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Business Travel, Corporate Housing, Toronto Condos, Vacation Travel

Short-Term Rental vs. Hotel: Weighing Your Options on Where You Should Stay in Toronto

October 26, 2020
toronto travel hotel vs short-term rental

You land in the city and are looking for a place to stay. Finding a living space that is clean and comfortable is going to be priority number one. Luckily you have options. When it comes to serviced living spaces, the two most popular options include: booking a short-term rental or finding a hotel. 

Depending on what type of trip you are taking to the city, whether it’s business or leisure, how you want to spend your time here, and where you reside will change. Both hotels and short-term rentals offer different experiences that can enhance or hinder your stay. 

Here is a breakdown that will help you weigh your options and help you decide which is better for you: 

What Do Short-Term Rentals Offer?

short-term rental unit

Privacy

Since the entire living space is rented, you get a greater sense of privacy and experience fewer interruptions from other guests or staff like you would at a hotel. Especially in a time of social distancing, you do not have to worry about sharing common areas with other patrons or having to wear a face mask every time you leave your room. Instead, settle in and spread out as you please. 

Feeling At Home

Amenities like a kitchen, washer and dryer, and fully furnished living spaces are often included. This enhances the feeling of home as you can prepare your various meals, tend to your own laundry and live at your own pace in your home away from home.

Better Sense of the Neighbourhood

Short-term rentals are great for a longer stay. With locations throughout most major cities, you can get to know the area and community you are living in. Feel like a local and get fantastic intel on the best bars, restaurants, and hidden gems in the neighbourhood.

Saves You Money

Being able to do things like cook for yourself in a kitchen means you don’t have to worry about added costs on amenities that are included right in your living space. Likewise, the ability to be more self-sufficient means less hassle with cleaning fees and having to tip the bellboy. 

Drawbacks

For short-term rentals, the increased independent living does mean you miss out on things like room service or larger amenities that a luxury hotel might provide. However, for condo-style or suite-style temporary rentals with DelSuites, things like a gym or a pool are still often available to you. 

What Do Hotels Offer?

hotel room vs short term rental

Many, Many Locations

Most major cities are no stranger to luxury hotels. This means you can have your pick of the best hotel in whichever neighbourhood you’d like to reside on your trip. Grab the best view in the city or the closest room to your favourite places in the downtown core, the choice is up to you. 

Service When You Want It

Hotels provide round-the-clock service. This means convenience and direct customer service whenever you have a complaint or concern with your room. Likewise, prepared meals are available for delivery at a cost, just pick up the phone and dial room service.

You’re In and Out

Reception operates 24/7 which allows for check-in and check-out at any time of the day or night.  This is great for international travellers or those on short business trips as you do not have to deal with the hassle of extensive clean up when you leave. 

Drawbacks

For hotels, rooms must be cleaned frequently and linens changed almost every day. This constant servicing can be very disruptive as it increases unnecessary interaction with staff and can alter travel itineraries based on house cleaning hours. At the same time, with so many rooms to service, specialized care, and focus on your living space is reduced. 

In this time of social distancing, it is vital to limit interaction with other people and increase cleanliness in high touch areas, something that might be overlooked in hotel room maintenance. 

Choosing the Best Option for Your Trip 

Both hotels and short-term rentals have pros and cons and can alter how you experience a city. In a major city like Toronto, with so much to see and unique activities to do, it is important to experience the most of this beautiful city at your own pace. Although hotels provide luxury and convenience, short-term rentals save you money while allowing you to feel the privacy and comforts of home so you can focus on your trip. 

When you’re staying in Toronto, booking with DelSuites is the best of both worlds. Our short-term rentals allow you to enjoy your independence during your stay, but when you need it, maintenance and customer service are just one call away. With well-established locations throughout the city, you can rely on us to make you feel right at home anywhere you are. 

If you’re interested in learning more, visit our website today to see how staying with DelSuites is the best choice for your trip to Toronto. 

Business Travel, Corporate Housing

A Guide to Hosting Virtual Corporate Meetings From Your Remote Location

September 25, 2020
virtual-meeting-corporate-housing

By now, we’ve all attended at least one virtual meeting. The COVID-19 pandemic has made it essential for all of us to learn new ways of conducting business—even if it means migrating to an online setting and working remotely. Luckily, we do have access to exceptional technology that allows us to continue to do business, even if in-person meetings are no longer a possibility in many cases. 

