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Downtown Toronto Condos, Toronto Entertainment, toronto toursim, Vacation Travel

Take the Front Seat for Toronto Sports

April 12, 2022
Toronto sports photo by Tim Gouw from Pexels.

Play ball! Sports have come back to Toronto after two years of pandemic limits, and fans are itching to get into the seats. With most major Toronto sports venues just blocks from DelSuites locations, you’re in a winning spot to catch a game.

So if you’re a sports fan visiting Toronto, here are the best games you can catch this spring and summer: both major-league and underground.

Baseball: The Toronto Blue Jays

The Jays haven’t played at home since the COVID-19 pandemic started, so excitement for the 2022 season is high. With a homegrown lineup full of 2021 All-Stars—and a pitching staff that’s finally got itself right—a day at the ballpark is going to crackle this year.

The Rogers Centre is literal steps from Element and Icon—three minutes’ walk down the block!—and a short walk from 10 York and 300 Front Street West. Tickets can range from $20 a seat in the nosebleeds to significantly more at the luxurious, reservations-only TD Clubhouse behind home plate: complete with buffet, padded seats, and concierge service.

Toronto’s ballpark food can be much more interesting than the usual hot dogs and fries—although the traditional eats are all there. There’s lots of local beer and cider available, and you can bring your own snacks as long as they’re wrapped well.

Opening day is April 8th, and games stretch into October.

Basketball: The Toronto Raptors

In 2019 the Raptors took the NBA championship, and nobody in Toronto will ever let you forget it. It’s a great reason to check out Canada’s only NBA team: the vibe is fun, competitive, and fierce.

The Raptors play out of Scotiabank Arena, just around the corner from 10 York and a short walk from Qwest, Element, Icon, and 300 Front Street West. It’s also connected to Toronto’s underground PATH Network, so it’s easy to get to the arena and stay dry on a rainy day.

Raptors tickets are in demand, and even modest seats will put you back about $90 after fees, but you’re getting an experience, not just a game. There’s a huge variety of concessions at Scotiabank Arena: sandwiches, hot dogs, poutine, and drinks feature. But you can also get sushi, premium rum and vodka, and high-end restaurant dining while you watch the shot clock.

The regular season goes into April, and tickets are still available.

Hockey: The Toronto Maple Leafs, the Toronto Marlies, and the Toronto Six

NHL tickets are a splurge for most people, but a night at the Scotiabank Arena watching the Leafs is well worth the price. And with the regular season running into April, there’s still time to catch pro league hockey.

But for hockey fans who need something a little more affordable—or like a different challenge—there’s the AHL Toronto Marlies. The Leafs’ AHL development team plays out of Exhibition Place’s Coca-Cola Coliseum, a 10-minute trip by car or transit from our Qwest and 10 York locations.

A night out at the Marlies is its own kind of excitement. Not all the passes connect, and not all the shots get blocked—which makes the game a different kind of exciting. The season also stretches from October to April, and you can snag tickets for as little as $25.

If you’re into women’s professional hockey, Toronto’s best-kept hockey secret is its Premier Hockey Federation Team. The two-year-old Toronto Six plays in at York Canlan Sports Arena, in the city’s northwest. Tickets top out at $30 a seat, and with a strong roster, it’s a guaranteed good time.

Soccer: Toronto FC

Toronto isn’t always known as a soccer city, but the fan base for Toronto FC—the city’s Major League Soccer team—are absolute diehards. Toronto FC’s the first—and only—Canadian MLS team, and won the MLS Cup in 2017.

Toronto FC home games are at BMO Field—in the same Exhibition Place complex as the Marlies. It’s a newer venue with a full accessibility policy and barrier-free seating available. Snacks and concessions cater to Toronto’s soccer-loving Italian and Portuguese communities, with panini and hot chicken next to more usual favourites.

Toronto FC plays February through October, making them a great outdoor choice for long summer nights. Tickets range from an easy $28 to premium seats at over $150 each.

Racing: The Honda Indy

If you’re into an entirely different kind of sports—motor sports—Toronto’s also home to a major IndyCar race.

Taking place over the weekend of July 15-17, the almost 40-year-old race is IndyCar’s second-longest street circuit. The track loops around the Exhibition Place complex, and is accessible (ironically!) by TTC and GO Transit.

