by Audrina Kingston

Created on: April 30, 2008

The number of budget hotels built in Toronto over the last few years is staggering. Not that long ago the stalwart Toronto hotels seemed to predominate - The King Edward, The Royal York, and the Westin Harbour Castle. These are all premier hotels, and extremely expensive.

In recent years, a slew of very good budget accommodations have sprung up in the downtown core. This is good news for tourists coming to the city for business or pleasure. Special events like Caribana (an annual Caribbean carnival festivity) and the very popular Toronto Film Festival always attract large crowds, many of who prefer budget accommodations.

If you're looking into cheaper options to the pricey grand hotels, here are some of Toronto's best deals:

Wellesley Manor Boutique Hotel
http://wellesleymanor.ca
Rates: $99 - $119 per night.

Wellesley Manor is a pleasant alternative to the usual, traditional hotel chains. With only 11 rooms at Wellesley Manor, the ambiance here is personal, warm, and intimate.

What you won't find at Wellesley are loud, brightly colored floral bedspreads with matching curtains. Instead, rooms are more stylish than expected and richly decorated with classical Victorian accents. An added bonus for guests' is that each room is fitted with convenient modern amenities:

* Ensuite bathrooms.
* 27" LCD TV.
* DVD player.
* Voicemail.
* High-speed internet.
* Refrigerator and coffeemaker.
* Luxury bedding.

The comfortable 3-storey manor is across the street from Wellesley subway. Guests can mix and mingle with the in-crowd along Yonge Street (pronounced young). Or they may enjoy browsing the neighborhood's numerous dollar stores, souvenir shops, restaurants and cafes. Popular tourist attractions are also nearby.

Grange Hotel.
www.grangehotel.com
Rates: under $100 per night.

All units at the modern Grange Hotel are studio apartments with kitchenettes and private bathrooms. Studios are standard with 2 double beds, cable tv, and a phone. Singles and couples should find the space adequate and comfortable.

Amenities at Grange are modest but overall the hotel is a good value for the money. Traditionally, budget hotels offer just basic services. Grange, however, has kicked things up a notch by providing some savvy complimentary services: concierge and wireless internet. Staff also provides free toiletries and daily housekeeping.

Parking is available, but with a surcharge. All six floors have coin-operated laundry rooms.

Grange is quite near to Toronto's Chinatown neighborhood and the bustling Kensington

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>