Mary-am Suites Blog

The process and time needed to get through an airport can quickly turn into an excruciating ordeal and create headaches whenever you are flying. With these tips, you can learn how to get through the airport and to your departure gate much faster and make flying more enjoyable.

Prior to Airport Arrival

Take the time to prepare before you leave home to avoid unnecessary delays. Frequently, lack of planning beforehand results in delays. Remember to follow this pre-arrival check list.

Book Connections Correctly

If you have to transfer flights, make sure you allow sufficient time to disembark the plane and arrive at the connecting gate. Ideally, you should avoid short time windows in case the initial flight is delayed for some reason. Otherwise, you will miss your connection. In addition, if you are travelling with children, allow extra time for bathroom breaks. Recommended minimum between-flight connection times for domestic flights, in larger airports and international flights is 90 minutes. For smaller airports, allow at least 60 minutes.

If this is your first time in Toronto, it may be somewhat overwhelming to navigate such a large city. Tall buildings, crowds of people, and an overall bustling downtown core - it’s a lot to take in! We provide you with tips to easily travel around the city so you may enjoy all it has to offer during your next extended stay:

TTC Subway

The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) subway line is an efficient way to get around. Quick arrival times make it a convenient option for those on the go. Further, extended hours allow you to make use of the subway well into the evening. The TTC stretches in the north and south direction (Yonge - University - Spadina line) and also operates in the east and west direction. Subway fares are inexpensive and volume discounts are available if you purchase several tokens or a weekly/monthly pass. Taking the subway also gives you easy access to PATH, Toronto’s expansive downtown underground pedestrian walkway. It’s in the PATH that you’ll find a vast array of retail spots, services, and entertainment options. If you have difficulty navigating around, subway cars and stations contain a visual map to outline the routes. Visit TTC online for further information on the TTC and routes.

Although spring is off to a slow start, the worst is over and we can begin looking forward to warmer temperatures. Toronto is an amazing city and with the warmer weather fast approaching, we recommend visiting the following Toronto locations to relax, play, and enjoy!

Take a Stroll Through High Park

High Park attracts many admirers in the spring with its beautiful Sakura cherry trees and cherry blossoms. The cherry blossoms typically bloom in late April or early May and last for approximately a week. If you happen to miss the cherry blossoms, High Park offers many other attractions, including: a Chinese garden, zoo (free admission), playground, waterfront, and off-leash dog park. Visit the High Park website for more information and updates on the cherry blossoms.

Are you new to Toronto and not sure where to visit with your family? Are you feeling overwhelmed by the big city? We are here to help you with that. You’ll be happy to learn that there are plenty of things to do with your family during your next extended stay in Toronto!

CN Tower

First, you won’t want to miss the CN Tower! It is considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World and the world’s 5th tallest free-standing structure. It is the most popular tourist attraction in Toronto and offers spectacular views of the city. It includes a restaurant with a 360 degree revolving view, gift shop and multiple observation levels. Enjoy an elevator ride to the top, comprising of glass door panels, in just 58 seconds. Staff can answer any questions you have while you take in the vast city. If you are feeling brave enough, enjoy EdgeWalk where you will take part on a hands-free walk around the Tower’s central pod, 365m/1168ft (116 storeys) high. For hours of operation and further information, visit CN Tower

With the arrival of warm weather, more people are eager to get outside and embrace the sun’s rays! Taking part in physical activity each day is important for increased productivity and overall contentment. Thus, we advise taking a much-needed break from your work, whether you are visiting the Greater Toronto Area for school or professional work, to re-charge with exercise each day. Here are our recommended options:

Condominium Building Gyms

Several Mary-am Suites buildings include state-of-the-art fitness and health centres, which include a wide range of cardio and weight machine equipment. Whether you prefer the treadmill, elliptical or free weights, there are an array of exercise options. This is ideal if you don’t want to travel far from the building to squeeze in a workout. Now getting your daily workout couldn’t be easier!

Each neighbourhood  of the Greater Toronto Area offers a myriad of distinct activities, eateries and attractions. Whether you’re staying in the city’s core or in a bordering area, there are plenty of things to do for both leisure and business travelers alike.

If you want to have fun in a big group, go to...

...Downtown Toronto

Why visit: Millions of visitors flock to Canada’s largest city that’s lauded its world-famous attractions.

Enjoy a meal at the Hard Rock Cafe which looks out on the bustling Yonge-Dundas Square. This popular spot hosts numerous events that range from musical performances to magic shows to pop-up markets. This prime location situates visitors directly across the city’s largest shopping destination, the Toronto Eaton Centre. And of course, a trip to Toronto isn't complete without a bird’s eye view of the city from the CN Tower.

