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Business Travel, Customer Service Experience, Entertainment, Food & Recipes, Lifestyle talk

Tipping Etiquette in Toronto

September 23, 2016

Tipping EtiquetteIf you are visiting Toronto and you are from a culture where tipping is not the norm, you might be wondering what the appropriate local tipping etiquette might be. Who should you tip, and how much money should you give?

In Canada the tipping culture is similar to in the USA – tips are expected for many staff in the service, hospitality and food and beverage industry. Here are some important tips to keep in mind when it comes to tipping etiquette while visiting Toronto.

In a Restaurant

Unlike some destinations in Europe, a gratuity is not included in the bill at most Canadian restaurants. Instead, you should calculate approximately 15-20% and add that onto your bill. If the service was unsatisfactory, you caTipping Etiquetten give less and if the service was exceptionally good you can give more. You essentially tip based on the service experience.

Sometimes if you have a table with a large group, usually 8 or more, the restaurant will add an automatic gratuity to the bill. Some servers may rely on tips to bump up their wage and may feel frustrated by a large group who take a lot of time and effort to serve but don’t tip.

If you have a poor restaurant experience and you are considering not leaving a tip as a response, consider whether your experience was the fault of the server. If the food was bad or the service was slow because there weren’t enough staff, this is the fault of the kitchen and the manager. Consider asking to speak to the manager so that you can voice your complaints in a constructive way – you might even be offered a discount or a free meal as an apology.

Other Places to Tip

Tipping is also customary in other situations in Canada. You would be expected to tip your taxi driver, valet parking attendant, hotel room attendant, hotel concierge, hairdresser and manicurist. If you visit a spa during your visit to Toronto it is expected that you will tip your spa service provider around 10% of the cost of your treatment. Also, if you go on a guided tour and your guide offers you great service it is good to tip them around 10-15% to show your appreciation. When you are drinking at one of the many great bars in Toronto it is customary to leave around $1 per drink for the bar tender, depending onTipping Etiquette the cost of the drink.

In some situations, there will be a “Tip Jar” on the counter of a business, such as in a coffee shop, cafeteria and sometimes even in retail stores. However, in these situations the tip is optional. You can put a tip in these jars if you have enjoyed great service but you don’t have to – and it won’t be considered rude not to.

It can be tricky at first to remember who to tip while visiting in Canada, but if you are unsure you can always ask a Canadian friend or colleague about the appropriate tipping etiquette. Make sure to carry around a few small bills, loonies and toonies so that you have the right change whenever you need it!

Remember to tip on the sub-total, and not on the taxes!

Downtown Toronto, Entertainment, Lifestyle talk, Toronto History

Cool and Quirky Toronto Markets

September 2, 2016

Toronto MarketsToronto is an intriguing and multi-faceted city with a lot of different layers to uncover. One of the most interesting aspects of the city is its abundance of quirky and unique markets. These Toronto markets have a fascinating collection of everything from locally grown produce to antiques to handmade jewellery and much more. You can spend hours searching through, finding treasures and chatting to the friendly local sellers.

Here are some of the most interesting Toronto markets to check out during your stay in your furnished rental nearby:

Brick Works Farmer’s Market

This Saturday morning market is the ideal place for foodies to scout out delicious local treats. It offers a great selection of eggs, produce, meats, cheeses, baked goods, tea, preserves and much more. It is one of the largest farmer’s markets in the city and is only 6KM from the Republic furnished apartments in Toronto. It’s a fantastic place to find your next favourite treat, whether that is a Toronto Marketshomemade vegan brownie, a strawberry basil ice pop or fresh gluten free spicy Mexican salsa.

Parkdale Flea Market

Parkdale is a cool and quirky west end neighbourhood and this great market features beautiful handicrafts made by the creative locals. There are many great finds here, such as handmade jewellery, antiques, locally designed clothes, vegan baked goods and so much more. It has a lively and welcoming atmosphere and runs the second Sunday of the month from 10am until 5pm.