Ticket prices and catering options are yet to be announced, but should be available by May.

***

Enjoy the thrill of being steps away from the beating heart of the city: on game day or every day. Call DelSuites at 647-370-3504 or email info@delsuites.com to find out how we can open Toronto up for you to discover.

Customer Service Experience, toronto toursim, Vacation Travel

Accessible Travel is Yours at DelSuites

February 15, 2022
Accessible travel photo by Kampus Production from Pexels

Travel is for everybody: no matter the body you live in.

As awareness of accessible travel rises, more travel agents, carriers, and housing providers are creating spaces that meet accessibility needs for everyone. And there’s more effort being made to reduce the extra work that can go into booking business or family travel when you’re living a differently abled life.

Whether you’re traveling with a severe allergy, are mobility-impaired, Deaf, or just need a little more help now and then, here’s how DelSuites is here to meet your accessible travel needs.

Our buildings surpass accessibility standards

Every single one of our suites is located in a modern building already designed for access. Because we place our suites in Tridel buildings, every DelSuites common area is designed to surpass Ontario’s standard design requirements.

That means easy elevator access to suites, parking, and common areas. It also means our recreational amenities—swimming pools, workout rooms, cinema-style viewing rooms, and more—are barrier-free.

Our buildings’ dedicated concierge staff are always able to assist you with packages and information. And our online neighbourhood guides help you find restaurants, transit, and entertainment—whether it’s planning ahead or a last-minute night out.

Open-concept layouts help you stay comfortably

Our large, open-concept suites are perfect for travellers who use moderate mobility aids.

All our units have standard door sizes and one short step to the shower. But our wide layouts and large bathrooms make our suites easy to navigate, and give you plenty of room to turn a walker, brace a cane, or walk alongside a service animal.

Our easy-to-reach, open-concept kitchen spaces are fully equipped with all the dishes and utensils you need to cook and serve a full meal. Each unit also has a full fridge with adjustable temperature, in case you need to store important medications.

If you’re planning ahead, virtual online tours let you explore the space before you book, so you know immediately if the space is right for you—and our Guest Services team is available by phone, email, or chat to answer any questions.

Service animal-friendly

DelSuites is a service animal-friendly provider. We proudly accommodate service animals with no additional charge at any of our buildings.

Our pet-friendly accommodations are already equipped for your service animal’s comfort. Our recommended pre-arrival grocery delivery service lets you order both your groceries and your service animal’s food ahead of time.

While each building’s policies around animals vary, we’re happy to match you with the space that fits your needs and make sure your arrival goes smoothly.

Accessible booking processes

Our booking options are accessible for a broad range of guests. If you’re Deaf or hard of hearing, dynamic online rates and fully paperless transactions can make booking happen on your schedule. If you live with vision loss, our Guest Services team can book with you over the phone and set up your suite to your needs.

Our booking processes let you ask questions as you go with our live chat option, tour spaces ahead of time, and pre-book specialized needs like cribs, highchairs, and more.

An easy space to maintain

Our bi-weekly cleaning service makes it simple to get comfortable. Cleaning, linen service, and fresh towels are included in your booking, and our professional, friendly cleaning staff are ready to tailor to your needs.

Accessible travel that lets you explore Toronto

We’re always improving our ability to welcome guests from all walks of life. Contact us by phone at (416) 370-3504, email at info@delsuites.com, or use our live chat to find out how we can make your next trip to Toronto stress-free.

Business Travel, Energy Conservation, Toronto Family Travel, Vacation Travel

Your Big Fat Green Vacation: Travel Sustainably with DelSuites

January 25, 2022
Travel sustainably photo by Scott Evans on Unsplash.

After a year of fires, floods, and hurricanes, how to travel sustainably in our networked world is a bigger question than ever.

But as travel restrictions lift and all those trips COVID put off become possible, the question is: how? Without spending cash on carbon offsets, how do we balance the travel we love—or have to make to keep business running—with doing what’s right for our climate?