Toronto is a very diverse and vibrant city. If you are planning to have an extended stay in Toronto, whether for business or pleasure, you will not run out of places to see and things to do.  When you visit this dazzling city, make sure you try out some of the best things in Toronto: 

Visit the CN Tower 

This 1,815-foot structure once held the title of being the tallest tower in the world, now being next after the Burj Khalifa located in Dubai. The CN Tower was completed back in 1970 and its height helped television and radio broadcast signals go over the skyscrapers. An elevator to the top will only take a minute and you will have access to four observation decks. Surely this is a must-see place to see in the city during your extended stay in Toronto. 

 Distillery District 

During the 1800s, this neighborhood was home to the biggest distilling company in the country. Today, the Distillery District is a pedestrian-only zone with old houses and cobblestones. Travelers will also have a good dose of galleries, cafes, workshops and of course, a brewery. 

If you will be staying in one of the furnished apartments in Toronto, you want to make it feel like a real home. You want to open that door and not feel like you are just another tourist in a wonderful city you want to explore.

Furnished apartments in Toronto are a lot quieter than hostels and more affordable than hotels. These rental properties are fully equipped for comfort and function. Aside from a comfortable bed where you can rest your tired body, the apartment also comes with a nice kitchen where you can cook your own food to keep the costs down.

You can add some personal flair to your furnished apartment in Toronto and make it your home away from home without breaking the budget by following the tips below:

If you are a college student moving to Toronto for a few months, short term rentals in Toronto will be your best option for accommodation. The tag price is budget-friendly and since most of these rentals are ready to move-in properties, you save yourself the hassle of setting up your temporary home away from home.

Aside from affordability, these rental properties are often ideally located a few minutes from the campus and other important establishments. Once you have settled in, make sure you check out the neighbourhood  Also do your research so you know where to go in case you are hungry, sick, or in need of some basic supplies. Below are some places you should look up when moving in to a short term rental.

Are you going on a business trip or changing cities to fill in for a temporary position? Are you renovating your house or going on a holiday with your family? Whatever your reason maybe, you need temporary housing in Toronto that will meet your personal or business needs.

Temporary housing in Toronto may come with modern facilities that will be perfect for people leading a busy lifestyle. Furnished housings are very practical for people on the go but you can expect that these Toronto rentals are in demand. When considering furnished housings, you can choose from an entire house, condos, studios or even a one- or two-bedroom unit.

Toronto is a melting pot of cultures and naturally features a good blend of flavours from different corners of the globe. Whether you are in this city for business or pleasure, discovering its best cuisines is like digging deeper into the life and soul of Toronto.

 If you have decided to plan your extended stay Toronto in North York, Meridian Residences offers a comfortable home-away-from-home setup. This luxury high-rise condo is ideally located a few hops from subway stations, main thoroughfares, supermarkets, and restaurants. Unlike your ordinary hotel, this extended stay in Toronto contains furnished apartments and suites with in-suite washer and dryer, fully equipped kitchen, and business class services.

The Meridian Residences is a convenient base for people who need to juggle doing business deals and enjoying the great things Toronto has to offer. In case you get hungry or curious about the restaurants nearby, we got you covered:

North York is a modern destination for business travellers conveniently situated with easy access to Toronto’s business district. Perhaps you’re a corporate traveller on temporary assignment or even in the process of relocating to the area. Although you have been in Toronto for a couple of weeks, the only places you may have really been are your workplace and temporary home - a furnished suite at short term rentals in the Toronto suburb of North York.  Your luxury accommodations offer a multitude of amenities and services giving you little reason to leave.

But after a couple of weeks of the same routine - work, home, work, home - you may be ready to do something new. So by now, you may be wondering what there is to do in your new neighborhood of North York. You’ll be pleased to know that the community offers visitors a myriad of activities. Here are a few of the top attractions that will encourage you to step out of being in short-term rentals and enjoy the Toronto neighborhood of North York.

Black Creek Pioneer Village: Are you interested in how the early settlers lived? Then, check out the Black Creek Pioneer Village with its 35 restored buildings from the 1860’s.  This village recreates a Victorian-era pioneer life.

Serviced apartments are among your most practical choices if you are planning to stay in Toronto for a few weeks or longer. If you are negotiating a business deal or working on a project and need to be in the heart of the city, James Cooper Mansion is a perfect match for your needs.

