APUG Conference Accommodations

[gr82bart]

There are 3 hotels that are close (within a 5 minute drive) to the APUG Conference. These are, in no particular order or preference:

Best Western Roehampton Hotel
Dead Link Removed
Glengrove Suites Toronto Midtown

These hotels are rated around 3-star, clean, close and affordable. I would recommend the Best Western Roehampton Hotel since it is located on Yonge Street at Eglinton Avenue. This area has many restaurants, bars, entertainment places and shops for APUGers to enjoy besides the conference.

There are several more hotels in downtown Toronto which is about 20 minutes away. Such major chains such as Hilton, Marriott, Sheraton, Novotel, Holiday Inn, Best Western, Fairmont, Hyatt and more can be found downtown. I would NOT stay at an hotel in the airport area, since traffic will be a nightmare for APUGers.

There is one downtown hotel that I am going to single out since it is a landmark in Toronto. And that is the Fairmont Royal York Hotel. This hotel was once part of the Canadian Pacific chain of hotels that was built as the Canadian railway system was being laid at the turn of the century. These hotels are historical landmarks and have an opulence about them that is second to none. The Royal York is about a 30 minute drive to the APUG Conference. If you are coming to Toronto for the first time, take a look at the Royal York, as you get some pretty good deals over the weekend.

Regards, Art.

 

[gr82bart]

For those that want a Bed and Breakfast experience, Toronto has several options. No B&B is what I would say 'close' to the conference. Most are around 15 to 30 minutes away and are located nearer to downtown Toronto.

I have not stayed at any of these places, so you are on your own when it to booking. These are not recommendations, but just a list that I compiled for your convenience.

Robin's Nest Bed & Breakfast, (416) 926-9464
Toronto Downtown Bed & Breakfast, http://www.tdbab.com
Abodes Of Choice Bed & Breakfast Association, (416) 537-7629
French Connection, http://www.thefrenchconnection.com
Ainsley House Bed & Breakfast, Dead Link Removed
Annex House Bed & Breakfast, (416) 920-3922
Havinn International, http://www.havinn.com
1871 Historic House B&B, (416) 923-6950
Lowther House, Dead Link Removed
A Rosedale Bed & Breakfast, Dead Link Removed
Bent Inn, http://www.bentinn.com
Cawthra Square Bed & Breakfast, Dead Link Removed
Dundonald House, Dead Link Removed
Banting House Inn Bed & Breakfast, http://www.bantinghouse.com
Homewood Inn, http://www.homewoodinn.com
Bed & Breakfast Jarvis House Of Downtown Toronto, (416) 975-3838
Toronto Townhouse Bed & Breakfast, (416) 323-8898
312 Seaton A Toronto Bed & Breakfast, http://www.312seaton.com
House On McGill Bed & Breakfast, (416) 351-1503
The Ambassador Inn, http://www.ambassadorinntoronto.com
Seaton Dream Bed & Breakfast, http://www.aseatondream.com
Posh Digs, www.poshdigs.ca
A Bed & Breakfast at Beverley Place, (416) 977-0077
Alan Gardens Bed & Breakfast, http://www.alan-gardens-bandb-toronto.ca
Palmerston Inn Bed & Breakfast, (416) 920-7842

Art.

 

[rogueish]

I believe the Dead Link Removed is within walking distance to Bob's gallery. I'd say a 15-20 minute leisurely paced stroll.

 

[ggriffi]

Art,

Can you give us the dates for the conference?

g

 

[jd callow]

Art,

Can you give us the dates for the conference?

g

G,
The conference will be the first weekend of May 2006 (4-7 May 2006). We will posting an 'official' announcement (with luck) today or tomorrow. Meanwhile, we have a conference website (which will be a lot more helpful in the future) here:

(there was a url link here which no longer exists)

 

[Eric Rose]

When we get a better handle on numbers I will negotiate a conference rate with a hotel close to the action.

 

[ggriffi]

Eric,

It is very early for this so i can always change hotels, but i am going to stay at the Best Western.

g

 

[gr82bart]

I believe the Dead Link Removed is within walking distance to Bob's gallery. I'd say a 15-20 minute leisurely paced stroll.

I'd say the Crowne Plaza Don Valley Hotel is more of a 30 minute walk away and it's not exactly leisurely. It is located overlooking the Don Valley which is spectacular. But it makes a walk all uphill!

Art.

 

[gr82bart]

When we get a better handle on numbers I will negotiate a conference rate with a hotel close to the action.

Hi Eric,

I wouldn't wait too soon to the event date. Hotels in Toronto, even...actually, especially, the smaller, less expensive ones get filled up with groups about a year in advance.

I'd just request the hotel to 'reserve' a block of like 30 rooms at a deep discount rate until, say December 31, with a cedit card deposit for one night. They will assign you a code that you should tell us and we can begin reserving rooms on our own.

Art.