At DelSuites, we’ve already taken care of the big things: situating our fully-furnished rentals in sustainably-designed, LEED-certified Tridel buildings which are pushing the limits on how eco-friendly a high-rise can be. And our fully paperless booking service also lets you book, bill, and plan your trip while keeping a few trees in the ground.

But if you want to max out your sustainability while you travel, here are a few easy ways you can make that Toronto trip a little greener—and have fun while you do it.

Ditch the plastic toiletries, and get some planet-friendly ones

Everyone always forgets the toothbrush—but it might not be a bad idea, this time. For no more than a few extra dollars, you can forget the toothbrush and pick up a biodegradable, planet-friendly bamboo brush for your stay.

Kensington Market health food store Essence of Life Organics has a whole selection of biodegradable, zero-waste kitchen, laundry, and bathroom products to sample for only a few dollars each—and they offer reliable next-day delivery. Schedule an order before you leave, and you’ll be happily picking up your zero-waste, plastic-free lemon-flavoured dental floss from the concierge on your way through your door.

If you’d like to give that bamboo toothbrush a longer shelf life—and use it for your next five trips, too!—Quebec-based OLA Bamboo also offers a case to take it home in.

Sustainabilify the souvenirs

It’s not a trip without a few treats for the people back home. But it’s easy to make those treats more sustainable, eco-friendly, and longer-lasting.

“Eco-conscious general store” Logan & Finley offers a wide selection of sustainable treats for friends and family back home, from clothes to sustainably sourced specialty chocolate and decadent bath soaks.

In the west end, the laid-back Roncesvalles neighbourhood’s Ecotique puts an emphasis on looking chic, with green accessories, Toronto-themed tea towels, and elegant lounging robes made from upcycled saris. They’re gifts so elegant the environmental impact is just gravy.

Clean up your caffeine

When we’re on the road, all those morning coffees add up. But there are a few cafés that’ll let you get your fix greener while you’re on the go in Toronto.

Low-waste café Poured Coffee is taking the indie coffeeshop entirely package-free: their beans are dropped off by roaster La Marzocco in reusable food-safe bins, their milk in glass bottles, and every cup served goes into a reusable mug or thermos—yours or theirs. Complete with locally sourced baked goods and neighbourhood art, it’s a low-waste haven for east end travelers.

On the west side of the city, regional coffee roaster Reunion Island Coffee Roasters is a certified B-corp focusing on sustainable coffee “from seed to cup”. Powered by renewable energy provider Bullfrog Power, they’ve made every part of their supply chain more sustainable, from compostable wood-pulp coffee bags to fair-trade beans. And if you have to get a few bags delivered, don’t worry; the packaging’s biodegradable too. Drink up!

Send it with pedal power

Have an important package to get across town by end of day? Need a prescription refilled, stat?

Send It Courier is one of Toronto’s all-cargo bicycle courier companies—this one worker-owned and operated, with an A-list client portfolio and reasonable rates (including the highly descriptive “Panic”).

Instead of a cab or a rideshare, hand your parcels—heavy or light!—off to one of those professional cyclists, and do business with no carbon footprint at all.

Love your new green bin

The city of Toronto’s Green Bin program is a citywide way to keep your organics out of landfill. And because DelSuites furnished rentals are residential spaces, your stay lets you access the program.

The rules for Green Bin use may look complicated at first glance, but they’re worth spending five minutes to get to know. The program takes in food waste, coffee and tea grounds, paper plates, tissues, and paper towels—and much, much more.

Instead of piling up garbage, your waste will be turned into compost for the city’s parks and gardens, and biogas to power renewable natural gas programs—a win-win for everyone.

Our smallest gestures count when we travel sustainably

No, your travel toothbrush isn’t going to save the world. But the small choices we make add up, and a few better habits can be enough to make a much-needed trip more sustainable in the long run.

For more sustainable travel planning, contact us at DelSuites by phone at (647) 370-3504 or email info@delsuites.com. We’ll help you make your next visit to Toronto green, clean, and easy.

Business Travel, Toronto Condos, Toronto Family Travel, Vacation Travel

7 COVID-19 Measures You Should Know About Before Visiting Canada

April 29, 2021
covid 19 measures canada

Travel over the past year has been a whirlwind. Changing restrictions and new safety measures have made international travel a difficult maze of new rules depending on the airport or country you arrive in. Luckily, for travelers coming into Canada, there is some clarity. 

