Homewood Suites by Hilton Toronto Airport Corporate Centre

From its outer appearance, the hotel looks much a standard chain hotel with an outdoor parking lot at the front. Inside there’s a family-friendly atmosphere. The spacious lobby features traditional furniture, sleek floors with marble accents, and boxy light fixtures. Details like wingback chairs, tray ceilings, and landscape paintings add an upscale touch. Two modern elevators service all seven floors. Warm furnishings, fireplaces, and plenty of seating in the breakfast lounge invite socializing, especially during the evening socials that offer free dinners Monday through Thursday. The hotel mainly attracts families, but business travelers are also lured by its location and work-friendly facilities.

Located on a four-lane road in a fairly quiet area, the hotel is near corporations and a few other hotels, including the Hampton Inn by Hilton Toronto Airport, which shares the parking lot and indoor pool. The Centennial Park Golf Centre is beside the hotel and there are few restaurants on Eglington Avenue, but in general it’s not a walkable area. The hotel offers a free shuttle to the airport, which is 12 minutes away, and service within a five-mile radius (or eight kilometers). Conference space at the International Centre is 30 minutes by car. The Rattray Marsh Conservation Area in Mississauga takes 30 minutes, and the Square One Shopping Centre is 20 minutes away. Toronto’s CN Tower, Rogers Centre, Steam Whistle Brewing, and Ripley’s Aquarium are 25 minutes by car. Toronto Islands are an hour by car and ferry. Downtown Toronto is a 30-minute drive.

Well-kept and traditionally furnished Studios and One- and Two-Bedrooms are welcoming, with blue-and-cream furnishings, warm-wood tones, and wood laminate flooring or carpeting, though the granite countertops and veneer cabinets detract from its elegance. Studios have open layouts with sitting areas by beds, and Two Bedrooms include two bathrooms. Homey conveniences add to the warm atmosphere, including sofa beds in living rooms and kitchens with coffeemakers, toasters, refrigerators, dishwashers, microwaves, and two-burner stovetops. Potted succulent plants add a cute, cozy touch. All rooms feature one to three flat-screen TVs, writing desks, AC, MP3 alarms, irons/ironing boards, and safes. Bathrooms are a bit dated but include ample vanity space, Neutrogena toiletries, hairdryers, and walk-in showers or shower/tub combos.

The welcoming breakfast room in the hotel’s lobby features wooden tables and chairs, fireplaces, newspapers, and an elegant kitchen with a buffet. (Breakfast is included in room rates.) Outside is a patio and a mini-golf green. The well-maintained indoor pool is shared with the neighboring Hampton Inn, so it can get crowded. On the deck are plastic patio chairs, fresh towels, and windows that look into the modern gym, with cardio machines, free weights, and other workout equipment. For meetings, there are five rooms that can be rented out, fitting up to 152 people. Catering can be requested. Open 24-hours, the business center has three PC computers and a printer. Wi-Fi is free throughout. Families can borrow cribs, high chairs, playpens, and children's movies from the hotel. An on-site market is open 24 hours a day, selling snacks, microwaveable meals, sundries, and cold drinks. The hotel also has a free grocery delivery service and a shuttle that takes guest to the airport or around a five-mile radius of Homewood Suites.