While video conferencing tools like Zoom are helping millions of businesses to conduct meetings and events seamlessly throughout the pandemic, for many, it’s proving a little difficult to master the art of the online meeting. After all, to run an effective meeting, a whole new host of skills are required. Using this guide, you’ll be able to run an efficient and productive virtual meeting. 

Have Someone Present to Let People Into the Meeting

With video conferencing apps like Zoom, the host often needs to be present to let attendees into the meeting room. To make the meeting as seamless as possible, assign someone to the role of “virtual receptionist.” 

Make sure they are on hand a few minutes prior to the meeting’s start time to let people into the meeting room and introduce them to other early birds. This will give the meeting an extra professional feel and will set people at ease from the get-go. 

Set Ground Rules

As you can easily imagine, virtual meetings can easily get confusing and chaotic, especially when there are lots of attendees. To ensure that the meeting runs smoothly, set some ground rules in advance. The following points can be extremely helpful in keeping things on track:

  • Ask people to mute themselves when they don’t have the floor. This will help the speaker to get their points across and will prevent background noise from creating unnecessary distractions. With some apps, people’s video feeds will take over the screen when they make noise, which can be distracting for obvious reasons!
  • Set rules for how people will contribute. A good way to do this is to assign someone the role of the meeting organizer. Ask people with questions or points to write a message in the chatbox. When an appropriate moment arises, the meeting leader can give this person the floor. 
  • Set rules about staying on topic. The meeting leader should have the power to divert the conversation back on track if the meeting veers off course onto a tangent. 

With clear, pre-set rules, you won’t have to worry about the meeting taking a wrong turn. Plus, you’ll ensure that every speaker gets their turn!

Create an Itinerary and Make Sure Attendees are on the Same Page

In addition to sending attendees some ground rules in advance, send them a rough itinerary of what will be covered. Set aside a specific amount of time for each item on the agenda. This way, you can stay on course and cover everything you need to in the meeting. 

Write a Script or a Guide for Presentations

If you are presenting ideas or products during the meeting, don’t feel as though you need to think on your feet. Prepare as you would for an in-person presentation, and jot down some notes on what you want to say. For more formal presentations, you might even write a rough script. 

Make Use of Features Like Screen Sharing

While video conferencing isn’t always ideal, it does have some perks. Namely, that there are many features that can make sharing information quick and easy. Screen and file sharing is an excellent feature that allows you to share slides, images, and documents with all attendees. Some might even say it’s better than a projector!

Use Breakout Rooms for Smaller Group Sessions

Another excellent feature of many video conferencing apps is the breakout room feature. For longer business meetings, you may wish to split the large group into a few smaller groups. This will give people a chance to come up with ideas, reflect, and discuss. 

Depending on the purpose of your breakout rooms, you can set the app to choose groups at random, or you can set the groups in advance. Using this feature will give the meeting structure and will help to keep all attendees engaged and active throughout.

DelSuites: Find the Perfect Home Office Away From Home

Even though businesses are operating largely online, lots of people are beginning to travel for business. Here in Toronto and the GTA, we’ve seen more and more executives visiting the city. 

We offer beautiful, temporary accommodation and corporate housing that is perfect for people visiting the city on business. With our enhanced cleaning regime and our fully-fitted suites, you’ll find yourself in the perfect place to set up a temporary office—and host those virtual meetings like a pro! Find out about our short-term rentals in Toronto today.

Business Travel, Downtown Toronto, Family Vacations in Toronto

A Guide to Getting Around Toronto During COVID-19

September 21, 2020
toronto-streetcar-covid-19

If you’re planning on visiting Toronto or the surrounding area, you may be in for a little surprise. Even if you’ve visited the city in the past, things have changed since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

As with most large cities, Toronto has had to make some slight changes to its travel system to ensure people’s safety. While the changes are fairly easy to navigate, it’s important to be prepared for the new rules.

Here’s what you need to know about Toronto and the way the city is handling the COVID-19 pandemic.

