InterContinental Toronto Centre

The InterContinental makes the most of its space by opening up the lobby, bar, and dining rooms with vaulted ceilings and futurist, hanging lights. The spaciousness is refreshing and inviting rather than extravagant, and extends to the deeper party of the lobby and hallways, opening the entire floor in a circular manner to surround the escalators. There is a business-y feel to the vast lobby and hotel in general, not surprising given its towering stature and connection to the local convention center. But in spite of their size, space, and slick feel, rooms are plush and comfortable, the Club Lounge is warm and inviting, and the spa is a quiet retreat.

The hotel is on Front Street, one of the busiest streets in the city for tourists and commuters alike. With the convention center attached, there's always hubbub in and around the hotel, and many downtown attractions are just steps away. Toronto’s landmark, the CN Tower, is around the corner and Ripley’s Aquarium and Rogers Centre are both less than a 10-minute walk away. Union Station is also a few minutes' walk down the street, providing subway access to every part of downtown within 30 minutes, and train service to other cities. Gardiner Expressway is just south of the hotel, making car travel seamless.

The InterContinental has 586 guestrooms and suites, all equipped with large, comfortable beds with soft down pillows, modern light fixtures and lamps, big flat-screen TVs, enormous windows, Keurig coffeemakers, and plenty of floor space. Still, though comfortable, the rooms lack character and have virtually no decorations. The bathrooms are equally devoid of personality, although they are equipped with extra accessories such as scales and magnifying mirrors. The higher rooms in particular have wonderful waterfront views; Lake Ontario is even visible from the top floor. Although there’s noise and activity going on in and around the hotel at all times, rooms are relatively quiet.

The 8,000-square-foot spa and its multitudes of facials, massages, and body treatments is the hotel’s outstanding amenity. The large pool, partially surrounded by glass, and enormous lobby, with the vast and open Azure Restaurant & Bar, are also high on the list. There’s a massive event space with ballrooms and meeting rooms, a 24-hour business space offering executive floors and suites, and private limo and secretarial services. The gift shop is also well-stocked with everything from ties to cards and souvenirs. And kids are catered to as well with welcome gifts and a weekend play area.