provides access to a sun deck and an outdoor tennis court. The Votre-Beaute Day Spa offers pampering massages and treatments in a tranquil atmosphere with spectacular water views. And unwind ... a westin evening ritual provides an opportunity to mingle with other guests as you enjoy food, drink, and ambiance unique to Ontario. It all adds up to a blissful couple of days in one of North America's most exciting cities. New Starpicks properties are posted every Tuesday, so be sure to check the list frequently for the latest and greatest deals.
Destination Spotlight - Toronto - A Truly Musical Park
Wednesday January 23, 2008
I can't think of a lovelier place for a concert than a natural setting inspired by music. The Toronto Music Garden is based on Bach's Suite No. 1 for Unaccompanied Cello. Brilliant. Divided into six sections, one for each movement in the composition, the garden links music and horticulture seamlessly. Straight trunks of the Hackberry trees, spaced at regular intervals, represent measures. A birch forest portrays an ancient German dance called the Allemande. A poet's corner within a section called Sarabande is used for public readings. And the grace of the Menuett is realized with the steel pavilion, which houses dancers and music ensembles.
Located on the waterfront, just across the harbor from Four Points By Sheraton Toronto Lakeshore, the garden was the brainchild of renowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma, and created by landscape designer Julie Moir Messervy. From May to September, free concerts are held on the grounds, previous years have seen everything from classical, to Renaissance, to Persian, to Yiddish music. Guided tours are offered for free, or you can go about it at your own pace with a $5 audio guide which includes excerpts from Bach's baroque masterpiece. The Toronto Music Garden is an ideal spot to escape the hustle of bustling Toronto no matter what time of year. A real oasis in the metropolis.
Destination Spotlight - Toronto - Tantalizing Tastes of Asia
Wednesday January 23, 2008
Toronto has a substantial Asian community, which naturally means there is plenty of Japanese, Chinese, Thai and other Asian cuisine to be had within easy reach of The Westin Harbour Castle.
Pack into cozy Japango for modern Japanese with beautiful presentations and delicious flavors. Start with the Oysters Two Ways — the raw oyster with habanero salsa is piquant, soothed by the luscious layered shooter containing oyster, uni, tobiko and quail egg. It's just a taste of the creativity on display in the other sushi, sashimi and cooked dishes — especially if you go with the omakase, or "chef's choice," option.
For spicy Chinese, there's no better than Hot Spicy Spicy, which more than lives up to its name with fiery Szechuan dishes. On the Korean barbecue tip, New Seoul House is the place to hit. Taste T.O. has a great round-up of late-night Asian snacks, and if you're planning ahead, book for early July, when the city holds the Toronto Night Market, an homage to the night markets of Asia.
Destination Spotlight - Toronto - Majestic Casa Loma
Wednesday January 23, 2008
Europe isn't the only place with fairytale castles that enchant and inspire. The New World has its share of castles as well, and one of the best can be found near the banks of Lake Ontario in Toronto. Casa Loma is the brainchild of Sir Henry Mill Pellatt, a financier with a creative streak who decided in 1911 to build the largest private home in North America. Three years later, his 98-room masterpiece was completed, and he spent the next ten years living very much like a king. Unfortunately, financial troubles during the Great Depression forced him to leave the castle in 1923, and the architectural treasure has belonged to the city ever since. Pellatt's loss is everyone else's gain, as his former home is open to the public for tours of the castle and grounds. Casa Loma has everything you could want in a castle, including elaborately decorated suites, lookout towers, an 800-foot tunnel, and - best of all - several secret passages, because you never know when you might need to disappear in a hurry. After marveling at the labyrinth of rooms inside the house, take a look at the wide variety of trees, shrubs, perennials, and wildflowers in the five-acre garden, and the elaborate stalls for Pellatt's four-legged friends in the stables and carriage room. That's right, even the horses lived in the utmost of comfort and luxury. Guests at the nearby Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel or any of Starwood's Toronto properties might want to check out this eccentric tribute to one Canadian's imagination.
Destination Spotlight - Toronto - Cozy Wonders of Winter
Tuesday January 22, 2008
Toronto can really get freezing in winter, but that doesn’t mean you can’t indulge your cozy tooth. Cozy tooth? Yes, I’m referring to the celebration of all delicious treats to sustain maximum inner warmth. When I start feeling uncomfortably numb, there's nothing I love more than a steaming cup of hot chocolate. The metropolis of Toronto has plenty of delectable offerings in this department that will surely nourish these warm winter pleasures, and many are in close distance to the Le Méridien King Edward. js bonbons on Dupont Street showcases six different varieties of this treat - but their original spiced with cinnamon, ginger, allspice, clove, black pepper and orange zest is simply tantalizing. In the Distillery District, you will find the legendary Soma Chocolate whose thick Mayan hot chocolate is meted out in espresso size portions. It's a sweet, spicy soup that will surely defrost one's frozen lips. And so you don't freeze while on your hunt for either of these two winter treats, be sure to check out the legendary family-owned Accessories by Eva on Eglinton Avenue W for the largest selection of fitted gloves in the city. I know that your desire to satiate your taste buds often comes with some inconvenience, but we don't want any readers with frostbite!
[image via hungryinhogtown.com]
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