 

[Bob Carnie]

The Crowne Plaza would be my choice. I was thinking of having one of the lab rat, assistants, gofers for the conference shuttle between the hotel and the Lab site. rooms are around 125 canadian, if eric can negotiate a better rate bonus, It has a pool and decent size rooms,very clean and right on a bicycle path that leads to all points in the city. There is a restaurant at the hotel for early morning breakfasts and late night.
For attendees I think the choice would be a hotel near the lab. But staying downtown is also a 15 dollar cab ride from one of the fancy smancy hotels as well Toronto Transit is excellent to get from downtown to my facility.

 

[jd callow]

The public transportation from downtown to Bob's place is first rate -- timely and clean. I don't remember the price, but it is negligible. Total distance walked from DT to the Lab/Gallery is about 3 or 4 blocks

 

[gr82bart]

I made a boo-boo. The Best Western Roehampton Inn is at Mt Pleasant and Eglinton, about 1 city block east from Yonge and Eglinton (5 minute walk), closer to the conference location, but still located in an area with lots of restaurants, shops, bars, etc...

Sorry, Art.

 

[gr82bart]

Folks may want to consider doubling up on the rooms. Get two doubles and split the bill. Remember, what happens in Toronto, stays in Toronto!

Art.

 

[Jordan]

I made a boo-boo. The Best Western Roehampton Inn is at Mt Pleasant and Eglinton, about 1 city block east from Yonge and Eglinton (5 minute walk), closer to the conference location, but still located in an area with lots of restaurants, shops, bars, etc...

Five minutes if you walk really quickly -- I would put it at more like 10-15 depending on how much you "hustle". I've stayed at the Roehampton and it's perfectly adequate. There are a whole bunch of restaurants in the area, notably a bunch of very nice smaller Italian restaurants within 10 mins walk south on Mount Pleasant, a few second-run theatres, drugstores, a supermarket and other amenities. (I live in the neighbourhood.)

The whole stretch of Eglinton between Yonge and Mount Pleasant has lots of restaurants and pubs. The Yonge and Eglinton area itself probably has 15-20 different restaurants.

There is another hotel -- the Prince, I believe -- on York Mills near Don Mills. It would be another option for those attending the conference.

There are about four or five different bus routes that leave from Eglinton Station (on Toronto's main north-south subway route) and pass within about a 10-minute walk of Elevator Digital. The current adult fare is $2.50 (with free transfer between subways and buses). Attendees should be aware that on Sunday mornings the Toronto subway system does not start running until 9 a.m. (this is something that has always mystified me).

Anyone with questions about the city is free to contact me.

Jordan in Toronto
www.photosensitive.ca

 

[Bob Carnie]

Hi Art, I think this hotel is a great choice, for some reason I thought it was near church and adelaide.
I agree wholeheartily in this choice, Eglington and Mt Pleasant is very close indeed and as Art and Jordan point out a lot of very nice stores, restaurants and pubs in the area, Actually I live right in this area and love the location.
A block of rooms is a good idea.

Remember Folks , we need the support *NOW* to determine our Workshop schedual and the dynamics of running this first APUG conference.

I will be making posters of the print competition for those in the major cities to spread the word , as well anyone involved in organizations of Photography,pm me with your name address and postal code and I will send you posters. We would appreciate all of you spreading the word of the Conference. John , Eric and Myself are working on this project on speculation that this community really does want this meeting to occur as stated in posts a year ago.

As the lab is in the center of a major city, being close to the conference will be a definate bonus. We will be doing a shuttle service *one of our lab rat volunteers* from the major hotel Art recommends to the Conference site.

 

[gr82bart]

I have negotiated a rate of $119CAD per room per night at the Roehampton Inn. Rooms will have double queens so, if you double up with someone and split the bill, it's $54.50CAD. Can't beat that price. A room for a family of 4 will be $20CAD exta, with the kids sleeping on a murphy bed or sofa bed. Will get you more details soon ....

Art.

 

[gr82bart]

OK this just in....

The Best Western Roehampton Inn
$119CAD per room per night plus taxes

Only 30 rooms reserved!

What you get:
Free local calls
Complimentary newspaper Monday through Friday
Complimentary in-room coffee/tea
Use of fitness center and swiming pool
Mini Fridge
Voice mail
Data ports
Frequent flyer points
Free hi-speed wireless internet service

What you don't get:
Breakfast
Parking ($12CAD per day extra valet only with in/out privilages)

Benefits:
Within walking distance to shops, restaurants and other entertainment
Within 10 minute walking distance to Yonge and Eglinton - Yonge subway
About a 5 minute drive to APUG Conference
About a 15 minute bus ride to APUG Conference

How to book:
Call 416-487-5101
Say you are with the "APUG Group" to get the special rate
Need to gaurantee reservation with a credit card

Book early to get special requests - like staying longer or adding kids at special rate or getting two queen beds and splitting the bill with another APUGer, etc...

