4 Star Hotels in Toronto

Most popular areas in Toronto for 4-star hotels

Sprawling from the buzzing harborsides of Lake Ontario to happening suburbs in the north and west, Toronto is a fine city for travelers in search of a fusion of action, adventure, culture, and comfort. No wonder there are oodles of 4-star hotels peppering Old Toronto, with their shimmering modernist come Art Deco styles. Nearby, countless others offer access to the glitzy theaters, hockey arenas, and nightlife of the Entertainment District, while a peppering of residences in North York means off-the-beaten-track comfort close to the artsy and cultural hub of town.

Top 4-star hotels in Toronto

Located between the glassy skyscrapers of Old Toronto, in a glorious display of classic Chateau-style architecture, The Fairmont Royal York remains one of the city's most iconic hotels. Its 4-star highlights include plush suites, a grand piano in the lobby, and an indoor pool. A little to the north and regal mahogany lobbies, soaring gyms, and hot tubs with views over the city beckon travelers to the luxurious Cambridge Suites. And in between the two comes the swinging chandeliers of the One King West Hotel – a lofty residence with limo services and fitness center.

Where to find the best restaurants in Toronto

A multicultural hubbub of Italian delis and earthy Greek tavernas, American burger joints and Francophone fine dining makes Toronto's gastronomy a real standout in North America. Make a beeline for the revived Historic Distillery District, where the hops are fermented in old copper casks and tapas and wines flow from the bars. Or, opt for a pre-show meal amidst the theaters of the Entertainment District – expect experimental fusions of Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and oriental fare. Meanwhile, the boho area of West Queen West bursts with the scents of American BBQ and Canadian classics.

The most popular things to do in Toronto

First thing's first in Toronto: get acquainted with the city's handsome veneer by flitting between its great architectural musts. There's the Gothic Revival turrets and crenulations of the Casa Loma in the north, the needle-like CN Tower in the center, and the redbrick factories of the Distillery District – now undergoing a hipster-lead renaissance. After that, why not get a feel for the Torontonian obsession with the silver screen. Cinemas like Bloor Hot Docs and The Royal are nothing short of legendary – thanks, in part, to the Toronto International Film Festival of September. Oh, and it wouldn't really be Canada without at least a sampling of hockey, which means that Hockey Hall of Fame should be somewhere on the menu, between your bouts of bouillabaisse and microbrews – 2 other great fortes of Toronto.

Best ways to get around Toronto

Riding the rattling trams of Toronto can be an experience in itself, and a great way to see the heart of Old Toronto. However, with the onset of rush hour, these lines can get clogged. When that happens, be sure to take to the underground metro system, which has major interchanges at Bloor-Yonge and St. George. Renting a bicycle is another fine way to see the city, and there are public rides available around town.