Staycation? Stay safe and have fun at the Toronto Don Valley Hotel

photo courtesy of TDV

Have you thought about a Staycation?  I keep hearing about them and they seem to be more popular than actually going away and much more relaxing.  It's also more affordable and easier when traveling with kids and we did a Staycation for this vacation courtesy of the Toronto Don Valley Hotel and Suites.
Staycations offer local adventures without the added stress associated with travel, such as packing, long drives or waits at the airport and dealing with currency exchanges.  Recent studies have found two-thirds of Canadian families will travel within Canada this summer, due to its affordability and convenience.

“Summertime means the kids are at home and bursting with energy; mom and dad might still be working but are looking for ways to spend quality family time. It’s an ongoing struggle to find that balance, so more and more Canadians are looking for simple, easy ‘staycation’ ideas,” says Kevin Porter, General Manager, Toronto Don Valley Hotel & Suites. 

I asked fellow readers/fans on my Facebook page of Everything Mom and Baby what they liked about Staycations and here's what was said:

"I like that if we need to go home we can. With four small children (5,4,2, and 1 month) its nice to be able to head home if needed!" ~ Stephanie

" You finally get a chance to see all the sights and attractions in your own backyard that you never seem to have time for. After living in Toronto for 20 years, I still hadn't gone to the CN Tower. I finally saw it after I moved away!" ~ Sarah blogger at Journey of the Zoo

" A staycation is so much easier and cheaper than a trip away. It's easy to overlook the great sites and activities that are right in our own backyard; a staycation provides a super opportunity to explore locally" ~ Deborah blogger at Raising My Boys

" I love staycations - doing day trips to places like the zoo, the museum, Toronto Island etc. Staycations are less expensive and can sometimes be more enjoyable than vacations. Less stress, planning and cost!" ~ Amanda, blogger at Multi Testing Mommy

" Staycations are a wonderful idea - a limited budget and work vacation restrictions mean that this is definitely on agenda this year. Throw in four small people and a hotel in a nearby city (short travel distance!) is right up our alley!" ~ Melanie, blogger of MBAMamaMusings 

All of the above make perfect sense! We travel North every Summer and it's a good 4 hour drive, just long enough to drive my preschooler nuts in the back seat of the car.

So we had a very unique opportunity to review a night at the Toronto Don Valley Hotel for our staycation and it was an extremely pleasant stay.  This is an Urban Resort and great little get away.  Once you enter a hotel, even though you are staying in town, you feel as though you are vacationing.

Here are some photo's from our stay at the TDV.  They have a fabulous outdoor pool where we spent most of our time. It's the best spot for the kids.  Other amenities include their newly renovated gym, the indoor pool which has an amazing glass dome roof that would be awesome for a winters stay, and  the sauna and steam room.
I know they were working on reinventing the menu for the restaurant and room service, but due to unfortunate circumstances it has been delayed. The restaurant is set up in an appealing open manner right in the lobby and looks out over the pool. Very reminiscent of a summery getaway! I am hoping the menu will still get the upgrade it deserves, and look forward to coming back and trying it!

When we arrived because we participated in the Summer Sizzle Deal and were able to choose between two gifts for our son.  We chose the Spider Man Water Wings over the bubbles.

Learning to swim! He was great in his first time using water wings!
The most memorable part of our trip.

Yummy cocktails, poolside!

 Lounging in the beautiful lobby

A lovely welcome letter and treats!  On a side note, I would have loved to see a healthier options and maybe some organic fruit juices, treats or even in-house baked goods/treats.  But I let my son indulge in the juice and Smartfood since we're on vacation ;)

We really liked our room.  It was nicely furnished and had a Keurig machine!

Nice quality products and I LOVED the heated floor in the bathroom.

Night time kisses before bed.

We had a great time at the hotel.  I do suggest you check it out for your own staycation/getaway and see what all the fun is about.
The hotel staff was welcoming and friendly, it is designed impeccably, the beds are fantastic and you too can start building your own family staycation memories!

With the increasing interest and desire for staycations, the Toronto Don Valley Hotel & Suites is committed to providing a cost-effective way to stay and play with the family.  The location is great!
It's surrounded by the tranquil Don Valley Park, their newly renovated facilities offer the perfect background for an urban getaway, while remaining close to popular Toronto tourist attractions.
You can play with the kids at the nearby Ontario Science Centre or  take a trip to Toronto Zoo.  You can even go visit and check out the view from the  CN Tower.
Special TDV room rates and family packages are available at www.torontodonvalleyhotel.com.

I hope you're all having a wonderful Summer!