Find a Hotel

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.

Reel Asian Film Festival

Website: www.reelasian.com

Location: Downtown Toronto

The Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival is a unique showcase of contemporary Asian cinema and work from the Asian diaspora. Works include films and videos by East and Southeast Asian artist in Canada, the U.S., Asia and all over the world. Reel Asian has been named Toronto’s Best Small Festival by NOW Magazine: “(Reel Asian) strikes the best balance between cutting edge and community. Strong programming and deep roots attract a super-hyphenated tribe.”

The festival is Canada's premier pan-Asian international film festival, fostering the exchange of cultural and artistic ideals between east and west. It provides a public forum for homegrown Asian media artists and their work, and fuels the growing appreciation for Asian cinema in Canada.

Founded in 1997 by producer Anita Lee and journalist Andrew Sun, this non-profit community-based festival has grown into an eagerly anticipated annual event that attracts thousands of attendees to 5 frenetic days of galas, screenings, forums, workshops and parties.