Recently in Toronto Category

At long last, summer has finally arrived, and if you're searching for destination ideas for your first getaway this season, may we recommend a jaunt up to Toronto? This vibrant metropolis on the shores of Lake Ontario is brimming with life during the warm weather months, with sidewalk cafes, urban parks, and scores of cultural events providing visitors with endless ways to while away the time. As it happens, the Westin Prince, 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. Start your summer off with a bang with a visit to the Royal Ontario Museum - Canada's largest museum - or a trip up to the observation deck of the CN Tower, the highest completed tower in the world. Peruse the upscale shops at Hazelton Lanes, or laugh until your belly aches at a Second City performance, where the current and future stars of comedy and improv present their latest material. But do save some time to explore the hotel, which sits on 15 acres of magnificent parkland, with tennis courts, an outdoor pool (pictured), and wooded walking paths. When dinnertime rolls around, feast on continental cuisine at Seasons at the Prince restaurant, or enjoy Japanese specialties at the Katsura Restaurant, with special tapanyaki tables that add a theatrical element to the dining experience. Of course, the Westin Prince is just one of dozens of Starpicks properties this week, so check the list for the destination of your dreams.

Toronto is Canada's most cosmopolitan city, drawing millions of travelers each year to enjoy its many museums, parks, and cultural landmarks. With summer just around the corner, there's no better time than now for a visit to the the center of Canada's Golden Horseshoe, especially when there are great offers to be had on premier hotels. That's right, Le Méridien King Edward 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 it won't take much to escape to this jewel of a city on Lake Ontario. Nestled in Toronto's financial district, the hotel is a half block from the subway and walking distance from attractions like the CN Tower, the Royal Ontario Museum, and the Hockey Hall of Fame, where fans can check out hockey memorabilia and swoon at a replica of the Stanley Cup. After an active day of sightseeing in this eminently walkable city, guests can soothe their weary muscles at the chic European-inspired Nouvelle Maria Spa and Salon on the hotel's mezzanine level, followed by a meal of seasonal cuisine made from local ingredients at Victoria's restaurant, where fine artwork adorns the walls. It's an elegant way to end the perfect day. New Starpicks properties are posted every Tuesday, so check the list to find the destination of your desires.

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.

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.