Top 10 cheap hotels in Toronto

Methodology

To select the best cheap hotels in Toronto we focused on price range, which we ascertained by selecting a variety of dates throughout the year, focusing on dates in low season (February) and high season (July). Note that this is why the price range we specify can vary significantly. Prices are always higher in high season, and what would not be considered a bargain in low season (such as $400 a night) is in fact a good deal during high season. For this reason, it’s always important to consider visiting Toronto during the off season if you’re looking for the absolute best prices for accommodation. Furthermore, the price you’re quoted for a room can also depend heavily on how far ahead you book.

But price was not our only consideration of course. We also prioritized safety and location, picking only cheap Toronto hotels that are well situated and that are a close walk or quick subway ride to popular attractions. We also considered room comfort and amenities when making our final choices of the best affordable hotels.

Novotel Toronto Centre

• Price range (varies by season): $150 to $400
• Location: St Lawrence Neighbourhood (near famous St. Lawrence market, it’s considered one of the best food markets in Canada)
• Main amenities: Good location, on-site restaurant, fitness centre and indoor pool

In the heart of Old Toronto and close to beloved St. Lawrence Market and the CN Tower,  this four-star hotel is just a 10-minute walk from Union Station. Recently renovated, the property offers a variety of room types that will suit a solo traveler or those with big families in tow. Guests can take advantage of a renovated fitness center, an indoor pool and hot tub, and dine at in-house restaurant, Café Nicole Bistro + Bar. The hotel is also pet friendly (for a fee).

Gladstone House

• Price range (varies by season): $150 to $400
• Location: Queen West neighbourhood, known for its funky vibe, hipster hang-outs and good mix of big brands and locally-owned boutique shops
• Main amenities: Popular location, trendy vibe, art displays, fitness centre and restaurant

This historic three-star boutique hotel may be small in size but it’s certainly big in personality. The property prides itself on promoting local and Canadian artists with permanent and temporary art installations, as well as one-of-a-kind art works in every suite. Exposed brick walls, hardwood floors and clean lines create an appealing aesthetic. This is a good spot for those who like to shop and who want to tap into Toronto’s creative spirit.

Sonder at The Beverley

• Price range (varies by season): $160 to $300
• Location: Bustling Queen West neighbourhood
• Main amenities: Clean stylish rooms and a prime location in one of the city’s most popular neighbourhoods

This stylish boutique hotel is at the heart of hip Queen Street West and is also within walking distance from the Art Gallery of Ontario and Nathan Phillips Square. Small, chic rooms are cozy and clean and the staff are friendly. There is presently no on-site restaurant but the seasonally opened rooftop terrace offers nice views. Note that some basic rooms don’t have windows and pets aren’t permitted.

Chelsea Hotel

• Price range (varies by season): $149 to $350
• Location: Downtown Toronto
• Main amenities: Central location, adult-only and family pool (as well as activity centre for kids and teens) outdoor deck with amazing city views

While rooms can feel a little dated (though executive rooms have been recently updated), the location in the heart of Toronto is hard to beat. A great pick for families, the hotel has a family pool that comes complete with a waterslide, as well as a kids’ centre and even a teen lounge. There’s also several on-site eateries, a deck on the 27th floor with stunning views, a fitness centre, male and female saunas and an adult pool.

Holiday Inn Toronto Downtown Centre

• Price range (varies by season): $140 to $360
• Location: Downtown Toronto with easy subway access to numerous attractions
• Main amenities: Right next to College Subway Station, all-day restaurant, fitness centre and indoor pool

Centrally located in downtown Toronto, this basic but renovated and comfortable three-star hotel is less than a 10-minute walk to shopaholic-haven the Eaton Centre. The family-friendly hotel lets children aged 11 and under eat for free as long as they order from the kids’ menu, and up to two kids 18 and under can stay for free.

Holiday Inn Express Toronto Downtown

• Price range (varies by season): $150 to $360
• Location: Downtown Toronto
• Main amenities: Free breakfast buffet, fitness center, business centre and location near a subway stop

Not to be confused with the Holiday Inn Toronto Downtown Centre above, this property is a Holiday Inn “Express,” which means that it tends to have fewer amenities (like no on-site all-day restaurant) and is intended primarily for business travellers. That being said, this no-frills accommodation offers a free hot and cold breakfast buffet and is located just a 10-minute walk from the King subway station.