Withrow Market

The Withrow Market happens every Saturday from 9am until 1pm rain or shine at Withrow Park. It has a fantastic selection of regionally grown produce and baked goods, as well as yummy treats such as preserves and ice cream sandwiches. Shopping here is a great way to support the local farmers around Toronto and buying locally grown pToronto Marketsroduce is so much better for the environment. The James Cooper Mansion short term rentals is only a 10 minute drive.

Sunday Antique Market

If you love antiques you will be in heaven at this Sunday Market, a treasure trove of old fashioned finds from vintage jewellery to old books to home décor and much more. There is a great collection of items that is ever changing and you can find everything from quirky retro items to pieces that are quite old and valuable. It takes place at the historic St. Lawrence Market which is only about a 5 minute drive from the 300 Front St. West furnished rentals.

Junction Flea Market

Every second Sunday of the month from 10am until 5pm from June 8th to October 12th you can check out the Junction Flea market, a very trendy hipster hotspot. There is a lot to discover here, from food to vintage clothing to records to antiques and much more. There’s something for everyone and a great friendly and laid back atmosphere.

These are just a few of the coolest and quirkiest markets that Toronto has to offer. Give yourself lots of time to explore these Toronto markets so that you can meander through slowly, taste all of the yummy treats, hunt for a vintage treasure and chat to some of the local sellers. It’s not just a market, it’s a Toronto cultural experience.

Business Travel, Family Vacations in Toronto, Lifestyle talk, Toronto Family Travel, Vacation Travel

Tips to Maximize Space in Condo Rentals

August 12, 2016

Maximize Space in Condo RentalsStaying in a furnished condo rental offers a lot of advantages compared to staying in a hotel room – with increased space being one of the biggest perks. You’ll have a bedroom, fully equipped kitchen, dining area and living room – rather than being cramped into one room. Having these separate areas means that multiple people can relax, sleep and eat without disturbing each other.So, since you have all of this space during your stay – how can you make the most of it? Here are some tips to maximize space in condo rentals.

Unpack Properly

No matter how neatly they might have been packed, backpacks and suitcases have a tendency to “explode” all over the room. As you hunt for a particular piece of clothing, all of the items in your bag will get taken out and will start to take up floor space.Maximize Space in Condo Rentals

In order to give yourself more room, a tip to maximize space in condo rentals is to stay organized and make your condo look less cluttered. Its worth taking the extra time to properly unpack. Most condos will have a closet, a wardrobe or a chest of drawers which you can use to organize your clothes. Once you are unpacked, tuck away your luggage somewhere and you’ll have much more room.

Use Every Part of the Condo

It’s tempting just to eat dinner in front of the TV and leave the table unused, but it’s there so you may as well take advantage of it. Separating your actions into their appropriate spaces can have a lot of benefits. For example, if you take the time to properly set the table and sit down to your meal, you’ll focus on the food and enjoy it a lot more than you would if you ate it while distracted as you watch TV.

Don’t Forget the BaMaximize Space in Condo Rentalslcony

If your condo has a balcony, this is a huge perk so don’t ignore it! Even just taking 10 minutes every morning to sip your coffee in the fresh air while admiring the view will start your day off on a positive note. You’ll be more likely to use the balcony if there is somewhere to sit, so if there isn’t a chair out there already you can put one out there.

Utilize the Sofa Bed

Many condos will offer you the option of a pull out sofa bed. This can be a really smart solution that will allow you to sleep extra people in your condo. For example, a couple travelling with a child can save money by renting a one-bedroom furnished apartment with a sofa bed rather than a two-bedroom condo. In the morning, simply take five minutes to fold up the bed and it becomes part of the living room space.

Your furnished condo offers you a lot of space, so make sure you use these simple tips to maximize space in condo rentals to its full potential and make the most of it!

Business Travel, Fitness and Health, Lifestyle talk

Why Work Wellness is Important

July 22, 2016

Work WellnessIt comes as no surprise that people are more productive and motivated when they are feeling healthy and energized. It seems so simple, yet why do we often ignore the importance of overall work wellness in the workplace?

A work wellness program can have a lot of benefits, including increasing the profitability and success of the company as well as enhancing the lives of the employees. According to statistics by the Institute for Healthcare Consumerism, businesses that implemented a work wellness program experienced a 28% reduction in employees who called in sick.

