Toronto Airport Marriott: Your Ultimate Airport Hotel Escape!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, 'cause we're about to dive headfirst into the review of [Hotel Name]. Forget those sterile, corporate reviews – this is the real deal, a messy, honest, and occasionally rambling experience. I’m talking the good, the bad, and the… well, let's just say interesting.
First Impression: The Grand Entrance (or the Lack Thereof?)
Let's be real, the first thing you notice is ALWAYS the accessibility (or lack thereof). [Hotel Name] gets some serious brownie points here. They've clearly put some thought into it. They've got elevators! (Trust me, you appreciate this when you're hauling luggage.) Wheelchair accessible? Yep! Good job, team. It's a win. And the lobby? Bright, airy, and the staff were genuinely nice. None of that bored-hotel-employee-staring-at-a-screen vibe. They seemed happy to be there, which is a surprisingly rare thing.
But, and there's always a but, the ramp to the entrance was a little steep. It’s manageable, but maybe not the easiest for a solo traveler in a wheelchair. Just a tiny niggle.
Accessibility & Safety - More Than Just a Ramp
- Accessibility: Good. Elevators, accessible rooms etc. are there, which starts things off well. They even mention "Facilities for disabled guests". Now to see the actual rooms!
- Cleanliness and Safety is a huge focus, and THANK GOODNESS. Seriously. With everything happening, you want to know you're safe.
- Anti-viral cleaning products: Check.
- Daily disinfection in common areas: Check.
- Hand sanitizer: Everywhere. (Which is a good thing. I'm a germaphobe. It’s fine.)
- Hygiene certification: I’m not sure what that means to be honest, but it sounds important!
- Physical distancing of at least 1 meter: Yep. They're making an effort.
- Professional-grade sanitizing services: Excellent.
- Rooms sanitized between stays: Phew.
- Safe dining setup: Okay, I'm starting to breathe easier.
- Staff trained in safety protocol: Good on them.
- CCTV in common areas/outside property: Peace of mind.
- Fire extinguisher, smoke alarms: Standard, but necessary.
- CCTV in common areas, exterior and fire extinguishers - This is not just lip service.
Rooms: Sanctuary or… Slightly Overstuffed Closet?
Okay, let’s talk rooms. I'm a sucker for a good room.
- Available in All Rooms: Okay, this is standard stuff, but appreciated.
- Air conditioning: essential.
- Air conditioning: essential.
- Alarm clock: I need one!
- Bathrobes, Slippers: Nice touch! Because lounging is key.
- Bathroom phone: Why? Just… why?
- Bathtub: Bonus points if it's a big one.
- Blackout curtains: HEAVEN.
- Closet: Important for a messy person.
- Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Free bottled water: My kryptonite. I am completely and utterly addicted to tea. I can't function without it.
- Daily housekeeping: Excellent!
- Desk, Extra long bed: Check check.
- Hair dryer: Necessary.
- High floor: I always ask for a high floor. The views!
- In-room safe box: Always a good idea.
- Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless: Important.
- Ironing facilities: Okay.
- Laptop workspace: Perfect.
- Linens, Mirror: standard.
- Mini bar, Reading light: Check.
- Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom: Again, essentials.
- Refrigerator: Score.
- Satellite/cable channels: Essential these days.
- Scale: Shudders.
- Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub: Luxury.
- Shower: Essential.
- Smoke detector: Good.
- Socket near the bed: YES! SO many hotels miss this.
- Sofa: Nice!
- Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella: Great.
- Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens: Nice.
The real test? The view. And my room (on the 12th floor!) had breathtaking views. City spreading out before me, a swirl of lights at night. I found myself just staring out the window, feeling… peaceful. It was a genuine moment of zen. The bed? Comfy. Seriously comfy. And the blackout curtains? Like a hug from the dark.
Dining & Drinking: The Gastronomic Gauntlet
Alright, so… food. This is a BIG deal for me. I like to eat.
- Restaurants: plural! (good sign!)
- A la carte in restaurant: Yes, please!
- Asian cuisine in restaurant, Western cuisine in restaurant: Choices are always great.
