December 2013 - Delsuites' Blog
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December 2013

Downtown Toronto, Lifestyle talk, Uncategorized

Your Holiday Shopping in Toronto Guide

December 18, 2013

ShoppingWith the holiday season now in high gear, the mad retail rush has taken hold. And no matter what you’re celebrating, you’ve likely already got your list written, it’s just a matter of knowing where to begin. When you’re staying in an unfamiliar city, navigating the best shopping spots can be a challenge, let alone finding those truly thoughtful gifts for family and friends. Here are four shopping hot spots that not only offer a host of unexpected gifts, but you’ll also discover they provide a pleasant shopping experience too. As an added bonus, each shopping spot is easily accessible to our Qwest short term rental location.

The Drake General Store. With a carefully curated collection, the Drake General features an eclectic mix of lifestyle gifts including clothing, food and home décor. When you want to give an off-beat gift, you’ll find something for just about anyone on your list from cozy pajamas for your nieces and nephews to comfy, handmade pillows for your best friend. With gift packs available at nearly every price point, it’s also a great place to find a little something for colleagues or clients.

The Art Gallery of Ontario. While you may have caught the David Bowie exhibit this past fall, Art gallery of ontarioyou might not consider the Art Gallery of Ontario as a shopping destination; yet it is. From adult art enthusiasts to creative children, the AGO’s gift shop is packed with inspiring gift ideas. Whether you’re looking for contemporary art pieces for your spouse or art supplies for a pint-sized Picasso, be sure to put the AGO on your hot spot, shopping list.

Kensington Market.  From vintage finds to one-of-a-kinds, Toronto’s Kensington Market includes a collective of local retailers, many of whom have been in business for generations. Here you’ll find you can please your fashion-minded daughter with a few vintage accessories, along with that deliciously perfect item for the foodie on your list. And don’t forget to check out the Festival of Lights, an annual event held on December 21st celebrating the ethnically diverse Market culture.

bigstock-Christmas-Shopping-Woman-6457015(1)Hudson’s Bay Company. Your holiday shopping is not complete until you’ve shopped at the Bay’s Queen Street location. Here you’ll find detailed, animated window displays that inspire the spirit of the season. While the number of high-quality brands are endless, the current Olympic collection will please the sport enthusiast on your list. The Hudson’s Bay Company Collection, offers a selection of toys, blankets and clothing that provides a touch of pure Canadian heritage; making it all the more inviting to cozy up during a cold winter’s night. 

Customer Service Experience, Family Vacations in Toronto, Lifestyle talk, Uncategorized

3 Tips for Childproofing Your Home

December 11, 2013

Safety at HomeWhether you’ll be living away from home for a month or longer, learning to be flexible with your living arrangement is a part of the process. While you can likely get used to different furniture or kitchen appliances, maintaining a safe living environment for your whole family is top priority. From downtown condominiums to suburban dwellings, DelSuites takes safety very seriously, which is why guests have access to a variety of safety features from baby gates to cabinet locks to electrical outlet plugs to childproof your home. Along with the safety features, here are three ways to keep everyone safe and feeling right at home.

Spout It OutSpout Covers for Bath Time!

Let’s face it there is nothing worse than having your child knock their head, face or teeth on spout of your bathtub while splashing around. Not only can this be a very painful accident but it’s also a totally avoidable one. Spout covers are available through guest services which can help make bath time a fun and familiar evening activity for everyone. 

Tighten Up
From your television to lamps to your laptop, cords and cables can be tough to get around. Especially when you’re not in your usual surroundings, children can easily forget where they are and trip over cords or wires that they don’t realize exist. For toddlers and younger children especially, keep cords and cables from the same electronic devices fastened together with a few nylon cable ties. Make it easier on your whole family by keeping additional devices such as laptops, in one area so that that no one gets tripped up by surprise.   

Safety at HomeSafe Inspection
As a parent, you’ll know the rooms in your own home that present the most safety issues. When you’re in a new place, check out those areas first before you allow your children to roam freely. Check the windows and doors and request additional child safety systems from guest services if you’ve got a more adventurous child. It’s also wise to check the shelves in closets and open bookcases and remove heavier items that may fall.

For more information on how DelSuites can make your stay comfortable and safe for the whole family, contact us today.

Downtown Toronto, Entertainment, Lifestyle talk

Experience the Vibrant Neighbourhood of Queen Street West

December 4, 2013

Queen Street WestNestled between Toronto’s thriving fashion and entertainment districts, Delsuites Qwest (168 Simcoe Street) offers short term rentals that are perfect for a weekend getaway or for business travelers who may be able to enjoy the amenities close to this downtown destination. In the past year, the suites and building received a much-deserved upgrade which has made it a prime destination among guests. But beyond the stunning suites, staying at Qwest also means that you’re situated at the intersection of commerce and culture; an area that has become synonymous with the city’s growing arts and music scene. While the options are endless, here are two cultural hot beds offer all you need to quench your thirst for arts, music and so much more.

A restored Victorian hotel, the Gladstone (1214 Queen Street West) is at the heart of tKatharine-Kareokehe city’s indie arts and culture scene. From book launches to live bands, the daily event offerings are as diverse as the menu at the Melody Bar and Café, the two in hotel eateries. Every Friday and Saturday from 11PM until 2AM, crooners are welcomed to step up to the mike for free karaoke nights at the Melody Bar. Families with children may opt for the totally affordable ($10/children, $16/adults Acoustic Family Brunch Buffet on Sundays from 11AM until 2PM. With four rotating public gallery spaces, the Gladstone features 70 exhibitions every year including photography, along with hosting exhibition openings. This historic hotel also features unique venue spaces that may be perfect for hosting business meetings and events. 

At the Drake Hotel (1150 Queen Street West), depending on the night, you could discover indie bands playing into the pre-dawn hours or stumble upon a DJ hosted dance party. From Qwest’s location, the Drake Hotel is easily accessible, making it an accessible après work venue or a great late-night weekend hot spot. Along with supporting burgeoning musicians, the Drake lends support to community, arts and cultural events throughout the year. From family-friendly pancake breakfasts to seasonal markets, it has quickly become a neighbourhood hot spot for community groups. After several years of indoor exhibits, the Drake now features outdoor installations steps from the Drake’s front door. And with multiple eateries and bar locations, the Drake will keep you coming back for seconds.

Whether you’re musically inclined or curating your art collection, Qwest is the ideal destination when you’re looking to explore the city’s downtown areas. With a mix of arts and culture in one dynamic environment, it’s a neighbourhood that will capture your taste for something a little different and invite you back to explore its unconventional roots.