Regards, Art (Now I'm off to negotiate something with Air Canada...will post details later)

 

[nexus]

I'd suggest perhaps checking out backpackers and youth hostels near by or near Public Transport for budget conscious attendees. Backpackers and hostels are great places to meet people and whilst they are dorm beds, some offer single or double private rooms for cheaper than a hotel. Basic but at least cheap.

 

[Jeremy]

I'd suggest perhaps checking out backpackers and youth hostels near by or near Public Transport for budget conscious attendees. Backpackers and hostels are great places to meet people and whilst they are dorm beds, some offer single or double private rooms for cheaper than a hotel. Basic but at least cheap.

Hmmm, thanks for the pointing this out to the budget conscious students in the group. I'll have to do some searching,

 

[nexus]

Hmmm, thanks for the pointing this out to the budget conscious students in the group. I'll have to do some searching,

No worries.
Try www.hostels.com or look for the Hostelling International website.

 

[Jeremy]

I'm still weighing my options on hotel room vs. cheaper hostel, but if anyone is interested in sharing a room in one of the hotels near the Conference let me know. Because the conference comes in the midst of finals I can't book yet, but will know by the end of January--just tossing this out there now to get some dialogue going. One plus is that I should be able to bargain out of any classes I need to teach (I'll just pay a colleague to procter my final for me) and reschedule any exams for earlier in the week so I am hoping to leave Texas on Wednesday and stay through Sunday (or even longer if I can take some finals early).

 

[Mark Layne]

The Crowne Plaza would be my choice. I was thinking of having one of the lab rat, assistants, gofers for the conference shuttle between the hotel and the Lab site. rooms are around 125 canadian, if eric can negotiate a better rate bonus, It has a pool and decent size rooms,very clean and right on a bicycle path that leads to all points in the city. There is a restaurant at the hotel for early morning breakfasts and late night.
For attendees I think the choice would be a hotel near the lab. But staying downtown is also a 15 dollar cab ride from one of the fancy smancy hotels as well Toronto Transit is excellent to get from downtown to my facility.

Bob
This is just a question rather than a suggestion. Would it be best to shuttle from a spot accessible to the Eglington subway Stn. I'm not exactly sure where the Crowne Plaza sits. I'll probably stay with my brother on Glenforest since his rates are reasonable and sometimes include meals.
Mark

 

[Eric Rose]

The Crown Plaza
We have a contract signed with The Crown Plaza and have a number of room on hold. I have given all the details to John to be put on the website. This is the preferred hotel for all conference participants. By having everyone, or most people at least, stay at one hotel this will generate a lot of excitement in the off hours and will also facilitate easier transportation to and from the conference.


Rates per night
Standard Two Beds
Single:132.00 Double:132.00 Triple:152.00 Quad:172.00
Standard Kings
Single:132.00 Double:132.00

Rates are in CAD. When you make your booking please call 1-800-917-1972 and ask for Sandra. She is handling all the hotel bookings. If you also need plane tickets, she can handle that as well.

 

[gr82bart]

Would it be best to shuttle from a spot accessible to the Eglington subway Stn.

Take the 56 bus from the Eglinton Subway station. Get out at the corner of Wicksteed/McRae and Laird. It will be about a 15 minute bus ride and will cost $2.50CAD one way.

Here's a link to the public transit system, called the TTC: http://www.city.toronto.on.ca/ttc/

I'm not exactly sure where the Crowne Plaza sits.

The Crowne Plaza is at the corner of Leslie and Eglinton. Geographically, it's closer to the conference location, but it's nxet to no where but the Don Valley Park. You can walk to the conference from the hotel along Eglinton, but there's a 200m trek UPHILL as you cross the Don Valley.

I'll probably stay with my brother on Glenforest since his rates are reasonable and sometimes include meals.

My brother isn't nearly so nice, that's why I am staying with my mom instead!

Art.

 

[gr82bart]

Just wanted to correct some errors in my earlier posts so that people get the correct information for the conference.

Best Western Roehampton Hotel
This hotel is located at Mt Pleasant and Eglinton. It is very close to many shops and restaurants and is a couple city blocks from Yonge and Eglinton which has many more shops and places to go. And it is one easy bus ride (TTC Bus #56) away from the conference.


Dead Link Removed
This hotel is located at DVP and Eglinton. It is NOT the former Inn on the Park which is what many people think is near the conference location. In fact distance wise it is about the same distance to the conference as the Roehampton Inn. The difference is that this hotel is located near the middle of no where. You need a car to get to anything from this hotel.

Glengrove Suites Toronto Midtown
I don't know much about this hotel. It is relatively nearby and easy to get/from the conference. It is near many shops and restaurants.

Story About the Inn on the Park Going Out of Commission
This hotel which is located very near the conference on the edge of the Don Valley Park is out of commission and is currently abandoned.

Plus there are more great hotels downtown, closer to where most of the ContactPhoto venues are located.

Have a great time in Toronto.

Regards, Art.