- Bar, Poolside bar: Essential.
- Breakfast [buffet], Buffet in restaurant: I LOVE a buffet. I'm not ashamed.
- Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop: YES! (See above re: tea addiction.)
- Happy hour: Gotta love it.
- Room service [24-hour]: Perfect.
- Snack bar: Snacks are CRUCIAL.
- Vegetarian restaurant: Nice.
- Breakfast takeaway service: Handy.
- Coffee/tea in restaurant: Very handy.
- Desserts in restaurant, Salad in restaurant, Soup in restaurant: all good!
- Bottle of water, Essential condiments, Individually-wrapped food options, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items: All very important.
The breakfast buffet? Glorious. An absolute smorgasbord of deliciousness. The pastries were melt-in-your-mouth good. And the coffee? Pretty decent, (for a hotel, anyway). I even ventured into the Asian cuisine one night. Let's just say, it was… an experience. (And a very, very spicy one. My fault for not asking.) The poolside bar was a definite highlight. Sipping a cocktail, staring at the pool, doing absolutely nothing – pure bliss.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: Spa Day, Anyone? (Maybe… Later?)
- Massage: Yes.
- Pool with view, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor]: All of these are amazing to have.
- Fitness center, Gym/fitness: I didn't actually use the fitness center. Oops. I was too busy eating pastries and relaxing. (I'll get to it, I promise.)
- Foot bath, Body scrub, Body wrap: Okay, now we're talking!
The spa? Heavenly. I got a massage, and it was exactly what I needed. The masseuse was skilled, and the atmosphere was tranquil. I almost fell asleep (in a good way!). The pool area was gorgeous! A view to die for. The sauna and steamroom? Perfect for a post-massage detox.
Internet: The All-Important Connection
- Internet, Internet [LAN], Internet services, Wi-Fi in public areas, Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!: YES. Free Wi-Fi in ALL rooms! Major win. The Wi-Fi was fast and reliable, which is a HUGE plus. I was able to stream movies, video call with my friends, and get some work done without any issues.
Services & Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter
- Business facilities: (I didn't use them, but good to know they're there).
- Concierge: (Always helpful!)
- Currency exchange: Handy.
- Daily housekeeping: Spotless!
- Elevator: Essential!
- **Facilities for disabled guests, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting,
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your perfectly curated travel log – this is the REAL DEAL, a chaotic, messy, and hopefully hilarious account of my Toronto layover adventure starting right now at the Toronto Airport Marriott. Prepare for rambling, unexpected tangents, and enough emotional whiplash to make you think you've gone through a washing machine on high.
Day 1: Arrival, Anxiety, and Airport Fries (The Usual)
- 1:00 PM - Arrival at Pearson (YYZ): Gods, the smell of jet fuel! It's strangely comforting, like old sweaters and impending doom. My flight was delayed, of course. Because when are they not delayed? I'm already running on fumes and the vague sense that I've forgotten something crucial (probably my sanity). Found my luggage (miracle!), and the airport shuttle to the Marriott. I'm already picturing myself getting hopelessly lost in the hotel, which is a distinct possibility.
- 2:00 PM - Check-In and Initial Appraisal: The lobby…is beige. Beige and functional. It's clean, I'll give it that, but there's a definite "corporate conference" vibe emanating from the potted plants. The check-in itself went smoothly, which is always a win. My room? A standard hotel room, with a view of…another hotel. Sigh. At least it's not the airport.
- 2:30 PM - Bathroom Reconnaissance and Emotional Breakdown (Brief): First things first: the bathroom. Mandatory inspection. The showerhead looks… functional. The towels are fluffy. My reflection looks tired. A quick, internal "I miss my dog" moment. Okay, moving on
- 3:00 PM - Airport Food Therapy: Okay. Deep breaths. I need food. Immediately. The in-hotel restaurant, "The Bistro", seems to be the only option. I walked in with the hope of a good meal. It smelled okay and I sat down, ordered a burger, and spent the next 20 minutes staring at the wall. (They delivered, and it wasn't bad.) The french fries, though… they were transcendent. Possibly the best airport fries I've ever had. This tiny victory feels disproportionately good.
