Embassy Suites by Hilton Toronto Airport

The 12-floor red brick exterior of the Quality Suites Toronto Airport is standard in appearance. But guests -- most of whom are families, couples, and business travelers -- typically stay here for the budget prices and close airport proximity, not for the interior or exterior designs. Wooden details around the front desk add a professional air to the lobby, but dated furniture in the lounge feels old-fashioned. Most hallways feature striped wallpaper and brown pattered carpeting. 

The hotel is located seven minutes by car, or via the free 24-hour shuttle, from the Toronto Pearson International Airport, making it convenient for travelers who are on a layover. Located beside the Royal Woodbine Golf Club, Quality Suites is in a quiet area with other airport hotels and a few casual restaurants on Dixon Road. The International Centre is a 10-minute drive. It’s easy with a car to explore Toronto since the Ontario Highway 427, 409, and Macdonald-Cartier Freeway surround the hotel. Shopping on Queen Street West is a 25-minute drive. The OLG Slots at Woodbine Racetrack is 30-minutes away by car. Downtown is a 24-minute drive. It’s a 20-minute drive to the Entertainment District, with the CN Tower, Ripley’s Aquarium, and Canada’s Walk of Fame. Getting to Toronto Islands by car and ferry takes about an hour.

With a mix of furnishings in a pale and neutral color palette, the guest rooms give a homey feeling. Dated and sometimes worn decor is a bit of an eyesore, however. Rooms are spacious and have sitting areas with sofa beds. One- and two-bedroom options come with separate living rooms that can be closed off by French doors. Features in each room vary. Most rooms have mini-fridges, plus microwaves and coffeemakers on wet bars. Other upgraded options have dining rooms and/or kitchens. All rooms have flat-screen or tube TVs, free Wi-Fi, and irons/ironing boards. Smoking rooms and ADA-compliant rooms are available. White tiled bathrooms are basic in appearance, offering shower/tub combos, hairdryers, and basic toiletries.

For a smaller hotel, this property offers a nice selection of casual amenities. Graffiti's Italian Eatery & Saloon is an eclectically designed restaurant with Italian flags, murals, and lights strung from the industrial ceilings. The fitness center is basic, offering free weights and cardio machines that are crowded around a flat-screen TV. There’s a small laundry room and gift shop jam-packed with souvenirs, sundries, and snacks. An ATM machine is in the hallway, and business services can be requested at the front desk. A PC computer and printer are in the lobby and there are four meeting rooms on-site, fitting between 12 to 207 people. The free airport shuttle service runs 24 hours a day. The hotel offers various packages, including the Stay & Fly with free parking for as many as eight days.