delsuitesadmin, Author at Delsuites' Blog - Page 7 of 33

Archives

Downtown Toronto, Events, Food & Recipes, Lifestyle talk, toronto toursim

Toronto Neighbourhood Spotlight: Chinatown

May 18, 2018

Toronto ChinatownToronto is a delightfully diverse city and its many neighbourhoods reveal cultural influences from around the world. Let’s take a close look at one of those exciting neighbourhoods – Chinatown.

Introduction – Chinatown

Everything from food markets to bars to music shops to vintage clothing boutiques and much more are located within this compact neighborhood, running along Spadina Street. It is one of the largest Chinese districts in North America and is home to ethnic Chinese from Vietnam, Taiwan, Singapore, Hong Kong and elsewhere.

One of the best times to visit this neighborhood is during Chinese New Year, when there will be a loud, noisy and exciting Dragon Dance parade winding through Dundas Street.

Must Visit Spots in Chinatown

  • For authentic noodles, chow mein, dim sum and other Chinese favourites, check out King’s Noodle Toronto Chinatown(This is just one of the many great restaurants in the neighborhood! Come with a big appetite!)
  • This Old Chinatown Food Tour offered by Toronto Food Tours is led by a culinary professional and will take you on a guided adventure sampling some of the yummiest treats Chinatown has to offer.
  • The infamous Furama Cake and Desserts is well known in Chinatown as a hub of activity and a spot for older Chinatown residents to catch up on gossip over tea. It’s a great place to try some delicious cream buns.
  • If you are the type of person who is obsessed with beautiful stationery, you’ll love The Paper Place. This shop features gorgeous paper, art supplies, notebooks, books and more.

History

Chinatown in Toronto first began in the 1890s, when many American Chinese emigrated from California (due to the racial conflict there) and from the Eastern USA (due to the economic depression). One of the first to establish here was a man named Sam Ching, who opened a laundry business on Adelaide Street. He was the first Chinese person to be listed in the city directory of Toronto and there is now a lane named after him.

Chinatown TorontoChinatown went through two phases in it’s history. There was the original “First Chinatown”, which became a slum area for incoming immigrants from the 1890s to the 1950s and was razed in 1955 to make way for Nathan Phillips Square and Toronto New City Hall. Then there is what is known now as the “Old Chinatown.” Although a small Chinese community was already in this location before the 1950s, the businesses that had to be relocated from the first area moved here.

How to Get There

Chinatown is accessible by the 510 Spadina and the 506 College Streetcar. It can also be reached from the St. Patrick Subway Station, which is about two blocks west along Dundas Street.

What’s your favourite spot? Let us know in the comments below.

 

About me, Entertainment, Lifestyle talk, Toronto Family Travel, Toronto History

Toronto Neighbourhood Spotlight: Greektown

May 4, 2018

GreektownToronto is a delightfully diverse city and its many neighbourhoods reveal cultural influences from around the world.  Let’s take a close look at one of those exciting neighbourhoods – Greektown.

Introduction

Greektown, also known as the Danforth, is a neighborhood in Toronto located on Danforth Avenue between Dewhurst Blvd and Chester Avenue. This was one of the main settlements of Greek immigrants in Toronto after World War I. Several scenes in the film My Big Fat Greek Wedding were filmed here.

 

If you love Greek cuisine, you’ll want to head down to this part of town. It has one of the highest concentrations of dining establishments per kilometre of any other neighborhood on the planet, showcasing mostly delicious traditional Mediterranean dishes. If you visit during the Taste of the Danforth festival in mid-August you can enjoy yummy samples of cuisines from all of the restaurants along this street – not just Greek food but also Indian, Chinese, Thai, Japanese and much more.

Must Visit Spots in Greektown

  • Start with a great coffee at Broadview Espresso, where you can lean back on the comfy Muskoka chair on the outdoor patio and enjoy a high quality latte.
  • The Carrot Commons on Jackman Street is a busy avenue filled with cafes, bookstores and a funky organic food market.