What is a Work Wellness Program?Work Wellness

A workplace wellness program is not a short term solution, it is a complex and long term strategy. A good program should outline short and long term goals for improving the wellness of employees. It should be integrated into the very fabric of the company’s culture and it should focus on all aspects of employee health including sleep, nutrition, fitness, ergonomics, disease prevention, stress management and much more. It can also consider health issues that are relevant to the particular working environment or industry.

Where can you start? There are a number of wellness initiatives that an employer can implement, including flu shots, yoga, smoking cessation programs, group exercise classes, in-office massage therapy, mental health counseling, health fairs, newsletters, gym memberships and so much more. Every company is unique and so are the needs of the employees. The right wellness plan will integrate many aspects of health into one comprehensive overall strategy. When this sets the tone for the workplace, health and wellness will become part of the company culture.

The Benefits

There are so many positive Work Wellnessoutcomes to looking after the health of your employees. The benefits of implementing a work wellness program include:

  • Reducing sick time and absenteeism.
  • Attracting the most talented workers.
  • Improving decision making and productivity on the job
  • Improving employee morale
  • Better employee loyalty and retention
  • Reduction of workplace conflicts because employees are less stressed and unhappy
  • Improving creativity and problem solving ability
  • Better prevention and management of diseases
  • Lower healthcare costs

Delsuites understands the importance of work wellness and has worked to implement it into the workplace. One of the ways they promote employee wellness is that they have introduced massage therapy for staff. This has a number of benefits including reducing stress, releasing positive endorphins, easing back, neck and shoulder pain, promoting circulation and much more. A quick massage in the workplace can be just what our staff members need to pick them up and keep them feeling energized in the middle of a busy day.

 

About me, Business Travel, Downtown Toronto, Lifestyle talk, Relocation

Business Travel Toronto

July 8, 2016

Business Travel TorontoIf you are travelling to Toronto on business, having a good place to stay is crucial. You’ll be focused on getting things done and achieving your business goals, so your accommodation needs to facilitate this by being convenient and comfortable. Delsuites business travel Toronto has been providing high quality corporate housing for over 17 years, offering business travellers the ideal place to stay for projects, relocation, assignments, training, conferences or any other corporate visit.

We understand that the needs of a business traveller are very different to the needs of someone visiting Toronto on vacation. We know that offering good service and excellent amenities saves you time and increases your productivity. We understand that a convenient location keeps you close to your work and networking events. We have worked to create comfortable furnished rentals in Toronto that provide you with everything you need to feel well rested and prepared to take on a busy day.

Why Staying in a Furnished Apartment is Perfect for Business Travel Toronto

If you are visiting Toronto on business, staying in a furnished apartment is a much better alternative to staying in a hotel. Here are some of the advantages:

  • You’ll have a productive workspace and high speed internet, so that you can get work done during your stay – because we know that work doesn’t always stop when you return to your room.
  • The locations within Toronto are close to the main business area and are well connected with public transport.
  • Local calls are free, so that you can network with your contacts in the area.
  • Early Check in and Late Check Out are an option (based on availability).
  • We also offer a free one-way transfer to or from the airport.
  • The high quality beds are extremely comfortable, ensuring that you will be well rested for that big presentation or important meeting.
  • The fully equipped kitchen allows you to prepare breakfast before an early morning meeting or make a quick and easy dinner for yourself when you are tired from work and don’t want to head out to a restaurant.
  • When you want to relax and unwind after a hard day of work, you will have access to the recreational amenities within the building including the fitness centre, swimming pool, whirlpool and billiards room.

Our accommodations offer advantages over hotel rooms because they are more than just a bed for the night. We provide a total package that will make business travel Toronto convenient and enjoyable.

If your company needs excellent corporate accommodation solutions at an affordable price, please fill out our Corporate Client Form. One of our account managers will contact you to put together a corporate package that is tailored to your needs. Also, we have a network of partners around the world so we are able to find accommodations internationally for your employees. If you have any questions, please feel free to give us a call.