Planning a trip to Toronto but not sure where to stay?
I know how confusing it can be because there are so many hotel options. During my trips to Toronto, I ended up staying at three different hotels for different reasons! two in downtown Toronto and one at Toronto Pearson Airport.
Since I got to experience all three myself, I thought it would be helpful to compare them in one post. Hopefully, this makes choosing your hotel a little easier.
If you’re curious about my detailed review for each hotel, just click the text below!!
The hotels I stayed at were:
- Holiday Inn Toronto Downtown Centre
- Courtyard by Marriott Toronto Downtown
- Sheraton Gateway Hotel Toronto International Airport
I genuinely enjoyed staying at all of them, but if I were going back to Toronto tomorrow, I already know which one I’d book.
*Quick Comparison
| Hotel | Best For | Would I Stay Again? | My Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🥇 Holiday Inn Toronto Downtown Centre | First-time visitors, solo travelers, World Cup visitors | Absolutely | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| 🥈 Courtyard by Marriott Toronto Downtown | Couples, families, Marriott Bonvoy members | Yes | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ |
| 🥉 Sheraton Gateway Toronto Airport | Layovers, early flights, late arrivals | Yes (for airport stays) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
One thing worth mentioning before we get into the details:
Although I ranked Sheraton third overall, it would easily become my number one choice if I had a late-night arrival, an overnight layover, or an early morning flight.
The best hotel really depends on what kind of trip you’re planning.
🥇 Holiday Inn Toronto Downtown Centre — My Favorite Overall
If I go back to Toronto, I’d honestly book this hotel again.
Before arriving, I wasn’t expecting much since it’s officially a 3-star hotel. But after checking in, it felt much nicer than I expected. The room was cozy, clean, and had small touches like bathrobes and slippers that made it feel a little more premium.
The biggest reason I’d stay here again is the location.
College Station is just a short walk away, and I was able to walk to Eaton Centre, Yonge Street, St. Lawrence Market, and plenty of restaurants without relying much on public transportation.
For me, it just felt like the best overall choice in terms of location, comfort, and price.
If you’re visiting Toronto for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, I’d also recommend staying downtown rather than near BMO Field. Getting to the stadium is still easy, and you’ll have much more to do before and after the match.
✨ Read my full Holiday Inn Toronto Downtown Centre Review
✨ Check Rates & Availability on Expedia
✨ Check Rates & Availability on TRIP.COM
🥈 Courtyard by Marriott Toronto Downtown — Great for Couples or Families
Courtyard by Marriott had the biggest room of the three hotels I stayed at.
If you’re traveling with your partner, family, or simply have a lot of luggage, I think you’ll appreciate the extra space.
Location-wise, it’s very similar to Holiday Inn. Restaurants, supermarkets, cafés, and public transportation are all within walking distance, so getting around the city is easy.
To be honest, you can’t really go wrong with either Holiday Inn or Courtyard.
If both hotels were around the same price, I’d probably choose Holiday Inn because I personally liked the atmosphere a little more.
But if Courtyard happens to be cheaper for your travel dates, I’d happily book it instead.
👉 Read my full Courtyard by Marriott Toronto Downtown Review
✨ Check Rates & Availability on Expedia
✨ Check Rates & Availability on TRIP.COM
🥉 Sheraton Gateway Hotel Toronto Airport — The Best Airport Hotel
Sheraton Gateway is a different type of hotel altogether.
I wouldn’t choose it for sightseeing, but if your trip revolves around the airport, it’s hard to beat.
The hotel is connected directly to Toronto Pearson Airport, so after collecting my luggage, I simply walked to the lobby. After a long flight, not having to wait for a shuttle or taxi was honestly the best part.
The room was modern, quiet, and surprisingly relaxing, even though it overlooked the runway.
Although I ranked Sheraton third overall, it would instantly become my first choice if I had an overnight layover or an early flight the next morning.
For sightseeing, though, I’d still recommend staying downtown.
👉 Read my full Sheraton Gateway Toronto Airport Review
✨ Check Rates & Availability on Expedia
✨ Check Rates & Availability on TRIP.COM
*My Biggest Toronto Tip
If it’s your first time visiting Toronto, here’s one thing I’d recommend.
Don’t book a hotel near Niagara Falls just because you plan to visit the falls.
I’d actually stay in downtown Toronto instead and join a day tour.
That’s what I did, and it made everything much easier.
Most Niagara Falls tours offer pickup from downtown Toronto, so you can spend the day at the falls and still come back to Toronto in the evening to enjoy the city.
Unless you’re planning to stay overnight in Niagara Falls, I think staying downtown is the better option.
👉 Read my Niagara Falls Day Tour Review
* Which Hotel Should You Choose?
Choose Holiday Inn Toronto Downtown Centre if you:
✔ It’s your first time visiting Toronto.
✔ You’re traveling solo.
✔ You want the best value for money.
✔ You’re visiting during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Choose Courtyard by Marriott Toronto Downtown if you:
✔ You’re traveling with your partner or family.
✔ You prefer a larger room.
✔ You’re a Marriott Bonvoy member.
✔ You find a better price than Holiday Inn.
Choose Sheraton Gateway Toronto Airport if you:
✔ You have a late-night arrival.
✔ You have an overnight layover.
✔ You have an early morning flight.
✔ You want to stay right at Toronto Pearson Airport.
Frequently Asked Question
Is it better to stay in downtown Toronto or near Toronto Pearson Airport?
If you’re visiting Toronto to explore the city, I’d definitely recommend staying downtown.
Airport hotels are incredibly convenient when you have an early flight or a layover, but for sightseeing, downtown is the better base.
Final Thoughts
After staying at all three hotels, this would be my personal ranking:
🥇 Holiday Inn Toronto Downtown Centre
🥈 Courtyard by Marriott Toronto Downtown
🥉 Sheraton Gateway Toronto Airport
That said, I don’t think there’s one “perfect” hotel for everyone.
If I were traveling alone or visiting Toronto for sightseeing, I’d book Holiday Inn again without thinking twice.
If I were traveling with family or friends, I’d probably consider Courtyard for the extra space.
And if my trip was all about catching a flight, Sheraton Gateway would easily be my first choice.
Hopefully, this comparison helps you decide which hotel fits your trip best.
Happy travels! 🇨🇦
Just a heads up: some of the links in this post are affiliate links. If you make a purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no absolute extra cost to you. This helps support the site and keeps my travel guides free for everyone. As always, all opinions and honest reviews here are 100% my own!