Quick note before we get rolling: I stayed one night on a summer weekday. I paid about $159 CAD. I picked it because I wanted to be near the boardwalk and the sand. Simple as that.
Why I Booked It
I had plans at Kew Gardens and wanted easy beach time. This place sits right on Queen Street East, so I could walk to Woodbine Beach in about 12 minutes. The 501 Queen streetcar stops close by. I didn’t want fancy. I wanted sleep, coffee, and a short walk to the water.
For a deeper dive into my experience, including extra photos and tips, see my extended review of Days Inn Toronto East Beaches.
Check-In Was No-Fuss
I showed up around 3:15 p.m. The front desk was calm. The staff member smiled, checked my ID, and handed me a key in under five minutes. It felt friendly, not stiff. I asked about late checkout. They said noon was fine if I called in the morning. That helped. Little wins matter when you travel and your brain’s a bit fried.
First Impressions
The hallway smelled like lemon cleaner. Not strong, just there. The carpet was a bit worn, but it looked clean. I took the stairs to the second floor—honestly, I didn’t see an elevator. If stairs are tough for you, call and ask first.
My Room: Small, Basic, Does the Job
- Bed: Firm with a soft topper. I slept fine. Two pillows were flat, two were puffier. I stacked the flat ones for reading.
- A/C: A wall unit under the window kept the room cool. It hummed—white noise that worked for me.
- Fridge/Microwave: Both in the corner. The fridge fit yogurt, water, and a small sandwich.
- Outlets: Two by the bed, two by the desk. No USB ports, so bring your brick.
- Bathroom: Hot water came fast. Good pressure. The tub had a few scuffs, but it was clean. Towels were mid-weight, not plush. Totally okay.
- Windows: Mine faced Queen Street. Good light in the morning.
I’m picky about smells. No smoke. No weird perfume. Just plain clean.
Noise and Sleep
Let me be straight—Queen Street can be loud. I heard a streetcar bell near 6 a.m. and some voices after bar close. I used the room fan as white noise and slept well. If you’re a light sleeper, ask for a room away from the street. Or bring earplugs. Beach nights can buzz.
Breakfast: Basic, but Fresh
The “Daybreak” breakfast was simple: toast, cereal, apples, yogurt, muffins, juice, and coffee. I made peanut butter toast and grabbed a yogurt. Was it fancy? No. Did it help me start my day without hunting for food? Yes. If you want a better latte, there are cafés up and down Queen. I walked to a little spot by Kew Gardens after.
Wi-Fi and Work Stuff
I did a quick speed check: about 25 Mbps down, 10 up in my room. Emails, maps, and a short video call worked fine. If you need heavy uploads, it’ll be slow—but for normal work, it’s good. I liked the small desk by the window. Sunlight helps the brain, you know?
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Parking and Transit
There’s a small lot behind the building. I got a spot and didn’t pay extra on my night. It felt tight, so it may fill up on weekends. If you skip the car, the streetcar is right there. Tap your card and go. Super easy.
The Location Is the Star
Here’s the thing—this hotel’s charm is the neighborhood. If you’ve ever wondered whether Toronto actually has beaches, the answer is a resounding yes.
- Woodbine Beach: I walked the boardwalk at sunset. Pink sky, gulls, soft waves. It felt like a little vacation in the city.
- Kew Gardens: Live music when I passed through. Families, dogs, kids running with ice cream. Warm vibe.
- Leuty Lifeguard Station: I caught it at sunrise. Quiet and gold. Worth waking up early.
- Food: I grabbed a scoop at Ed’s Real Scoop (mint chip, waffle cone). For dinner, I did quick takeout and ate by the lake. Sand tastes better than tables—kidding, but you get it.
If you want an up-to-date rundown of what’s happening in the Beaches—from new patio openings to weekend festivals—check out Beaches Toronto before you go.
If you’re here during the Beaches Jazz Festival, you can walk to shows. It gets busy, but in a fun way.
Staff Moments That Stood Out
Two things stuck with me:
- Luggage hold: They kept my bag after checkout so I could hit the boardwalk. No fuss.
- Extra help: I needed more tea bags. The front desk handed me a handful with a grin. Tiny thing, big energy.
Clean, But Older
Let me explain. The place is not new. You’ll see scuffed walls, a nicked headboard, and older carpet edges. But it was clean. Bed linens were fresh. Bathroom was tidy. I can live with “older” if “clean” wins, and it did.
Safety and Vibe
I felt safe walking in and out, even at night. The area around the hotel is lively but not rowdy. Lots of locals. Joggers. People with strollers. A hockey family checked in while I was there—gear bags and all. Felt very Toronto.
Price and Value
Was it fancy? No. Was it worth what I paid? Yes, for the location alone. I’d rather spend less on the room and more on good food, a beach chair, and maybe a new hat I don’t need. You too?
Who Should Stay Here
- Beach walkers and boardwalk lovers
- Families who want simple and close to the sand
- Budget-minded travelers who value location over style
- Solo folks who just need a clean base
If you want a sleek, modern hotel with thick soundproof walls, this isn’t it. If you need a pool or a gym, you’ll miss those.
The Good Stuff
- Walk to Woodbine Beach and Kew Gardens
- Friendly staff and fast check-in
- Solid Wi-Fi for normal work
- Simple, free breakfast to get you going
- Streetcar access right out front
The Not-So-Good
- Street noise on Queen Street (ask for a back room)
- Older building with scuffs and no elevator that I saw
- Small parking lot that may fill up
Final Word
I’d stay again, especially for a quick beach trip or a weekend with friends. It’s clean, kind, and close to the water. Not perfect, but it doesn’t pretend to be. And honestly, when you’re watching the sunrise by the Leuty lifeguard stand with coffee in hand, you won’t care about a scuffed wall. You’ll just smile and breathe.