Getting to Canada 

The biggest changes you’re likely to experience in travelling to Toronto is getting into the country. As of September 2020, the border with the US is closed to most foreign nationals unless you are a citizen or permanent resident of Canada.

If you’re travelling from another country via plane, the airline will do a health assessment to check for symptoms of COVID-19. If you display any of the symptoms, you won’t be able to board the flight. You will also need to wear a face mask over your mouth and nose during the flight. Toronto Pearson (YYZ) is one of the only four Canadian airports currently allowing international flights. 

When you arrive at Toronto Pearson, you will again be checked for symptoms. Whether you display symptoms or not, you will be required to isolate for 14 days if you are coming to Canada from another country. Certain exemptions may be made if you take a COVID-19 test, or if you’re classified as an essential worker.

Public Transit With the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC)

Once you’ve arrived in Toronto (and gone through the necessary 14-day self-isolation period if you’re coming from another country), you’ll probably need to get around the city!

The TTC is Toronto’s public transport network. It consists of subway trains, streetcars, and buses. While the entire system is now up and running as normal, there are some additional guidelines to be aware of.

As of July 2020, it is mandatory to wear a mask or face mask while using TTC public transport, unless you have an underlying medical condition that makes wearing a mask unsafe. 

On all buses, streetcars, and trains, you may notice that several seats are blocked off. Avoid using these seats to ensure you are practicing social distancing from other passengers.

Fares can be paid as normal by cash, PRESTO card, or token. 

Click here to see the latest guidance from the TTC about using public transport safely. You can also visit the TTC website to see a full map of the city’s public transport. 

Use a Ride-Hailing App

Uber and other ride-hailing apps have become increasingly popular over the last few years. With Uber and other similar apps, you can order a cab to your exact location and it usually arrives within the space of a few minutes. For many, it’s a more convenient and affordable option than regular taxi cabs. 

As of March 2020, all Uber drivers and passengers are required to wear masks while in the car. Drivers now have to verify they are wearing a mask through the app before they are assigned to a ride. 

Drivers are also required to sign documentation confirming they:

  • Have no COVID-19 symptoms
  • Have disinfected their vehicle
  • Have washed their hands

If your driver arrives without a mask, you’ll be able to cancel your ride for free.

You will also have the luxury of choice when it comes to ride-hailing apps in Toronto. Other ride-hailing apps that are currently available include:

  • Lyft
  • RideGuru
  • Ola
  • Didi
  • Poparide
  • BlancRide
  • HiRide

Toronto’s regular taxis are still in service too.

Bike Share in Toronto

Bike Share Toronto offers an easy bike renting system. With over 6,000 bikes held at convenient outdoor stations around the city, you can grab a bike easily and quickly and drop it off at another station when you’re finished.

This bike rental system is still in operation despite the COVID-19 pandemic. While it isn’t required, you may wish to wipe down the handlebars of your bike and sanitize your hands before and after your trip.

Find out more about renting a bike in Toronto.

Finding the Perfect Accommodations in Toronto

Travelling around Toronto is actually a lot easier than you may think, in spite of the ongoing pandemic. Just remember to keep a respectful distance from other passengers when possible. And don’t forget to bring a few masks with you, so you never have to worry about being refused entry.

No matter how long your trip is, DelSuites has the perfect temporary accommodations in Toronto. Find out how we’re keeping our guests safe during the pandemic. 

Whether you’re travelling for business or for pleasure, our fully furnished, stylish suites will make you feel right at home from the moment you step through the front door. 

Plus, with suites located all over the city, you’re sure to find a place to stay that’s exactly where you need to be. If you’re lucky, you may not need to worry about public transport at all! Discover our short-term rentals in Toronto today.

Business Travel, Downtown Toronto, Family Vacations in Toronto

Fun COVID-Friendly Activities to Keep You Busy During Your Business Trip to Toronto

September 15, 2020
covid 19 restaurant

Travel probably won’t be the same for quite some time. The coronavirus has made travel much more complicated. And when it comes to entertainment, lots of businesses have had to close or change their services. Nevertheless, there’s still plenty to do in Toronto if you’re visiting!

In Ontario, the government has created a system of various stages to control the spread of coronavirus. In each stage, certain activities and businesses are allowed to operate, while others are not. 