COVID-19 definitely disrupted many plans in 2020, but after a year of dealing with this novel virus, Canadian governments and travel institutions can now offer better guidelines for international travel. 

Here are seven measures you should know when visiting Canada as we deal with the COVID-19 global pandemic. 

1. Masks and Face Coverings

This is the big one. 

To help reduce the spread of COVID-19, travelers entering Canada through major ports, including airports, transit stations, etc., must wear masks/face coverings at all times. 

At Pearson Airport in Toronto, this includes the pre-and post-security screening areas of the terminals, parking facilities, people mover train, sidewalks/curbs outside the terminals, and other outdoor public areas.

There are several special exceptions to this rule in effect. If you have a medical condition that prevents you from wearing a mask, you are exempt from the rule provided you have a note from a medical doctor that certifies that you are unable to wear a mask for medical reasons. 

2. COVID-19 Testing Before and Upon Arrival

As of February 21, 2021, air travelers will be required to take a COVID-19 molecular test upon landing in Canada.  This testing can occur at the airport or later during their mandatory quarantine period in either a designated quarantine facility or at a suitable place of quarantine.

Before leaving the airport, travelers will also receive a COVID-19 test kit or instructions for taking their test later during their mandatory 14-day quarantine period.

3. Mandatory Quarantine Period 

When first coming to Canada, there is a mandatory 14-day self-isolation period for international travelers and social distancing precautions for everyone. 

For those coming from specific international hot spots, travelers are to go to a pre-booked hotel while they await the results of their arrival test.

If the test is negative, travelers will continue their quarantine in their home, short-term rental, or designated residence and complete their test kit as instructed.

However, if positive, travelers will be relocated to a designated quarantine facility or other suitable places of quarantine until medically released. 

4. Social Distancing Measures 

Apart from wearing masks and constant hand-washing, maintaining social distancing when possible is how we can help combat this pandemic. 

Many stores, public venues, and restaurants will have limited sitting or restrictions to how many patrons they can accommodate at a time. Keep this in mind when making plans for outings as there might be longer than usual waiting times or queues for shopping. 

At DelSuites, your short-term rental allows you to maintain social distancing and have a home away from home. Guests can enjoy premium amenities like a personal kitchen and high-speed internet, so their stay is comfortable and stress-free. 

5. Pre-Booked Hotel Upon Arrival 

Before departure to Canada, air travelers will need to reserve a 3-night stay in a government-authorized hotel. These new measures are in addition to existing mandatory pre-boarding and health requirements for air travelers with limited exemptions. 

Also, the Government of Canada has announced new travel restrictions, including a suspension of flights to Mexico and the Caribbean from January 31, 2021, to April 30, 2021.  New testing and quarantine requirements are also evolving with developments in the pandemic on public health. 

6. Restrictions for Meeters and Greeters at the Airport

Are you heading back home? Make sure to say your goodbyes before reaching the airport.

To maintain social distancing and limit high-volume traffic, many major airports have limited terminal access to passengers traveling on the same day and airport employees on duty. Meeters and greeters or those dropping friends and loved ones off at the airport won’t be able to enter the terminals. 

7. Stay-At-Home Orders 

In some COVID-19 hotspots, government bodies have implemented more strict social distancing measures to curb the spread of the virus and its newly emerging variants. 

Depending on the city you are traveling to, make sure to be prepared and informed of possible stay-at-home orders. This preparation can dramatically alter your trip and how you can spend your time in the country. 

8. Providing a Safe, Secure, and Cozy Home Away From Home 

Traveling to any country can be stressful, especially during COVID-19. With so many restrictions, it can be hard to fully enjoy your trip.  However, having a temporary home with DelSuites’ short-term rentals can make all the difference. 

When it comes to travel security and safety, you can be confident you are in good hands. Protecting our guests and associates is our number one priority. Along with abiding by government public health guidelines, we ensure that we are keeping on top of standards of cleanliness and hygiene to keep everyone safe, no matter where you are traveling from. 