Greektown

  • Shopping for cute clothes? Social Butterfly is a chic little shop with a great selection of jewellery, denim, boots, footwear and more.
  • Get your fill of big tasty Greek gyros at Messini Authentic Gyros.
  • If you want to enjoy Greek cuisine in a more sophisticated, sit-down setting you can treat yourself to a meal at Mezes. It’s a busy spot with a welcoming vibe and a heated patio. They serve up the dishes that you would find in any traditional greek home, with fresh, quality ingredients.
  • If you are a music geek, you will fall in love with the huge collection of new and old vinyl at Mike’s Music.
  • In the mood for some live music? The Danforth Music Hall is a fantastic venue that showcases a range of great talent. Check to see which shows are on during your visit!

History

greektownGreek immigrants came to this area after WWI and by the 1970s and 80s, it was the largest GreekTown in North America. There was also a large influx of Greek immigrants during the 1960s, as they were fleeing the political and economic unrest which resulted in the Greek military junta seized power in 1967-74.  This neighborhood became home to one of the highest concentrations of Greek immigrants living outside of Greece.

How to Get There

Greektown is located on the TTC Bloor-Danforth Subway line and can be accessed from Pape, Chester or Donlands stations. If you are visiting in a car, you can reach Danforth avenue by taking the Bayview/Bloor exit off the Don Valley Parkway and following the signs for Danforth Avenue/Bloor Street.

What’s your favourite Greektown spot? Let us know in the comments below.

 

About me, Business Travel, Corporate Housing, Relocation, toronto toursim

Delsuites Exhibits Toronto GBTA Conference

April 6, 2018

GBTA ConferenceSpring may be taking its time to arrive in Toronto and the weather hasn’t warmed up from the winter chill yet. However, the spring event season is about to kick off and one of the most significant conferences in the business travel industry will soon begin – GBTA Conference

The GBTA Conference will be held in Toronto in mid-April, showcasing companies from all across North America and the world. It will draw over 700 attendees and is one of the most anticipated events of the year in the North American business travel niche.

DelSuites is excited to announce that we will be attending and exhibiting at this year’s event! If you will also be attending this groundbreaking conference at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, come find our booth and say hello! – Booth #219

What is the GBTA Conference?

The GBTA Conference is hosted by the Global Business Travel Association, which is the world’s premier organization for business travel and corporate meetings. It is known for showcasing the cutting edge of global business travel and the GBTA Conference is the largest business travel event in Canada.

We are looking forward to this event, as it is a chance to learn from some of the brightest innovators in the business. There are many thought-provoking talks to look forward to, such as an executive talk with John Lee, the Managing Director of TMX Group on Blockchain and Cryptocurrencies. Also, there will be a fascinating Panel Discussion on the Momentum of Technology & Innovation in Business Travel.

Other topics covered at the event include Diversity in the Workplace, Women in Business Travel, Cross Border Security and the Impact of Business Travel on the Canadian Economy and Jobs.

The Team at DelSuites Look Forward to Attending

We are counting down the days until this conference begins. There’s always so much to learn from the other exhibitors and sponsors we meet at this event. Plus, the keynote speakers for this year look very intriguing and we look forward to learning from them.

One of the main goals that DelSuites has in attending this conference is to educate attendees on the value of corporate housing, compared to hotel stays. A furnished apartment is convenient, cost effective and flexible option, offering the comforts of home for business travelers and temporary residents. These high quality, centrally located apartments are the ideal option for employees who are relocating or business travelers on a temporary visit to the city.

During our time at this event, we will also expand relationships with customers, meet business travel decision makers in person, generate leads and use this excellent opportunity for some important networking. Also, we hope to take away some interesting insights from the many other talented and innovative leaders in the business travel industry whom we will meet during the conference.

Heading to the GBTA Conference? Come and see us! We will be exhibiting at booth #219. We look forward to meeting you!  

Business Travel, Downtown Toronto, Entertainment, Lifestyle talk, Toronto Entertainment, toronto toursim

Furnished Housing for Film and Production

February 28, 2018

Film and Production There are a number of factors as to why big budget movie and TV makers are heading to Toronto, including the city’s talented workforce and diverse landscape. Plus, directors, film and production professionals are also lured northward by tax credits that cover labour costs. Now that animation and special effects studios in Ontario have emerged, producers are able to shoot, edit and animate their films all in Toronto.

Toronto may be one of the most popular actors in the movie industry. The city has played many big roles over the years, standing in for Boston, Chicago and New York. It’s not uncommon to spot yellow cabs and movie cameras on the streets.