- 4:00 PM - Attempted Relaxation and Internet Fumbling: Okay, time to try to relax. I attempt to turn on the TV, and it's a Herculean task. The remote resembles a complicated spacecraft control panel. After 10 minutes of button-mashing, I finally get it working and throw on a random show. The internet, naturally, is slower than molasses in January. I start feeling a strange mix of annoyance and the overwhelming urge to just lie on the bed and stare at the ceiling.
- 5:00 PM - The Dreaded "To-Do" List: I'm supposed to be preparing for my next flight tomorrow, but instead, I find myself staring at a blank piece of paper. Lists are the bane of my existence. "Pack a few essentials." "Check flight status." "Don't forget your Passport." "Make sure you don't accidentally burn down the hotel." The last one I just added.
- 6:00 PM - Realization and Snack Run: I realize I'm not getting anything done. I'm in full-blown procrastination mode and start craving… something. Anything. Chocolate, chips, a tiny human to boss around. Sadly, all I have is me. So, I embark on a mission: the vending machine. The fluorescent lights of the hallway amplify my existential dread. Success! A bag of sour cream and onion chips and a questionable chocolate bar. Victory!
- 7:00 PM - The Quiet Hour: Honestly, the night is stretching on. I'm reading. I am writing. I am feeling, like a lot. I'm a little sad, a little happy, and so utterly alone. This is the kind of place I would go to drink alone. The stillness of the night helps.
- 8:00 PM - Back to the Bistro: I'm a bit of a regular now, aren't I? I'm feeling hungry again. I decided I'd try the bistro again, but I was feeling more brave this time. The staff were familiar, the music was playing, the burger was still good. It feels a little more like home now, I think.
- 9:00 PM - Lights out: I go to bed, and fall asleep, and I don't remember a thing.
Day 2: Departure and Existential Airport Reflections
- 7:00 AM - Wake Up and Regret: Oh, the hotel room is just a little bit less terrifying in the morning. My sleep schedule is all off, and I regret every decision that led me to this point. I look at my to-do list, and it's just mocking me. "Pack my luggage. Prepare for next flight." Blah.
- 8:00 AM - Breakfast and a Last Look: I get myself ready and stroll to the Bistro. I need to get a coffee before I get on my flight. The restaurant offers a buffet. I quickly order a bagel with cream cheese and a coffee. I sit down and start to contemplate what the next step will be.
- 9:00 AM - Check Out: Simple and painless. The woman at the desk actually smiles. Maybe I've finally mastered the art of hotel-ing.
- 9:30 AM - Airport Shuttle - Last thoughts: I'm on the shuttle. I stare at the scenery passing by. The airport is waiting for me, and after this, the next set of adventures. And I am so ready.
- 10:00 AM - Departure: Goodbye Toronto Airport Marriott. You were strange, you were beige, and yet… you held a certain charm (mostly in the form of those fries). On to the next chapter!
So, you wanna learn the ukulele, huh? Why? Is it... actually worth it?
Alright, let's be honest. My *initial* reason? Pure vanity. Saw a hipster playing one at a coffee shop, thought it looked breezy and cool. (Spoiler alert: it's not *always* breezy. Trying to hold down a G chord when your fingers are the size of sausages? Brutal.) But then… then you strum that little thing, and even if it sounds like a dying cat, *you* made that noise! There's a weird sense of accomplishment. Plus, it's portable! You can take it *everywhere* and annoy… I mean, entertain… your friends and family.
Is it *worth it*? Depends. If "worth it" means instant gratification and professional-level skill? Maybe not. If "worth it" means a fun, relatively affordable hobby that gives you a creative outlet and a story to tell? Abso-freakin'-lutely.
Okay, okay, I'm convinced (maybe). What kind of ukulele should I *even* get? There's a whole jungle out there!
Oh, the dreaded 'Which Uke' question. Get ready for some serious decision fatigue. I spent, like, a solid afternoon scrolling through Amazon, comparing sizes, wood types, and, let's be real, the *aesthetic*. I'm still slightly ashamed to admit, I chose based on the *color* first. It was a beautiful, sunburst-y thing that just *called* to me.