Right from check-in, you can enjoy fully furnished living spaces and round-the-clock reliable and high-quality customer service. Despite this new normal, our strong in-house maintenance team and trusted security make it their mission to take care of you and your well-being so you can focus on getting the most out of your stay in Toronto and surrounding GTA.

Visiting Canada? Find Your Next Short-Term Rental With DelSuites

Don’t let COVID-19 get you down.  Even with some limited activities, Toronto always finds a way to entertain whenever you are here. And whatever you choose, you can be confident you have a comfortable and safe place to call home at the end of the day with DelSuites. Visit our website to find your perfect short-term rental in Toronto today.

Business Travel, Vacation Travel

Moving During COVID Times: What You Need to Know

March 22, 2021
short-term rental moving day

The world has changed in numerous ways over the last year because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Many people have put much of their lives on hold, working from home or being unable to work at all. 

That said, there still are many reasons why you might need to move at this time, despite (or even because of) the pandemic. Since this time is so unprecedented, many questions come up when planning a move. 

DelSuites is here to answer them all and help make this process as smooth as possible for you. 

Moving Right Now

The first question is probably, “Can I even move at this time?” The simple answer is yes. There are apartment buildings that are limiting or not allowing the move-in/move-out process currently so the best option is to contact everyone directly to verify. Also, something might come up that would require you to delay or cancel a move. 

Most businesses have new guidelines with more flexibility than usual for these situations. All DelSuites buildings are allowing people to move-in or move-out, with rules and restrictions in place to keep everybody as safe as possible. 

Touring a New Place

While touring your potential new home is still available, it is discouraged so you can adhere to social distancing protocols. Luckily, DelSuites includes as many photos as possible on our website and has virtual tours and video links offered as an alternate solution to tours. Also, tours by video call are available as another safe option to view a place while keeping everybody healthy. 

Purchasing Moving Supplies

Both packing supply stores and big box stores are considered essential and are still opened at this time. You should be able to purchase anything you need at one of these. If you want to keep even safer and order online, please keep in mind that there have been shipping delays during this time. Make sure to give yourself enough time for any packages to arrive. 

Staying Safe While Traveling

At a personal level, you can stay safe while traveling by keeping socially distanced from others as much as possible, always wearing your mask, and washing your hands thoroughly as often as possible. If you are traveling by air or rail, follow all rules and recommendations provided by the company providing the service. And before anything, be sure to check the Public Health Agency of Canada’s latest updates about everything COVID-19.

Traveling Between Provinces

Canada currently does not have any federal restrictions on traveling between provinces. There may be provincial or territorial rules and restrictions in place for where you are moving to so it is best to check government websites for the most current rules. If you’re moving to Ontario from another province, Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health strongly advises that you self-isolate for 14 days after arriving. 

Staying Clean While Moving In

As long as you follow all guidelines recommended by the Public Health Agency of Canada and verify that the businesses you’re dealing with are doing the same, everybody should be kept clean and safe during this process. If you’re moving into a DelSuites location, we offer numerous pre-arrival and quarantine assistance:

  • Extra bed linens and towels
  • Easy Self-Service Grocery
  • Safe Delivery and Garbage Disposal procedures
  • COVID-19 Information Resources

Staying Safe Once Moved In

After arriving, it is necessary to continue to follow protocols to stay safe. As an active member of its communities, DelSuites does adhere to the safety protocols of each building. Listed below are some expected safety protocols:

  • Sanitizer stations are prominently placed throughout all buildings.
  • Mask wearing in common areas and maintaining a distance of 2m is required in all buildings.
  • Elevator spacing guidelines and a maximum of 2 people per household in all elevators.
  • Maximum capacity has been revised and new restrictions for safe use in fitness centers, swimming pools, and other amenities. 
  • Closures of some common areas or recreational amenities are possible as decided by the Property Management/Condominium Board.

For more information, please read DelSuites Enhance Hygiene Practices and Protocols.

About DelSuites Short-Term Rentals

DelSuites provides quality furnished suites in superb residential communities within the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). DelSuites has developed a reputation for quality accommodations in prime locations and personalized service.

If you’d like to learn more about short-term rentals anywhere in the Greater Toronto Area and the options that DelSuites can offer, please contact us today or reach out directly by calling 1-877-228-7677. We are more than happy to help!