PookyCake
Couples · November 20256/10
Opened in 1975, the Chelsea Hotel holds the distinction of being not just the largest hotel in Toronto, but the largest hotel in Canada! With 27 floors and over 1,500 guest rooms, it really is a site ...Opened in 1975, the Chelsea Hotel holds the distinction of being not just the largest hotel in Toronto, but the largest hotel in Canada! With 27 floors and over 1,500 guest rooms, it really is a site (and sight) to behold. Such large accommodation units are not common in this country. I think what I appreciate about this is the simple fact that it allows the Chelsea to offer affordable rooms exactly because there’s more space to “play with,” so to speak. Granted, because of its size, the Chelsea doesn’t give the impression of being a 4 or 5-star hotel, but it doesn’t need to. Situated as it is within the heart of downtown, and offering good value for money, it appeals to a large audience. Indeed, it would be nice to stay in a Fairmont, but in today’s world – where the cost of EVERYTHING continues to soar – that just doesn’t seem overly plausible. Hence, the Chelsea fills an important void.
During our recent stay, my partner and I booked a “Chelsea Room” with a King bed. I was pleased to see the rooms have been upgraded, however slightly, since I last stayed here some 15 years ago. Back then, the Chelsea was called the “Delta Chelsea.” I remember almost doubling over with laughter when, after checking in, I saw the room still had an old tube TV! These old TVs were exceedingly rare – even back in 2010! I’m not sure what I would’ve done if, upon entering our room in 2025, I still saw a tube TV! Thankfully, that wasn’t the case and our room was instead upgraded to contain all the modern amenities we’ve come to expect: Flatscreen TV, mini fridge, work desk, charging ports for our devices, and a cozy corner chair, amongst other such items. The room was cozy, but I did find the general atmosphere kind of “blah” with the various shades of grey throughout. Importantly, though, at least we got a decent night’s rest (well, aside from my inability to adjust to the time change!).
But what the Chelsea Hotel lacks in style, it more than makes up for with its general location. In staying here, you’re a fairly short distance from major attractions like Sankofa Square, the Police Museum, Hockey Hall of Fame and the CN Tower. If you wish to travel further, you’re only steps away from public transit and the subway system. Much the same can also be said of the Chelsea’s proximity to eateries. Whether you want high end or budget, a plethora of options are literally just steps away (hello Jollibee and Jack Astor’s!).
In any case, if you want a hotel with competitive rates, central location, and decent rooms, then the Chelsea Hotel is for you. We enjoyed our stay and would patronize this hotel again if visiting Toronto.Show More
