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I love Toronto. I was born just over the border in Buffalo, and visiting Toronto, stopping at Niagara Falls on the way, was about the most exciting thing I can remember about my childhood. Now, I am an expert in travel rewards, and I have a career producing financial marketing events. And when it came time to produce an event in Canada, Toronto was the clear choice. Since last year, I’ve travelled to Toronto three times, using my World of Hyatt points to stay at the Hyatt Regency Toronto and paying nothing.
Hyatt Regency Toronto Location: Why It Works for Me
One of the best things about the Hyatt Regency Toronto is its central downtown location, a short walk from the UP train station. I typically arrive in Toronto by air and take the UP Express train to downtown, where I’m just a few blocks’ walk from the hotel, very doable even with a carry-on. When I exit the UP Express train, I take the stairs down to Station Street, which is a quiet lane used mostly for parking. I then head west one block to Lower Simcoe Street, turn right, and go uphill a block and a half to Wellington Street, where I turn left. Halfway down the street, I cut through David Peacaut Square to get to King Street, and I’m only a block away from the entrance. Once at the hotel, I’m also close to the Rogers Centre, the Scotiabank Centre, the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, and more.
UP Express to Hyatt Regency Toronto
There are also plenty of great restaurants within a block, including Fox on John, La Carnita, and Gabby’s, which is just across the street. But perhaps my favourite is Akira Back, one of the top sushi restaurants not just in Toronto, but anywhere.
Hyatt Regency Toronto Rooms and Globalist Benefits
I’ve had very good experiences at this hotel. I’m always served from the Globalist line, and check-in is very quick and efficient. The Globalist 4 pm late checkout is always offered, and I’m given coupons for the breakfast buffet.
When I’m in Toronto for business, I don’t need much from my room, but I’ve never been disappointed. The standard rooms are adequate, but as a Globalist in the World of Hyatt, I’m often upgraded to a larger suite. The rooms are clean, quiet, and have a large television and strong WiFi. But don’t expect spectacular views, since the building is surrounded by other office and residential towers.
Standard Room (credit: Hyatt Regency Toronto)
Deluxe City View Suite (credit: Hyatt Regency Toronto)
The hotel does have a rooftop pool that’s open seasonally. However, I tend to visit out of season, so I haven’t had a chance to visit it. Likewise, the property has a fitness center that I haven’t visited either during my short, busy business trips.
Breakfast
As a Globalist, I enjoy free breakfast for up to four guests. The breakfast buffet on the lower level features plenty of fruit, bread, pastries, meats and even an omelet station. It’s perfect for a quick meal before heading out on the town.
How Many World of Hyatt Points Does Hyatt Regency Toronto Cost?
If you’re paying cash, this hotel can be pricey, with rooms starting around CA$350 a night on weekends and soaring to CA$600-$800 during the business week. Thankfully, I’ve never paid that, as I always use World of Hyatt Points. As a Category 4 hotel, it costs 12,000-25,000 points per night, depending on the date. On my last stay, mid-week in early October, it was 15,000 points a night. I was also able to use up some of my Cat 1-4 hotel certificates. Like all Hyatt award nights, there are no taxes or resort fees to pay. As a Globalist, I also get free parking, which I’ve used for my colleagues who drive in.
How to Earn World of Hyatt Points for a Toronto Stay
Those who have access to American Express credit cards can earn Hyatt points through the World of Hyatt personal and business card from Chase, as well as through Chase’s Ultimate Rewards program. Bilt Rewards also features Hyatt as a transfer partner. Others can take advantage of the new partnership between Aeroplan and Hyatt. This allows you to convert Aeroplan points to Hyatt at a 2:1 ratio and get a Category 1-4 Free Night Award for 25,000 points.
Furthermore, Aeroplan Core Credit Cardholders can earn one World of Hyatt Bonus Point + 1.5 Aeroplan points per eligible $1 CAD spent at participating Hyatt hotels and resorts. Aeroplan Premium Credit Cardholders earn 2 World of Hyatt Bonus Points + up to 2.5 Aeroplan points per eligible $1 CAD spent at participating Hyatt hotels and resorts.
Is Hyatt Regency Toronto Worth Booking With Points?
Hyatt Regency Toronto recently announced an office-to-hotel conversion plan which will add 250 new rooms in a new tower to the property’s current 394, bringing the total to 644. I’m excited to stay in these new rooms someday!
Toronto is Canada’s business capital, and it can be an expensive place to stay. And while there are plenty of places to stay, I keep returning for the convenient location, the efficient service and the ability to stay for free. There is a Park Hyatt in Toronto (review), but that’s a Category 6 property that often charges 25,000 points or more, and it’s much farther from Union Station. The TOOR hotel is a Category 4, but it’s not within walking distance of Union Station with luggage. Likewise, the Anndore House (review) is also a Category 4, but it’s well outside of the central business district.
But by using a reasonable number of my World of Hyatt points and a few free night certificates, I’ve found a way to stay in the heart of T-dot without even opening my wallet.
Featured Image Credit: Hyatt Regency