Here are some examples of Toronto’s starring roles:

  • It became the fictional town of Hohman, Indiana for A Christmas Story in 1983.
  • The Silver Dollar Room on Spadina was the fictional Blue Oyster Bar in the movie Police Academy in 1984.
  • The Harvard Bar in Good Will Hunting (1997) was actually the Upfront Bar and Grill located on Front Street.
  • In the original X-Men film (2000) Roy Thompson Hall was the setting for an important scene where Magneto and Professor Charles Xavier meet.

Film and ProductionToronto has earned the nickname Hollywood North over the years, due to its role as a popular production centre for a wide range of television shows and film projects. In fact, in 1979 Toronto Mayor John Sewell announced that Canada had become the third largest centre for movie production after New York and Los Angeles. In addition to this, Toronto is also home to the Toronto International Film Festival, which is considered to be second only to Cannes.

Convenient Accommodations for Film and Production Toronto

If you are coming to Toronto to work on a film or television project, furnished apartment rentals have got you covered.

If you work in the entertainment industry, you may be on the road more often than you are at home. When you stay in hotels, you don’t have the space that an apartment has to offer. These furnished apartments are usually conveniently located in prime areas of Toronto, so you are never far away from your filming location.

A furnished condominium provides a separate living area and kitchen, as well as free WiFi, laundry, fitness centres, parking and other amenities. You will be able to cook your own healthy meals, spread out and do work in the apartment and relax in a spacious, comfortable and well-designed environment.

When cast and crew need to be on location in Toronto, whether for one month or longer, these apartments are ideal. They are safe and secure, offering controlled access. A high quality temporary housing for production crews, perfoFilm and Production rmers, executives, actors or any other traveling entertainment professional.

To learn more about our furnished housing for film and production professionals, contact us today.

Business Travel, Corporate Housing, Customer Service Experience, Relocation

Corporate Housing Accommodation Trends

February 15, 2018

According to Mary Ann Passicorporate housing, the CEO of the Corporate Housing Providers Association (CHPA), more and more employers are placing their employees in residential housing rather than in a permanent home. This reflects the increase in project based assignments rather than permanent relocations. These short term relocations can last from anywhere from one month to a year.

Due to the increase in demand, corporate housing has become one of the hottest trends on the market and many providers are offering fully furnished residences available for month or longer.  Here are some of the reasons why corporate housing is becoming one of the best choices of places to stay.

Corporate Housing – Work/Life Balance

Millennials who are traveling for work are looking for a modern and convenient place to stay that will offer them the right work/life balance. They are seeking accommodation that offers the amenities that make them feel at home, with services such as WiFi, entertainment space, a full kitchen so that they can self-cater and much more.Corporate Housing

Corporate housing solutions offer an experience that is more like an apartment than a hotel room so that corporate travelers feel like they are enjoying the comforts of home.

Amenities

These business travelers also desire convenience within the building itself. They are seeking buildings with convenient amenities, such as security, secured parking, gyms, laundry and other services. WiFi is incredibly important, as they need to stay connected both for work and pleasure.

Safety measures are also a priority, which is why DelSuites has an underground secured parking facility, ensuite alarm systems and 24 hour security. Plus, a high quality housekeeping and maintenance service is also desirable.

Community

Many millennial business travelers seek social activity and interaction as part of their downtime, which is why corporate housing providers are starting to create shared spaces that are designed to Corporate housingcreate community and bring guests together.

For example, this could include barbeque areas, coffee shops, bars, breakfast tables, outdoor terraces and other areas where guests can interact with each other. This is another great way that modern corporate housing allows guests to maintain a good work/life balance.

Relationships

Another advantage of this style of housing is that the housing provider can build a long term beneficial relationship with the company. This makes things more convenient for the company, especially when they need to relocate several employees to an area.

Also, this means that employers will get to know who they are booking with and they can rest assured that they have proper insurance coverage and the exclusive use of the property. This trust is very important and can make a big difference.

These are just a few of the aspects of corporate housing that are making it one of the hottest accommodation trends at the moment.

If you are interested in learning more about this type of accommodation and how it could benefit your employees, contact us today.

Instagram

Instagram Slider

Instagram Slider