**My advice (take it with a grain of luthiery salt):**
- **Soprano:** The classic, smallest size. Cute, but your sausage fingers might struggle.
- **Concert:** A little bigger, a little more sound, and easier on the digits. Probably a good starting point. (That's what I got and I still sometimes hit the wrong strings... it's a journey, people!)
- **Tenor:** Bigger yet. More resonance. Maybe for a serious player? (I'm not there yet. I'm still mastering "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" without completely butchering it.)
- **Baritone:** A whole different tuning. Leave this until you can at least play Mary Had a Little Lamb with a straight face.
**Important note:** Don't cheap out *too* much. That flimsy thing you saw at the discount bin might sound like a rusty tin can. Go for something with decent reviews and good build quality. You're investing in potential happiness here!
Alright, money spent! Now what? Do I need lessons? Can I learn from YouTube? (Help!)
YouTube. Ah, the glorious, chaotic, sometimes-helpful world of ukulele tutorials. Honestly? It's how I started. I stumbled through a few videos, mostly from very upbeat people with perfect manicures, that I’m pretty sure could make even a brick seem inspiring. I remember trying to figure out the C chord, and I swear, my fingers just wouldn't bend that way. I felt like Gumby trying to do a yoga pose. Then there was a day my hand was covered in Band-Aids!
Lessons? Definitely something I considered. Especially after my neighbors politely requested I stop playing at 2 AM. But the cost, the commitment… it was intimidating. I started with YouTube, and once I got past the "Can I even DO this?" stage, I found it was great.
My advice? Combine both! YouTube for the basics, and consider a single lesson with a real person to check your form, and make sure you *aren't* doing a really bad habit. Trust me on this. Bad habits are a bitch to break.
Chords! The bane of my ukulele existence! What are the 'easy' ones?
Oh, chords. Those little groupings of notes that supposedly unlock musical magic. Let me tell you, they can quickly become your nemesis. The good news? There are a few relatively painless ones to start with.
The *easiest* (as far as I'm concerned): C, G7, and Am. That'll get you through a surprising number of beginner songs. Breathe. Focus. And don't be ashamed to look at chord charts. I still do, and I've been playing for... well, let's just say longer than I'd like to admit.
Then there's the F chord. Ah, the F chord. The gateway to true ukulele mastery. Also, for me, the one that made my fingers ache and gave me the urge to throw my uke across the room. It takes TIME, and it’s so damn frustrating. I thought I was a failure. Seriously. But you will get better. Eventually.
So, I can *actually* make noise that resembles music. Now what?
Ah, the glorious moment when you realize you're making actual sounds, not just a cacophony of string vibrations. That's when the *fun* begins (even though initially you are basically just following the instructions of the video, almost as if you're a puppet). Learn some songs! Start with simple ones. "Riptide" by Vance Joy is practically the ukulele anthem. Even if it’s been butchered by every beginner on the planet. "Hey Ya!" by Outkast is also a good one.
Don't be afraid to sing along! Your voice… well, it might be as bad as your playing at first. But who cares? Singing and playing is even more fun! Embrace the imperfections. Record yourself. (Be warned: you might cringe. A LOT.) Share your progress with friends (but be ready for some gentle ribbing). It’s all a part of the journey.
I'm feeling discouraged! It sounds terrible! I'm going to quit!
STOP! Don't give up! Listen, every single ukulele player, from the virtuosos to the weekend strummers, has been there. That feeling of utter frustration? It’s part of the process.
Here's a story: I remember trying to learn a simple fingerpicking pattern for weeks. Weeks! I'd practice and practice, and my fingers would get tangled and confused. I threw my ukulele across the room (okay, maybe I just gently set it down, I'm not *that* dramatic… usually). I wanted to quit! But then, one day… it clicked. It wasn't perfect, but the pattern started to emerge. And the feeling of accomplishment? Worth the frustration a million times over. Just keep strumming my friend. You'll get there. I BELIEVE IN YOU!
Try these to encourage yourself:
- Take a break. Hospitality Trails
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