I booked the Westin Toronto Airport for a one-night stay prior to an early departure from Toronto and had low expectations based on the low price and mixed online reviews. I came away positively surprised – you get a very nice room and good amenities, making it great value and I wouldn’t hesitate to stay again!
Location: The Westin Toronto Airport is located 2.5km from Pearson International Airport and offers a free shuttle bus to and from the terminal for the 5 minute ride. It’s not as convenient as the Sheraton that’s connected to the airport, but similar to other airport hotels. The shuttle was running on-time and was quick both ways.
Service & Rewards: The airport shuttle driver was my first contact and he was professional. Check in was quick and friendly and had me on my way in minutes. I also got the needed hotel information as well as the schedule for the shuttle in the morning. Housekeeping had prepared my room perfectly, everything was clean and in working order.
The Westin is part of the SPG rewards program and I got an “upgrade” to an SPG floor room, which I consider a “fake” upgrade – it’s essentially the same room with an SPG plaque near the elevator and two bottles of water in the room. At the time of my stay, the Westin was a category 2 hotel, allowing me to book it for only 2,000 points + $35+ tax – a great deal compared to the $120 cash price. Apparently, too good a deal, because the Westin has moved up to a category 4 hotel since my stay. At 10,000 points per night or 5,000pts & $75. It’s much less of a good rewards value considering the cash price.
Room: The room was recently renovated in the new Westin style. It’s held in beige/brown tones with a purple’ish artwork behind the bed. I especially liked the brown hardwood floors which look modern and feel much cleaner than carpets. The wall unit across from the bed combines a desk, drawers and a minibar and coffee/tea facilities. I like the curved edges and the modern color and finish! There is a large TV as well as large safe.
The bathroom has an old-style layout, but is also renovated. On the right side is a shower-over-tub combination with a curved rod and curtain. A toilet is in the center and a sink-in-countertop on a wooden base is on the right. There is plenty of space for your toiletries, a big mirror with a metal frame, as well as hair dryer and thick, high-quality towels. The brick-wall look small tiles give the room a modern feel. Everything is clean and fully functional.
Restaurant/Amenities: The Westin has a bar, restaurant and Starbucks in the lobby. They are your typical airport hotel bar/restaurant, I arrived late/left early and didn’t try any of them.
There is a surprisingly large indoor pool – large enough to swim laps. It has a glass roof and loungers around it, making it a nice enough place to relax as well. You’ll also find a large gym with enough cardio and weight equipment for a full workout (my camera ate my photos, the photos below are courtesy of the Westin website)
Bottomline: The Westin Toronto Airport was a positive surprise and better than most airport hotels I’ve stayed at. You get a nice, modern room, professional service and good amenities for a short airport stay. At the cash & points rate for a total price of $80, it was a great deal during my stay and I’d happily stay again. At the new SPG Rewards rate it’s less so and I recommend to compare cash prices before you book – there are so many hotels around the airport for plenty of competition.