The Westin is a high-rise building with a nice view of the city. The room I requested was for two people, with a king-size bed and a bathroom with shower. The room was nice and comfy. Downstairs, they have shops, cafes, and restaurants--it's nice.

We like central city locations. Though the rates can be a bit more expensive, we believe there's an economy in that strategy through the money and time saved travelling in and out. We also have a fondness for waterfront locations. These preferences meant that we were playing Internet Ping-Pong for a few weeks, monitoring the rates at the Harbour Castle and the Radisson Harbourview. Harbour Castle rates dipped 2 weeks before our trip, and we took a rate of C$149 per night (excluding fees and taxes, which add about $15 per night). The best rate was to be found online from hotel group's own website on a nonrefundable basis.

Initially we were a bit nervous. The reviews were not as uniformly good as those of the Radisson, but I suspect that we may have detected the main reason for this during our stay. It's a relatively up-market establishment and attracts some "high-maintenance guests". Click here to see what I mean.

Room: It was spacious and clean, and had lots of TV channels and a fairly spectacular partial lake view from one window and similarly spectacular city view from the other. The bravely named Heavenly Bed stood magnificently up to its billing. There were tea/coffeemaking facilities and a moderately expensive minibar that we steered well clear of.

Bathroom: It was solid, clean, and functional, but less spacious. Frankly, we could not see what was so heavenly about the "Heavenly" bath. That said, it did what it was supposed to well enough.

Services: We only really used the check-in and express check-out, but these were rapid, friendly, and efficient. The restaurant menus seemed very expensive, with breakfasts for about $20 that could be purchased for less than half that if you were prepared to walk for 5 minutes in any direction.

Location: As it's name suggests, it's right on the harbour front, just behind the departure point for the ferries to Central Island and handily placed for some very pleasant strolls along the harbour front. A walk to Union Station will take you less than 10 minutes, CN Tower, about 15.

"Free Extras": These were pared back to the bare wood, with little that you'd not get in a room half the price. The Heavenly Robes in the wardrobe were very comfy indeed. The ticket on their hanger noted that they could be purchased for US$90 each. US$90!!! - for a cotton bathrobe. I suspect that this was a deterrent to theft rather than a realistic invitation to buy. If you register on the Starwood website as a "preferred guest" when you book, you'll get a free newspaper and bottle of water each day.

5th Floor Leisure Club: There was a smallish but nice pool; tame Jacuzzi in the pool area; small, unspectacular single-sex sauna; and small, inefficient steam room in the changing rooms. There was access from the indoor pool area out onto a balcony with a harbour view, or onto a terrace containing an outdoor tennis/basket-ball area.

First off, the hotel is the first stop from Pearson Airport using the Airport Express Bus. It's also the last stop on the bus route back to Pearson. It was about a 20- to 25-minute ride each way. Also, if you buy your Airport Express bus ticket online, you save 10%. There is no need for an expensive cab ride.

The hotel is located directly across the street from a TTC streetcar station. Note: That particular station is unmanned (no ticket booth or token machine). Be sure to have your $2.50 fare. The $8 day pass is a great value.

The ferry terminal to Toronto Island is directly behind the hotel. I recommend a visit to the island.

I had a great room on the 31st floor overlooking the water. It was in great shape. When I called to get my pillows replaced with foam pillows, housekeeping arrived promptly. The concierge service was great.

There was a great indoor pool/health club area. My only complaint was the temperature of the hot tub. It needed to be a bit warmer.

The Westin Harbour Castle is located on the harbour in Toronto, a couple of blocks away from the Air Canada Centre. When you pull up to the lobby, you can get either valet or self-park your car. I got the valet because of the convenience and I also did not know where to park. As you step in the lobby, there is a big lounge area with the front desk at the back to the left. There is also a bar area in the back to the right and the concierge to your right.

The reason why I enjoy staying at the Harbour Castle is because this is where the teams stay who are playing at the Air Canada Centre. In the morning, you can see your favorite player having breakfast or reading in the lobby. Outside, there will be dozens of autograph seekers waiting by the team bus, but you can get your autographs inside if you are interested.

There are two restaurants in the hotel. The first is a buffet and the second is on the top of the south tower. The one on top of the south tower is called Toula -- you must be 19 years of age to enter and there is a dress code. We stayed downstairs and hung out at the lobby bar, which was a bit pricey.

Our room was clean and everyone in the hotel was more than happy to help with anything. Downstairs, there are also a couple of shops, if you need any toiletries or souvenirs. If I am not mistaken, there was also a salon.

I am very happy with the Westin Harbour Castle. I do stay here every time I come to Toronto and will continue to do so.

The Westin Harbour Castle is a large beautful hotel near the water with covered parking, valet service, doormen. The lobby is reminiscent of European style hotels. It has a revolving restaurant in one of the towers, a large indoor swimming pool, and pay-per view movie access in the rooms. Most rooms do have a wetbar inside and there is room service available as well. The bathrooms are very comfortable and have separated facilities so that more than one person can use them at a time. There are three telephones in most rooms, one with modem capabilities. There are other facilities within the hotel as well. They do have ballrooms, exercise rooms, and salon and giftshop and shoeshine within. This is a wonderful hotel on the waterfront. They have a van that can bring you to Eaton Center. I do recommend it for your stay.