James Cooper Mansion is a 32-story development by Tridel that soars above the intersection of Sherbourne and Bloor Streets.  The fully-furnished suites in this property comes with a comfortable queen-size bed, kitchen, in-suite washer and dryer, free Wi-Fi, and other services a business traveller or small family needs. The modern architecture of the James Cooper Mansion is side by side with the original mansion. The latter has been preserved and now houses the party room and fitness center of the property.

These serviced apartments at James Cooper Mansion are also near public transits and well-surrounded by shops, restaurants, and cafeterias. If you’d like to indulge in a cup of coffee or sip some good brew with colleagues, there are several coffee shops just a few steps from the James Cooper Mansion:

In the heart of midtown, Yonge and Eglinton, is one of Toronto’s most happening neighborhoods.  This trendy area is known for its ultra-cool Yuppie vibe, boasting a wide array of dining options and a sophisticated nightlife scene. If you’re seeking a getaway to one of Toronto’s trendy hotspots, look no further. When the sun sets on your daytime obligations, head to Yonge-Eglinton to see what the locals are buzzing about.

Even in a bustling metropolis like Toronto, it is possible to find affordable accommodations that will not squeeze you into rooms barely big enough to comfortably fit world-weary travelers and their luggage. Whether you are traveling alone or with a friend, for business or pleasure, it is worthwhile to consider a short term rental in Toronto.

Save Money and Stay Longer

Toronto is a great city for visitors. But like many major cities in North America, it is easy to end up paying a lot of money for the privilege of staying there and enjoying all the attractions the city has to offer. If you want to save money, staying in a serviced apartment is the way to go.

Toronto is a vibrant, exciting city with much to offer. Whether you are a first time visitor to the city or a regular guest, consider an extended stay in Toronto to take advantage of the many attractions of one of Canada’s premier destinations. You might just discover a whole new way to take a vacation.

Be a Tourist without Leaving Home

Short-term rentals are a great way to explore a cosmopolitan city like Toronto. With so many places to visit and so much to do, returning to a place that feels like home is a wonderful way to end your day. As much as you enjoy sampling the wide range of international cuisines Toronto has to offer, after a week of eating out, you can run up quite a food bill. Taking advantage of the kitchen in a full-service apartment means you can cook some of your meals and save money. Visit the local market and persuade a native merchant to part with a family recipe in exchange for buying the ingredients from his stall. At the end of the day, you will have learned how to cook a new dish, enjoy it with your family in a home-like setting and still save money. It’s hard to say no to that.

Toronto is one of the most multicultural cities in the world. The city welcomes almost 80,000 new immigrants each year. Every one of these families beginning a new life in an often strange and unfamiliar land comes with dreams and hopes of a better and brighter future. Among one of the many issues new immigrant families have to grapple with is where to settle down in their adopted country. Staying in a serviced apartment in Toronto has definite advantages for a new immigrant family.

One of the simple things that often gets overlooked when deciding on corporate housing is how well furnished the apartment is. Most of the time when you are looking into corporate housing, you just verify that it is furnished and move on to other questions. This can often lead to surprise or disappointment when you actually enter your temporary apartment for the first time. Perhaps the apartment doesn't have everything you thought it would or maybe the furniture is dated or just plain ugly. These wouldn't necessarily be a big deal if you were only staying for a few days -you can just tough it out. When you are staying for several weeks or perhaps months, however, this becomes a more significant issue. While you are making your search for the right furnished apartments in the Toronto area, you should always make it a point to look into how well furnished the apartment is.

It can be extremely challenging to travel for medical reasons. Being away from your home is typically the last thing you want when you need medical treatment. Of course, in order to get the best care it can be a necessity. For those who are planning a medical stay in Toronto, having comfortable place to stay is incredibly important. Chances are good that, if you are in this position, you will need to stay for some time. Should this be the case, then your best option is a short term, furnished apartment.

Here are a few reasons why…

Are you vacationing in Toronto and trying to figure out your best option when it comes to a place to stay? If you are planning on being in town for a few weeks or more, then your main two options are extended stay hotels or serviced apartments. That being said, serviced apartments are usually your better bet when you are vacationing. Here’s how…

Serviced apartments are more affordable

First and foremost, it comes down to price. Despite the fact that serviced apartments usually offer more room than an extended stay hotel, they are typically less expensive. The reason for this is the reduced overhead that you have to pay for. Things like your “free” breakfast get worked into a hotel price but are not a factor for a serviced apartment. Also, because you are generally staying at a serviced apartment for a long time, they can reduce the per-day cost for you. When you are vacationing, the less you spend on housing, the more you can spend on fun things.