Marriott Recommendation

[titanxxx]

Hello All -

Fellow Merb member here but new to Terb.

I tried searching for a hotel recommendations threat but outside of one-off posts, didn't see a dedicated thread (seems like it was deleted). Anyhow, hopefully this isn't against policy (I saw other hotel recommendation thread left up) but I am planning a trip to Toronto in the coming few weeks and was looking to stay within the Marriott Brands.

I am looking at the following hotels:
1) Toronto Marriott City Centre
2) Westin Harbour Castle
3) Sheraton Centre Toronto
4) Marriott Downtown at CF Toronto Eaton Centre
5) St. Regis Toronto
6) W Toronto

I was hoping if anyone can point me to which of these don't require key-cards and secondarily if some of these are in better location than others. The Westin looks to be right near the water which may be cool but it's my first time in toronto so unsure what good locations to stay are.

Any help/recommendation greatly appreciated.

 

[bazokajoe]

Of the hotels you listed I've stayed at the Harbour Castle and the Sheraton Centre.
I prefer the Sheraton because it's right downtown and has access to the path. You can walk from Union station to the Sheraton without going outside. Great for when the weather is crappy. I do believe a key card is necessary for elevator. The lobby is busy so you can always meet your date in the lobby or in the path.

Westin Harbour, not sure if a key card in required. Been years since I stayed their.

 

[tombrady12]

It's been a while since I stayed at the Westin but IIRC, one of the towers required a key card and the other didn't. I would suggest the Sheraton for it's central location. The lobby is busy enough to go unnoticed and there is also a lobby bar where you can meet your guest.

 

[titanxxx]

Of the hotels you listed I've stayed at the Harbour Castle and the Sheraton Centre.
I prefer the Sheraton because it's right downtown and has access to the path. You can walk from Union station to the Sheraton without going outside. Great for when the weather is crappy. I do believe a key card is necessary for elevator. The lobby is busy so you can always meet your date in the lobby or in the path.

Westin Harbour, not sure if a key card in required. Been years since I stayed their.

Thanks to both replies. Looks like a Marriott with no key card access isn't possible. Do you have any recommendations for hotels with no key card access that are non Marriott?

 

[bazokajoe]

Thanks to both replies. Looks like a Marriott with no key card access isn't possible. Do you have any recommendations for hotels with no key card access that are non Marriott?

Last I heard King Edward doesn't need a key card. But better double check on that.

 

[massman]

It's been a while since I stayed at the Westin but IIRC, one of the towers required a key card and the other didn't. I would suggest the Sheraton for it's central location. The lobby is busy enough to go unnoticed and there is also a lobby bar where you can meet your guest.

Last year at the westin, the tower (believe it was the north tower?) I stayed in did not require keycard and I had no problem at all having a “friend” come to visit. Keep in mind that was about a year ago, so things can change. Sheraton downtown definitely requires keycards, but as said above, lobby is quite busy, and you could meet someone there without drawing attention.

 

[tombrady12]

Last I heard King Edward doesn't need a key card. But better double check on that.

Kind Edward does not require a keycard.

 

[farquhar]

Thanks to both replies. Looks like a Marriott with no key card access isn't possible. Do you have any recommendations for hotels with no key card access that are non Marriott?

Go to the Hilton Toronto across the street from the Sheraton Centre Toronto.

I believe the Elevators don't require keycards up to 10pm. The Hilton Toronto just finished a reno and the rooms are larger than what you get at the Sheraton Centre anyways; plus, if you happen to have status on Hilton Honors, and they upgrade you to a room on the Executive Floor, you get to use the Lounge.

Another option is the Doubletree by Hilton on Chestnut street north of City Hall; whenever I went there, the Elevators were open access 24/7. This was pre-pandemic however.