The Pond: A year-round heated rooftop pool with skyline views
10XTO: A 90,000 sq ft athletic club that puts standard hotel gyms to shame
Proximity to Billy Bishop Airport and Exhibition Place events
Quick Take: Itโs a glitzy, isolated urban resort that feels more like Miami than Toronto, perfect for drivers and event-goers but frustrating for pedestrians.
Reviewed by @krasiworld:ย I spent the weekend feeling like royalty here. The sunset views from my room were incredible, but the heated rooftop pool stole the show. Itโs the perfect spot to unwind while still feeling the energy of Toronto. Definitely my new favorite city escape.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
The hype
Guests are obsessed with the rooftop pool and the views, but many find the location inconvenient for exploring the city.
Reality check
The 'soundproof' windows struggle against the highway sirens and racetrack noise, and the elevators can be painfully slow during peak times.
You are in town for a TFC game, concert, or trade show at Exhibition Place
You prioritize a world-class gym and tennis courts over walking to dinner
You want a 'staycation' vibe with a pool scene rather than a city exploration base
Cleanliness & Maintenance
9
Housekeeping: Daily service is standard. Most guests report spotless rooms, though occasional 'missed spot' complaints exist.
Bathroom hygiene: Sparkling. High-pressure showers and deep soaker tubs are regularly praised.
Maintenance: New property feel. Everything works, though elevator wait times suggest a capacity issue.
Linens & towels: Premium quality. Egyptian cotton sheets and plush robes are a highlight.
Odors & scents: Fresh, signature 'Verbena' scent from L'Occitane toiletries. No musty smells reported.
Sleepabilityโข
6.5MODERATE
MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
Gardiner Expressway traffic (racing cars, sirens)
Concerts at Budweiser Stage (summer)
CNE / Honda Indy noise (seasonal)
Before you book
Good to know
The hotel shuttle runs to Union Station and Billy Bishop Airport, but it's first-come, first-served.
Pool access is for registered guests only; you may need to book a 2-hour slot during peak summer weekends.
Check-in time moved to 4:00 PM as of Jan 2025.
What to pack
Gym gear: The 10XTO facility is serious (squash, tennis, weights) and worth using.
Earplugs: Essential if you end up on a lower floor or during a race weekend.
Swimsuit: The rooftop pool is heated and open year-round.
Room Genie
Best picks
Corner Suites (01 or 02 series) for the best dual-aspect views of the lake and city
High-floor 'Premium' rooms to minimize highway noise
Rooms to avoid
Low floors facing the Gardiner Expressway (north view) if you hate traffic noise
Rooms facing the CNE grounds during the Ex (late August) unless you want to hear the midway
Room Request Genie โ copy & paste
โI am a light sleeper and would appreciate a room on a high floor (20+), ideally facing the Lake (South) to minimize noise from the Gardiner Expressway.โ
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is there a resort fee?
No explicit resort fee is currently listed, but a 'Destination Fee' is common with this brand, so check your final breakdown. Expect a $250/night credit card hold.
Is the pool open in winter?
Yes, 'The Pond' is heated year-round and partially indoor/outdoor, making it usable even in Toronto's freeze.
Can I walk to the CN Tower?
Not easily. It's about a 30-40 minute walk through some industrial/parking areas. Better to take the shuttle or an Uber.
Is breakfast included?
No. A full breakfast at the restaurant costs around $26, and even a pot of coffee is ~$11.
Is it pet friendly?
Yes, but with a steep fee: ~$100 CAD per stay/week, max 25 lbs.
How is the parking?
Expensive. Self-parking is ~$35/night and Valet is ~$50/night. The garage is secure underground.
Insider Tips
โจ
The 'Library Club' lounge access (if you book a club room) offers continental breakfast and evening hors d'oeuvres, which can offset the high food costs.
โจ
Walk 10 minutes north to Liberty Village for much better and cheaper coffee (Balzac's) and brunch (School) than the hotel offers.
โจ
The hotel has a private screening room; ask the concierge if any movies are playing during your stay.
5 things to know before you go
๐กThe elevators can be notoriously slow, especially when a wedding or event is letting out.
๐กThe 'lake view' often includes a view of the Billy Bishop airport runwayโgreat for plane spotters, noisy for others.
๐กYou are technically on the CNE grounds, meaning during the fair (Aug), you are inside the gates.
๐กThe glass-walled event rooms have terrible acoustics, making conversation difficult during parties.
๐กRoom service has a 'delivery fee' plus a 'service charge' plus tax, nearly doubling the menu price.
Local Playbook
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