Stay & Play

Sheraton Gateway Toronto
So Much More Than An Airport Hotel

by Susan Campbell

When jetting off to tropical climes to escape Montreal winters, I often find it makes more sense to fly out of Toronto directly as there are simply more choices. But connecting from here can be risky since the majority of their departures are very early morning, and any weather related delay has you missing your connection. I often take a night flight to Toronto the day before, book a cheap airport hotel nearby, and head stressless to the departure gate the next morning. But last December I wanted to do things differently since I had three others joining me for special celebrations in Aruba, and I wanted to begin their adventure in high style. So, I booked us a Junior Suite at the Sheraton Gateway Toronto with Club Lounge access.

One of this hotel’s highlights is you never have to go outside between flights. It’s connected to the interior Skybridge rail system that gets you to all terminals. But the real wow factor is the view if you book a “runway room”. And I was impressed with the buzz about this spot. Since its 2021 renovation, it has earned Canada’s Leading Airport Hotel at the World Travel Awards in 2024, and 2025, and is in the running for North America’s Leading Airport Hotel for 2026.

The “Plane Spotting Experience”

The 484 guest rooms and suites of this 8-story tower overlook either the runway or the parking lot. Avid aviation fans should book the “Dedicated Plane Spotting Experience Package” that includes a high-quality spotting scope, a spotting guide, an aviation radio that helps you follow the action from a Junior Suite on one of the top floors, and access to their Sheraton Club Lounge. We went a level below that with a very spacious, snazzy suite for four that also includes access to the lounge and stellar-wall-to-ceiling runway views.

In retrospect, had I done my homework better, I would have taken advantage of their complimentary guaranteed early check-in option and flown us in during the day so we could enjoy the gorgeous glassed-in solarium pool and whirlpool and state-of-the-art fitness center, both open 24/7. And maybe had a formal meal at their renovated &More dining nook. But given the limited time, we still thoroughly enjoyed the plane spotting, craft cocktails and hors d’oeuvres in the lounge, and a great buffet breakfast before departure.

Though we didn’t have children in tow this trip, if you do, check out their very creative special Family-Friendly Suites. Kids 3-8 will adore the “ Wild Wonders”, a safari themed oasis replete with an indoor tent, and the “Gamer Zone” suite for tweens and teens boasts Playstation 5 and more… Both offer upgraded family movie night snacks and treats, too.

Day Passes

I really enjoyed this place, it’s so much more than an “airport hotel”. Next time I’m in YYZ for a long, or very long layover, I might also take advantage of their Club Lounge Day Pass or their Room Day Pass which both include access to the pool and gym. And the UP express train to Union Station from the airport runs every 15 minutes and gets you there in less than half an hour, if you have time for downtown Toronto explorations as well.

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