As of September 2020, Toronto is in “stage 3.” In this stage, certain things aren’t operating as normal, such as amusement parks, buffet restaurants, saunas, and bars. However, there are still plenty of businesses operating that promise a great time! Here are some ideas of some fun things to do in Toronto that are safe and, most importantly, open.

Head to a Restaurant Patio

As of September 2020, restaurants are open with a few restrictions in place. If you’re dining inside, there will be plastic partitions between tables, and you’ll be asked to stay seated throughout your meal. However, if weather permits, sitting at an outdoor patio can feel pretty normal. 

Spend an evening enjoying a meal and drinks at a restaurant like Hemingway’s, The Porch, or Against the Grain. 

Get a Massage

While certain features of Toronto’s spas are currently closed (such as saunas), you can still head to one of the city’s masseuses. If you’re travelling for business, this is a wonderful way to unwind, de-stress, and release some of those post-lockdown knots! Make sure to bring a mask with you as it will be required inside.

Try a Socially Distanced Fitness Class

In the past few months, fitness studios have started to reopen around the city. Most studios that have reopened have had to cut their class sizes by quite a lot in order to allow for social distancing. Try taking a barre, yoga, or spin class to get a feel for the city’s amazing fitness scene! 

Visit an Outdoor Cinema

Indoor cinemas have reopened with smaller audience capacities. However, Toronto is home to a few excellent outdoor cinemas. Before the cold Canadian winter sets in, catch a film at an outdoor cinema. 

The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) has planned an outdoor drive-in cinema in early September at five locations around the city! Find out more today. 

Take Part in a Small Tour of the City

While large tours are no longer operating, smaller guided tours of the city have started up again. If you’re new to Toronto, this is a great way to get a feel for the city and learn about its history. Or, if you’re feeling a little more adventurous, why not follow a map and take yourself on a walking tour!

Visit One of the City’s Amazing Museums

Most of Toronto’s museums have reopened to the public. Here are a few of the city’s best-loved museums and what you can see there:

  • Royal Ontario Museum. See a huge collection of Canadian artifacts in this centrally located museum
  • Casa Loma. This faux chateau was built in 1914, but feels like a true Baroque relic
  • Art Gallery of Ontario. One of the country’s most famous galleries, featuring pieces by Canadian and international artists
  • Bata Shoe Museum. Discover the surprisingly fascinating history of shoes
  • Aga Khan Museum. Discover the rich history of Islamic civilizations 
  • Mackenzie House. See the home of Toronto’s first mayor in this intimate, historic home

While all of these museums are reopened, most require you to wear a mask inside and book in advance.

Catch a Live Performance

Most theatres and music venues remain shut due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, there are actually a few opportunities to see live performances this fall in Toronto. For instance, this September sees the outdoor Jazz Festival up and running. Plus, Canadian Stage recently announced that they are presenting a range of theatrical and dance performances in safe outdoor venues throughout the fall. 

DelSuites: The Perfect Place to Stay in Toronto

Here at DelSuites, we understand that travelling in 2020 has proven to be a little trickier than anyone anticipated. That’s why we’ve done everything in our power to make our temporary furnished suites the perfect place to call home while working remotely. With additional cleaning regimes in place, and a fully trained team of staff, you can always rest assured that your stay will be safe and comfortable. 

We offer short-term rentals that suit everyone’s needs and tastes. Whether you’re looking for a contemporary apartment in Yorkville, or you’d prefer a cozy place to call home in East Toronto, we have you covered. Start browsing our downtown Toronto apartments today.

Business Travel, Downtown Toronto, Family Vacations in Toronto

Your COVID-19 Guide to Toronto’s Virtual Museums 

July 6, 2020
toronto royal ontario museum

Toronto is Canada’s most popular tourism destination—and for good reason. Whether you’re looking for downtown Toronto apartments or to visit the city, the capital of Ontario is home to diverse cuisines and cultures, Instagram-friendly landmarks, and kind, easygoing locals. Canada’s most famous city has its own unique charm—and, in spite of its far-reaching impact, the COVID-19 pandemic hasn’t changed the city’s fundamental sense of community and caring. 

