Chelsea Hotel Toronto

It might not look like much from the outside, but this huge tower in the heart of downtown is a vacation in and of itself for families, offering welcome packages to children ages seven and younger and a roundup of activities ranging from puzzle making to movie night. The venue even has live bunnies to pet. (That’s right, bunnies.)

The lobby is airy, open, and marked with several entry points and an extremely well-stocked gift shop. Meanwhile, the Family Fun Zone looks like a cross between a water park and kindergarten classroom with its large indoor pool and winding water slide as well as a room with little tables and chairs for arts and crafts. A fish tank and the aforementioned bunny cage are on hand as well.

The business scene, with its convention center, two ballrooms, and business center, is on par with the finest spaces you’d find at a large Hilton or Marriott. And floor number 27 is the adult playground: equipped with a massive fitness center and whirlpool, adults-only pool, and a rooftop lounge and deck overlooking the city. Monarchs Pub is also a happening place. The walls are lined with pennants and sports memorabilia and a lively crowd teeming around the center circle bar.

Chelsea Hotel, Toronto is just over a five-minute walk from the Toronto Eaton Centre shopping mall, with Ryerson University across the street and Queen's Park a few blocks away. Smack in the middle of Yonge -- one of Toronto’s busiest streets -- the hotel is surrounded by shops and restaurants. The Royal Ontario Museum, CN Tower, and Art Gallery of Ontario are 15-30 minutes away for those who want to explore the area by foot, and there are two subway stations close by, giving you easy access to a range of Toronto attractions.Pearson International Airport is around 45 minutes west by car. The hotel charges daily for parking.

There are a whopping 1,590 rooms inside Chelsea Hotel, and while they're modern and comfortable, some are beginning to show their age and the decor is nothing special. The upper-tier Club Rooms do have cushier bedding, modern furniture, and plush bathrooms along with access to the E Club Lounge for free breakfast and evening snacks. Most rooms come with a small, somewhat dingy balcony with spectacular views of downtown, particularly from higher floors. Modern comforts include flat-screen TVs, kettles with tea and coffee, and free spotty Wi-Fi. Most bathrooms have shower/tub combinations and long vanities with single sinks. Pharmacopia toiletries are a nice touch. Carpeting needs to be replaced throughout the hotel.

A multitude of features are the best selling point at the Chelsea Hotel, particularly where children are concerned. With the large arcade room, swimming pool with a water park-caliber slide, movie night, arts and crafts, and day camps offering day trips, kids may never want to leave. For grownups, a range of offerings like the live music at Monarchs Pub, the adults-only indoor pool, and the spacious fitness area also makes the venue inviting. The convention center -- with two huge ballrooms, boardrooms, and business suites -- is ideal for major events. Guests receive discounted tickets to the aquarium and other local attractions.

There are several restaurants within walking distance, but the hotel has all the dining bases covered. Breakfast is free for Club Room guests (served in the E Club Lounge). Monarchs Pub serves brews and late-night meals. TBar in the lobby serves an Indian food lunch buffet, weekend brunch, and cocktails. Market Garden and express|o Coffee Bar is a convenient spot to get freshly prepared salads, baked goods, and pizzas. Enjoy it on-the-go or on the outdoor patio.