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The City Has Everything

When visiting any large city there are always lots of activities to see and do. If you have chosen a downtown hotel then you are close to the action, and if you are staying at an airport hotel then the action is a short drive from your hotel.

One of the nice things about staying in a hotel is that every hotel, regardless of if it is a downtown hotel, a boutique hotel, an airport hotel, chain hotel or independent hotel, is that there is usually a hotel concierge who can assist you in planning your stay. Additionally, pretty much every hotel has a hotel information kiosk which has information about events and attractions near the hotel you are staying in. Many hotels also provide an attractions map upon check in and show the distance from the hotel to the hot spots.

For those who want to get an overview of the city, it is best to check with the hotel staff as many of the hotels are on a city tour bus route which will pick up passengers right in front of their hotel. If you are visiting on business, many hotels will offer shuttle service to convention centres, and if a hotel hosts a large convention, often there will be a dedicated conference representative in the hotel lobby.

With museums, theatres, shopping, dining and attractions, the best person to get your information from is the hotel concierge or any hotel staff member. As they are from the area, they know the city best. When it comes to dining, a hotel staff member would be able to guide you to some lesser known restaurants near the hotel which may not necessarily be well known, but offer great experiences. Hotel staff can also tell you where all the best shopping deals are close to the hotel. Never be afraid to ask a hotel staff member for their recommendations as they are the ones who know the area around the hotel the best.

Exploring new cities and destinations are what makes a trip more memorable. Venture outside the hotel’s doors and find a world waiting for you. Why dine in the hotel restaurant, when you can explore the local flavors of the city which can be just around the corner from the hotel. And remember, Guide books can only tell you so much, but a hotel employee who has worked and lived near the hotel can offer more information and reveal hidden secrets to the area the hotel is in, so when you arrive, make sure you introduce yourself to the hotel staff and enjoy your stay.

2010 Dragon Boat Race Festival

Website: www.dragonboats.com

Location: Toronto Island

The Toronto International Dragon Boat Race Festival taking place on June 19 & 20, 2010, is organized by the Toronto Chinese Business Association, a long-established, prestigious not-for-profit community business organization. It was founded in 1972, to promote the social, cultural and the economic well-being of Chinese Canadians and the understanding of Chinese culture and traditions.

The Festival, which started in 1989, turned international in 1993. From the humble beginning with only 27 teams participating in the first festival back in the summer of 1989 - in the past several years, it has reached the full capacity in managing the event consisting of 180 teams with over 5,000 athletes participating in the Festival.

The Festival welcomes teams from other provinces across Canada and from the U.S., Europe and Asia.

As the Festival enters its 22nd year in 2010 it will continue to be one of the most exciting summer events in Canada. It combines culture and sports with ethnic group performances and more than 180 teams competing the races. Meeting all expectations in 2008, attendance at the Toronto International Dragon Boat Race Festival once again soared past the 120,000 mark to make it one of the most popular summer festivals in Toronto.