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Announcements, Lifestyle talk

DelSuites attending CHPAs Annual Conference

February 21, 2014

From February 24-26, 2014, the DelSuites short term apartment rentals team from Toronto will be attending the CHPA’s annual conference in New Orleans, Louisiana. CHPA Logo

The Corporate Housing Providers Association’s (CHPA) annual conference provides plenty of opportunity to engage with like-minded individuals from around the globe. It will allow members to gain knowledge on new business trends in corporate housing, establishing connections and share experiences with potential clients.

The CHPA’s conference will help DelSuites with opportunities to build and strengthen our business for continued success in the years ahead.

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.

 

Community Events, Lifestyle talk, Toronto Family Travel, Uncategorized

3 Tips To Transition Your Teen to a New Home

November 26, 2013

Making the move to a new city or a new home can be a difficult transition for the whole family; factor in a teenager or two, and you’re bound to encounter a few additional challenges. From leaving their best friends to finding new ones, teens can be more sensitive and perhaps even a little less adaptable than younger children especially when their school, social network and extracurricular activities suddenly change. But whether you’ll be staying in a short-term or long-term rental, try incorporating these ideas to help lighten the load for your teen and make it a smooth transition for your whole family.
Put In Face Time
Thanks to technology, teens can still stay connected with their friends no matter where they may live through a variety of social media networks. With DelSuites free WIFI, encourage your son or daughter to schedule weekly chat dates with friends on Skype of FaceTime which will help them feel that they aren’t missing out. If your teen doesn’t already use Facebook or Twitter, help them set up an account and encourage them to reach out to friends and family, which is a great way to share updates about your whole family’s new adventure. At the same time, it’s important that your teen begins to establish friendships at school and in your new neighbourhood. Be supportive of inviting new friends and classmates back to your home or encourage your teen to participate in extracurricular activities or sports where they’ll meet new friends who share similar interests.

Creating a Room of their Own
Even if you’re living in a furnished rental in Toronto, you still want your family to be comfortable. Helping your teen personalize their bedroom with familiar items from your previous home or purchasing a few new accessories that they have selected, will help them create a space for themselves. From homework to finding a quiet spot to read or listen to music, having their own room to retreat to will not only enable them to feel at home but will likely also save you from a few arguments with other children in the family.

Get Involved in the Community
Whether you’re family is residing in a condominium suite in the Toronto’s downtown or suburban dwelling, you’ll find that your neighbourhood is a hub of activity. From arts and entertainment to community recreation centres to an abundance of not-for-profit organizations, it’s easy to find new activities that will keep your teen engaged. Encourage your teen to volunteer with a local community centre or charity group, which will not only help them learn new skills but will also help them establish and broaden their social network; making them feel right at home.