Holiday Inn Toronto Downtown Centre

This hotel is old, tired and in dire need of repair. The pool is filthy. The room was average sized and the bed was comfy. I was looking forward to a good night's rest. Then, the thermostat went out. Our room was frigid all night long. I went to shower in the morning and there was absolutely no hot water. I told my boyfriend, who at this rate was dying of hypothermia, to not bother showering. Management, though nice and provided us with complimentary breakfast to smooth over cold stay, provided us with excuses as to why the rooms were cold and the water was cold. They rectified the situation almost immediately by bringing in a technician, or so we thought. My boyfriend goes into the shower. The water was either cold or scolding hot. No in between. Bottom line here is that all we wanted was to put our heads down for the night and have a shower while we were in town. We think highly of the Holiday Inn chain, but this hotel has serious R&R issues that need attending. We are appreciative of the kind staff who took us seriously, but this issue is beyond their control and needs to be addressed to a higher level. They did everything they could to rectify the situation. Read less

Mediocre hotel. If you need a place to sleep and leave, this is it. Don't expect great service. Especially at the bar, you're lucky if you can find the bartenders actually at the bar. I'm a frequent guest at this hotel, as I stay every other weekend for work. I never expect much more than a minimum essential. This time when I checked in, there were no front desk agents to assist IHG members. Patiently waiting in line at the front desk, I had been third in line. As a hotelier myself, I noticed there were two exceptional employees with big smiles and laughing along with the guests, providing the guests with water bottles and cookies. After all, the front desk is one of the guests first greeting point. When I got called up, this had set an expectation for me - subconsciously. Unfortunately, this was not the case. The lady I greeted had been very short with me, with an irritated face. Forget the water bottles and cookies, a warm smile always makes guests experience I feel. As I entered the room, I was so happy to see the comfortable beds. Prior to dinner, my husband and I went to grab a drink at the bar. Probably the worst service ever. I had to remind the bartender three times just to get a glass of water. There were couple other people at the ar they were much happier to focus on. My profession is a mixologist. When I had asked for a certain cocktail, she tried to correct me as I ordered a simple drink. I was pleased to at least get a drink after lots of attitude from the bartenders. I hesitated, but I had been so thirsty I asked for water one more time; I guess that water bottle could have come in handy at the check-in. The two bartenders go behind the staff area and I have not seen them just below ten minutes. I had got up to ask for our bills and lastly, I asked for that water one last time. It was a miracle, she finally chatted me up and brought me water. I stay at the Holiday Inn, other than the higher-end IHG companies due to the convenience of locations, but I may have to reconsider now. On the bright side, I had another comfortable sleep, thanks to the beds! Read less