Almost a destination in itself because of its huge convention center and scenic location, this is one of the largest hotels in Canada. The landmark twin towers, joined by vast public areas and a parking lot, face the lake but are beyond easy walking distance of the city center, which keeps most guests on the premises. With its lakeside location, this hotel has more of a resort atmosphere than the Hilton, Marriott or Sheraton, but the bulk of the business here comes from meetings and conventions, as at the competition.
A covered drive leads to a massive lobby awash in marble, Oriental rugs, antiques and muted earthy tones. Guests relax in modern sitting areas featuring leather chairs and comfortable private nooks that look out at the lake and Toronto Island (though healthy foliage lessens the view each year).
A Starbucks coffee counter in the lobby emits wonderful aromas and bean-grinding clatter throughout the space. The popular Mizzen restaurant serves its signature pan-seared Atlantic salmon and flame-grilled top sirloin steak. The revolving rooftop Toula Dining Room and Bar offers what some say are the best views of the city skyline and Italian cuisine in Toronto. Both rooms have a dress code. The Chartroom lobby lounge offers afternoon snacks, coffee, cocktails and nightly entertainment.
Active guests enjoy the health club, sunlit indoor pool, whirlpool, sauna, squash court, full-service spa and outdoor tennis court. Runner's World Maps are also available to guests. They feature three-mile and five-mile walking and jogging routes from the hotel through the city.
From the Metropolitan Grand Ballroom to the elegant Regatta Room, overlooking Lake Ontario, this hotel can accommodate a small group of 10, a gala dinner of 2,000, a summit of 3,000, and everything in between. Joined by a glass-enclosed walkway, 68,000 sq ft of meeting space is available. A fully equipped business center, an in-house audiovisual company and convention services add convenience for business travelers.Guests must use valets to park on-site.
Guest rooms are somewhat small, but cozy. Most offer breathtaking views of Lake Ontario. All are decked out in bright nautical colors. South Tower rooms are equipped with individually controlled air-conditioning, desks, minibars, high-speed Internet access (for a fee) and coffeemakers. They have double or king beds, irons and ironing boards, and small, tiled baths with hair dryers, aromatherapy toiletries, power showers, Egyptian cotton bath sheets and phones with data ports. One floor in the South Tower houses Westin's trademark Guest Office rooms with business-oriented features.
North Tower rooms boast the same amenities but benefit from a recent renovation modernizing them to futuristic standards with hip flat-screen TVs on armoirs, stylish lamps, reupholstered armchairs, fresh carpeting, cool-colored drapery, and gracious mahogany desks and counter space. All have wall-to-wall windows and the chain's super-comfortable beds with pillow-top mattresses, crisp triple sheets, down duvets and pillows. Traditionalists opt for the South Tower, but Westin regulars and business travelers will feel most at home in the North Tower.
Room service is always on call, and the Heavenly Dog Bed is available for Fido. Some rooms are wheelchair accessible. The entire property is smoke-free. The staff at this admirably equipped hotel benefits from superior training and irons out wrinkles as they occur. Though The Westin Harbour Castle does not reach the upscale levels of its sibling, The Westin Prince, it has the more scenic location. This is one of Toronto's leading hotels, and it competes formidably with the Intercontinental Toronto Centre.
