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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.

Taste of Lawrence Festival

Website: www.tasteoflawrence.com

Location: Wexford heights

The Taste of Lawrence Festival (TOL) is the brainchild of Michael Thompson, City Councillor in Scarborough Centre Ward 37 where the event is held. Believing the festival would be a good way to build community spirit and raise money for local charities, Councillor Thompson worked with local businessmen Tony Kiriakou and Riyaz Kara of the Wexford Heights BIA to establish and stage the first Taste of Lawrence Festival in 2004. The organizing team, which expected 3,000 visitors, were delighted when than 12,000 attended. Since then, TOL has evolved into one of Toronto's signature events, attracting over 180,000 people from communities throughout the Greater Toronto Area and beyond. TOL celebrates the cultural diversity of Toronto and the GTA by showcasing the unique cuisine, music, performers, vendors, retailers and community groups. People come for the food, the entertainment, the party atmosphere, and to have a great time with family and friends, making the street festival one of the most colourful and diverse events in the city.