The Westin Harbour Castle Luxury Hotel and Toula Restaurant in Toronto, Canada (8/08)

August 23, 2008 todd elliot

The Westin Harbour Castle Hotel overlooking Ontario Lake is quite the luxury place. The nice, open marble lobby with floor to ceiling windows and great location makes this hotel a must to stay at when visiting the beautiful city of Toronto. Reserve one of their lake view rooms and you will be in relaxation heaven. The staff is very knowledgeable and extremely hospitable. The hotel is situated about a 10 minutes walk from the main train station and conveniently located near major attractions, including the Air Canada Centre, CN Tower, Financial and Theatre districts.

The gym, pool, jacuzzi whirlpool and tennis courts are located on the 5^th floor. The gym overlooks the city with a variety of free weights, machines and cardio equipment with individual televisions. Next door is the indoor heated lap pool and adjacent jacuzzi whirlpool for you to enjoy and swim and some relaxation. You can bring your own tennis racquet and balls or just rent them with their 2 outdoor courts outside of the pool area. While on the 5^th floor, walk past the pool to the Votre Day European Spa for a great treatment or massage. (See our spa category for a complete review).

The rooms are absolutely exquisite. The spacious rooms include the signature Heavenly Bed and Bath products to sleep and shower in. If you need to do a little work, bring your laptop for their wireless in-room connection or visit the business center for computer, fax and printer needs downstairs.

Location and Contact information at:

1 HARBOUR SQUARE
TORONTO, ON M5J 1A6, Canada
(866) 716-8101

http://specialoffers.starwoodhotels.com/westinharbourcastle/so

Many of the amenities/services include the following and may not be available in all rooms. Extra Fees apply on some of the below.

Suites Available,
Handicap Accessible Room
WestinWORKOUT® Room
Lake View Room
Desk
Room with Sitting Area
The Heavenly Bed®
In-Room Movies
Data Port
Smoke Detectors in Room
Coffee Maker
Telephone
Flat Screen Television
24-Hour Room Service
Individual Climate Control
Wake-up Service
Iron/Ironing Board
High Speed Internet Access in All Guest Rooms (Charge)
Rollaway Beds
Sprinklers In Room
Air-Conditioned Room
The Westin Heavenly Dog Bed Available
Mini Bar
The Heavenly Crib (SM)
Hairdryer
Sofa Bed

Hotel Services

WestinWORKOUT® Gym
Running Maps by Runner’s World
Indoor Heated Pool
Outdoor Tennis Court
Free Shuttle Service within Surrounding Area (Limited)
Ice Machine
Safe Deposit Boxes
100% Non-Smoking Rooms and Facilities
Doorman
Air Conditioned Facilities
Limousine Service
Wake-up Service Available
24-Hour Room Service
Laundry Service
Bellstand/Porters
Tour/Excursion Service
Babysitting Service
Concierge Service
Express Check-Out
RunWESTIN
Sprinklers
Currency Exchange
Massage Treatments
Smoke Detectors
Internet Service Provided in Business Center (Charge)
Hair Salon
Pay Self Parking Facilities
Barber/Beauty Salon
Basketball Court
Valet Service and Pay Self Parking Facilities
24-Hour Front Desk
Squash Courts
Gift Shop
Tanning Beds
Sun Deck
Whirlpool/Hot Tub (Fitness Facility)
Steam Bath/Room
Covered Parking Facilities
Business Center
Sauna
Spa Facility/Services
Westin Kids Club®

Some of the services and facilities above may not be available on a 24-hour basis or without advance request. Fees on certain facilities/services may apply.

Dogs less than 40 lbs are allowed at the hotel. Other types of animals and dogs that exceed the weight restrictions may be accepted at the hotel’s discretion and requires pre-approval by the hotel. Guests must sign a waiver at check-in, which explains that the hotel reserves the right to charge the guest’s credit card for additional cleaning and excessive damage.

How about food? The Mizzen Restaurant on the lobby floor offers an incredible breakfast buffet for the hungry eater. Fresh made omelets and a selection of many other breakfast items, breads, fruits and more are available. You can also order off the A la carte menu. This is a great way to start your day and the food is excellent.

TOULA Restaurant-

In the mood for an incredible fine dining experience? Take a ride up to the top of the hotel (38^th Floor) and you will find Toula Restaurant. If you come during a 2+-week trip in July, they offer a summerlicious price fixed menu. You will be very thankful for the visit. Besides the fabulous food, Toula has a spectacular view of the city skyline and Ontario Lake including Toronto Island. Many ferries pass by while you enjoy your scrumptious meal. Try to catch the sunset and enjoy a romantic leisurely dinner. The staff is most hospitable including the Manager Andrei and president Luca. You are in great hands with them. Head chef Guerrino creates many special dishes. Some we suggest from the Summerlicious menu include the tender grilled squid calamari over mix greens or the endive, apple, pear and grilled shrimp in a house dressing for your appetizers. Their soups are divine and very tasty. Main courses we thoroughly enjoyed were the ricotta and herb stuffed free-range chicken with mushrooms or the hand made pappardelle pasta with sun dried tomatoes and tiger shrimp.

When ordering off the regular menu, choices include a selection of the fresh fish of the day, steaks, lamb, veal, homemade pastas and even lobsters from time to time. You cannot go wrong with any of the chef’s choices and this is one meal you will remember. Have one of their signature cocktails/martinis or a glass of wine from the extensive list with your meal. Do not miss some of the best desserts/after dinner drinks you will ever have. Order a glass of Ice Wine from Canada and choose one of the delectable choices such as the semifredo iced cake with grappa; house favorite zabaglione and berry espresso glaze or my personal recommendation- the dark chocolate dipped pear and add a scoop of vanilla ice cream to that and you will be in true heaven. Toula is pictured below and not to miss on your next visit to Toronto.

More information or reservations please call (416) 777-2002 or visit www.toularestaurant.com