Kimpton Saint George Hotel

• Price range (varies by season): $200 to $500
• Location: Yorkville
• Main amenities: Charming boutique property, extras like free bikes, on-site restaurant and free social hour with wine

This four-star property is at the upper end of the price range for a Toronto cheap hotel but you get a lot for your money. On top of the stylishly decorated rooms, guests can enjoy the Fortunate Fox gastropub, a modern fitness centre, 24-hour room service, free loaner bikes and kids’ scooters and a nightly hosted social hour. The location in Toronto’s upscale Yorkville district offers easy access to high-end stores and some of the city’s most acclaimed restaurants.

Hotel Victoria

• Price range (varies by season): $140 to $300
• Location: Downtown near Toronto’s Financial District
• Main amenities: Restaurant, historic atmosphere and pet friendly

Dating back to the early 1900s, this atmospheric hotel is just a short walk to the Hockey Hall of Fame, St. Lawrence Market and transportation hub Union Station. Rooms feature pillow-top mattresses, coffee makers, large TVs, and pets can stay for a fee. Mossop’s Social House serves breakfast, lunch and dinner and even features live entertainment every Wednesday.

Cambridge Suites Toronto

• Price range (varies by season): $160 to $400
• Location: Downtown/Financial District
• Main amenities: Rooftop fitness centre and large rooms with fridges and microwaves

This all-suite, four-star hotel in downtown Toronto is five minutes from the Toronto Eaton Centre mall and is also connected to Toronto's underground PATH. The spacious suites all have microwaves, minifridges, a wet bar and coffeemakers, as well as separate sitting areas. There’s a restaurant and a rooftop fitness centre with excellent city views. There’s no on-site restaurant presently but free coffee and muffins are available in the mornings.

The Annex

• Price range (varies by season): $160 to $360
• Location: Trendy neighbourhood The Annex
• Main amenities: Laid-back vibe, two restaurants and bar, pet friendly (for a fee)

Feel like a local at this funky and youthful three-star hotel that successfully reflects its hip neighbourhood’s vibe. Inviting rooms showcase a minimalist design (though they do come with record players). More for experienced travelers that don’t need hand holding, check-in is done digitally and the main form of communication with staff is via text. The hotel boasts two on-site eateries and a bar.

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FAQs:

Which cheap hotels in Toronto are good for families?

Cheap hotels in Toronto don’t tend to offer comprehensive kids programs or activity centers like you’ll often find in expensive five-star hotels, however, the Chelsea Hotel features a Family Fun Zone that comes complete with an indoor family pool (with 130-foot corkscrew slide), as well as a Kid Centre with children-centric activities and a Club 33 Teen Lounge with video and arcade games. Some properties, such as the Holiday Inn Toronto Downtown Centre, let kids eat and stay for free.

Which cheap hotels in Toronto offer great breakfasts?

Breakfast offerings can vary widely by hotel and their appeal will depend on individual taste and needs. For example, if you’re traveling with a family, the big breakfast buffet at Novotel Toronto Centre may be ideal, whereas the Gladstone is said to have a delicious weekend brunch, as well as interesting daily morning offerings such as shakshuka and a harissa and manchego omelet.

Which cheap hotels in Toronto are good for couples?

The intimate, warm atmosphere of a stylish boutique hotel such as the Gladstone House or Kimpton Saint George hotel can help create a romantic mood. Some properties, such as the Hotel Victoria, even offer special add-on romance packages (that include things like a bottle of bubbly and chocolates) to sweeten a stay.

What cheap hotels in Toronto have nice views?

If views are what you’re looking for, many of the large downtown hotels, such as the Novotel (which has city, as well as harbour views) and Chelsea Hotel (with its deck on the 27th floor) will offer breathtaking vistas of the Toronto skyline. To ensure you have a room with a view, it’s always a good idea to make a specific request when you book.