Among the things that Toronto is known for—including its breathtaking skyline views and the crowning jewel of film festivals—are expansive museums of art, world culture, and natural history. While the doors to these museums are closed until further notice, you can still enjoy their exhibits without leaving the comfort of your furnished suite. 

Whether you’re visiting for the first time or you’re a native Torontonian, we’ve put together a list of four virtual museums across the country that are now available for your viewing pleasure. 

1. Art Gallery of Ontario 

art gallery of ontario

The AGO is one of the largest art museums in North America. From leading contemporary artists like Pierre Huyghe to emerging Indigenous Canadian artists, the AGO’s collection consists of tens of thousands of artworks from all over the world and across time. 

In the wake of COVID-19, the AGO’s online collections can be viewed for free at home, at any time. We recommend checking out the Boxwood Project, which features intricate and mystifying miniature boxwood carvings from the Gothic era. Make sure to zoom in on the incredibly fine details of this prayer bead from the 1500s. 

Don’t exit your browser without taking a look at the AGO’s Prints and Drawings collection, including over 20,000 prints, drawings, and watercolours from as far back as the 1400s. View the sketches of Michelangelo, Picasso, van Gogh, and legendary Canadian artists like David Milne, Michael Snow, and David Blackwood, among other familiar names. 

2. Canadian Museum of History 

The CMH is Canada’s national museum of human history, exploring not just Canadian history, but the past 20,000 years of our existence as a species. With the museum’s own roots dating back to 1856, the CMH is one of North America’s oldest cultural institutions. 

With interactive exhibits, activities, and educational resources, the CMH is a playground for historically-minded individuals who are stuck at home. The museum has also made it possible for online visitors to stream vivid documentaries on ocean life, dinosaurs, and ancient Egyptian mummies. 

For thought-provoking and amusing exhibits, we recommend the Art of Puppetry, which showcases over 2,000 puppets and their unique stories, and Canadian Dress: The Confederation Era, an exhibit examining what men, women, and children wore in the nineteenth century.  

3. Royal Ontario Museum

The ROM is a national treasure, garnering over a million visitors every year. Its eye-catching architecture is a staple of downtown Toronto, and its exhibits within are all the more captivating. 

Home to 13 million artworks, cultural artifacts, and historical relics, the ROM holds the title of Canada’s largest museum. Nearly 50,000 of its featured objects are available for exploring online at any time. 

We highly recommend the ROM’s online interactive exhibits, two of which are powered using Google. One tells the tragic story of a blue whale salvaged back in 2014 when nine whales were found entombed in ice off the western coast of Newfoundland. A team from the ROM itself travelled to Newfoundland to investigate, transforming a tragedy into a touching educational adventure. 

4. National Gallery of Canada 

National Gallery of Canada 

Located in Ottawa, the NGC is an architectural beauty, with towering glass windows that perfectly mirror the sky. Like the Art Gallery of Ontario, the NGC is one of the largest art museums in North America. Physically, it occupies nearly 50,000 square metres of exhibition space. Within these exhibits, the gallery boasts a collection of over 93,000 artworks with Canadian, European, and Asian roots. 

Tour and explore the NGC’s newly-launched virtual galleries, thought-provoking videos, and photostories. Experience a selection of artworks handpicked by the gallery’s curators, enter a viewing room for intriguing historical photography, and embark on an audio tour of artworks intent on capturing nature’s colourful charm. 

Stay Safe and Informed With DelSuites

Attractions across the country have closed their doors and entered a digital space in a concerted effort to keep visitors as safe as possible. Likewise, if you’re relocating within Toronto during the pandemic, safety should be your foremost concern.

Our furnished apartments in downtown Toronto, Mississauga, Scarborough, and North York provide you with the sanitization standards of a hotel—as well as the luxury—without breaking the bank. 

In particular, DelSuites offers you a tranquil environment to rest, rejuvenate, and explore. From a fully-stocked kitchen and ensuite laundry to high-speed internet access, guests are provided with everything they need to stay exactly where they are. When it comes to short-term rentals in Toronto, DelSuites ensures that safety and luxury go hand-in-hand. 

Are you moving within Toronto during the pandemic? Visit our website to book a furnished suite today. 

For more information on how you can stay safe while enjoying yourself during the COVID-19 pandemic, get in touch with our team at info@delsuites.com.

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