COVID-19 Update for Guests

How to Save Money on Sightseeing

February 19, 2016

When you visit a new city, there is plenty to see and do during your entire stay. The best place to start is to visit the local tourist information centre, like the Union Station Tourist Information Centre in Toronto. Not only are there local specialists to answer your questions and provide information on local attractions, they also have access to free city tour guides, maps, and other pamphlets to give you more information about various attractions. In most cases, there is no charge, unless you purchase tickets to a paid-attraction, such as a museum or amusement park. 

While you are at the tourist information centre, ask if there is a self-guided walking tour of the city. You would be surprised to learn in many cities there are, and even include a tour book, complete with a map and information on the sights you can see on the tour. A self-guided tour could have a nominal fee for the book and map. 

Another interesting way to explore a city you are visiting is to walk around to explore and people watch. Most cities have parks, beaches, markets, walking and biking trails, and other such areas you can discover, all for free. Many of these areas give you great views of the city and allow you to learn more about what is going on from the locals or looking at general information boards at upcoming events, like free concerts and festivals. 

Eventually, even with the number of things you can do for free, you are going to want to visit a museum, skyscraper, or other attractions requiring a fee to access. Some cities offer combination packages where you pay one price and the ticket includes multiple attractions. This is a good way to save a little money because the cost of the combination ticket is typically less than paying separate admission fees for each attraction. In addition, flip through the tourist guides you picked up at the tourist information centre. Many of these have discount coupons for local attractions. 

Another option, which many tourists are unware of, is to check and see if any of the places you want to visit have discounted or free entrance days. Some places, like museums, charge less if you visit during the week, when it tends to be less busy, or have free days or evenings, where there is no charge to see the attraction. If you are a university student, teacher, or senior citizen, you could also inquire about discounts for these people. 

The best way to get around town in many cities is with an unlimited usage metro transit card with a flat rate for a specific number of days. Getting one of these cards allows you to get on and off buses and ride subways and trains in the city while you explore and sightsee. Plus, it is less expensive than paying per trip or relying on taxis. 

Rather than staying in a traditional hotel room, another way to save money is with a short-term rental in fully furnished condominiums since you have access to full-sized kitchens, laundry, and other amenities to give you a home-away-from-home experience. Most people are surprised to learn rates are comparable to traditional hotel rooms. Feel free to contact Mary-am Suites at 1-877-7-MARYAM (1-877-762-7926) for more information about short and long-term furnished condominium rentals in the Greater Toronto Area.

Associations

Mary-am Suites - COVID-19 Update for Guests

Our hearts go out to all those who have been affected by the COVID-19 Pandemic. Rest assured that we are closely monitoring the situation and taking steps to protect our team members and guests as the situation continues to evolve.

Business Continuity

Our first step was to invoke our Business Continuity Plan. We are entirely digital and do not rely on any manual processes. We are also completely cloud-based and diversified through our use of Amazon AWS, Google Cloud, and Microsoft Azure. Our office team is mobile-ready and has access to all critical infrastructure, including our cloud-based phone and booking systems. Rest assured - we are prepared to continue serving you.

Flexible Cancellations

For any new reservations booked directly with us, and until April 30, 2020, the booking can be cancelled at any time before arrival and with no cancellation fee.

New Arrivals

Toronto Public Health announced enhanced measures to protect the public on March 13, 2020, and are currently in effect until April 5, 2020. Anyone who has travelled from anywhere outside Canada, including the United States, is asked to self-isolate and avoid contact with others for 14 days.

For All Stays

Weekly Touch Up Service

For your safety and ours, weekly touch up service is cancelled until April 30, 2020. We encourage guests to utilize the ensuite washer and dryer to launder their linens and towels. For guests wishing to receive fresh linens, please send a request through Guest Services, and we will arrange to pick up your used linens (left in a bag at the front door inside the suite) and drop off fresh linen for you to use.

Our Commitment to High Cleaning Standards

We have always utilized commercial hospitality-grade cleaning procedures and supplies. We use specialized chemicals for different surfaces to ensure optimal disinfection. We also use new gloves and separate microfibre cleaning cloths for each suite to prevent cross-contamination. Any linens or cleaning cloths supplies by us have been professionally sanitized at a large commercial laundry facility.

Suite Visits by Guest Services & Maintenance

Until April 30, 2020, we will not conduct any suite tours for prospective guests, nor will any of our Maintenance or Guest Services team members visit occupied suites for any issues other than those relating to essential services.

We recognize that these are challenging times. Like many before it, this too will pass, and together we will get through it. Know that we are working around the clock to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable stay. We remain at your service 24/7 should you have any questions or concerns.

Yours in hospitality.

Mary-am Suites