The 11 best cheap hotels in Toronto because why break the bank

The Residence Inn Toronto Downtown scores highly for us in two ways: First, its downtown location, and second, the full kitchen found in all rooms. Additional bonus points for the sleeper sofas, generously sized bathrooms, and the free hot breakfast buffet. This friendly, unpretentious hotel is just the place to make new friends while you enjoy a morning coffee.

The mood? Swanky meets budget.
Location perks? Whether it's business as usual or a leisurely adventure, this central spot is great for all your downtown endeavors.
Budget range? Middle of the road. 

You might think Holiday Inns are no-frills, but wait until you see what the buffet bar at this place has in store. The on-site pancake machine is, obviously, a huge daily hit that delivers oh-so-delicious, fresh pancakes at the click of a button. Need another reason to stay here? You'll be just steps away from Toronto's St. Lawrence Market.

The mood? A Modern, no-thrills kind of vibe.
Location perks? This convenient location features a courtyard with a fountain and garden.
Budget range? Great economy prices. 

The Chelsea Hotel offers a fantastic downtown location and good value for your money that’s perfect for families. Kids can enjoy the 130’ corkscrew waterslide, Kids Centre, and Club 33 Teen Lounge, while adults can relax at the private pool or work out in the fitness center. If you’re looking for something to eat, check out the T| BAR, which serves one of the best Indian buffets in the city during the week.

The mood? Stylish and contemporary.
Location perks? A short stroll to the Art Gallery of Toronto and downtown.
Budget range? An affordable steal. 

The world's largest full-service Courtyard hotel is located in Downtown Toronto with the average rate starting at around CAD 230 per night. The recent addition of printed murals and art in every room, as well as the lobby fireplace, gives the hotel a homier feel. Located at Yonge and College, you’ll be just a few blocks away from the Village and Yonge & Dundas (Toronto’s Times Square).

The mood? Modern and cozy vibes.
Location perks? Rooms come with eco-friendly toiletries and a nifty mini-fridge for storing snacks and drinks – you may even save a few dollars here and there.
Budget range? Not crazy cheap, but not expensive either. 

For a property that’s located on the water, the Radisson Admiral Hotel offers fairly decent rates at CAD 325. For those of you in town to catch a Leafs or Raptors game, the hotel is within walking distance of the Rogers Centre and Scotiabank Arena. End your night with a trip to the hotel’s Lakeview Pool Lounge, where you'll enjoy stunning views of the city and Lake Ontario with a refreshing drink in hand. 

The mood? Sleek and elegant rooms with a spectacualr city view. 
Location perks? We'd head straight up to the rooftop patio for for the pool if we were you…
Budget range? A moderately-priced weekend - the king room is the way to go for the cheapest rates (two nights come to around CAD 450).

Don’t let the airport location fool you: the Alt Hotel Toronto Airport is surprisingly convenient—you can get to downtown Toronto via the train in less than 40 minutes. Rooms with one large double bed start at CAD 332. Make sure to check out the space’s unique “alt expo” feature: a custom collection of 80,000 Instagram photos that form a mural that celebrates creativity and design.

The mood? Modern, clean, and snug. 
Location perks? Take advantage of the free wifi, free toiletries, and the grab-and-go style breakfast – especially that last one. 
Budget range? Pretty affordable for short stays. 

Super close to the Bloor-Yonge Subway station, the Town Inn Suites Hotel offers very reasonable and convenient larger-size accommodation options. It’s plainly decorated in a way that feels fresh, contemporary and well-cared-for. The suites are generously sized and you can book one with a decent kitchen space. All in, it would make a great choice for those who are in town for a longer stay, particularly if you’re here for work reasons as well as for exploring the city.

The mood? Simple, with a little bit of shine.
Location perks? Very close to the University of Toronto, which is handy if you’re visiting pals there.
Budget range? Middle cheapness.

If you’re going to be in the northern part of Toronto or you simply like to experience luxury hotels at reasonable rates, you should check out the Toronto Markham Marriott. The highlight of the hotel is the infinity pool where the in-water lounge seats and the vibrant coloured floor-to-ceiling windows will make you wonder if you’ve relocated to an exotic resort. Grab a sofa seat booth or a bar stool at Draco, the hotel’s restaurant and lounge, where you can enjoy the downtown feel without actually having to be downtown.

The mood? Elegant and clean rooms with serene views. 
Location perks? Along with a delicious breakfast menu, an infinity pool, and workout facilities, Toronto Markham Marriott welcomes pets. 
Budget range? Rooms start from around CAD 260, so not bad. 

Originally built as a factory back in 1902, the Hotel Ocho has been turned into a great example of an affordable but also cool hotel. It opts for exposed brick and minimalistic stylings, a sort of no-nonsense feel that suggests you’re the kind of traveller who values not being in the most rudimentary of digs, but also wants to focus their time (and money) on exploring the city.

The mood? Post-industrial chic.
Location perks? Get to know the tastes, smells and sounds of nearby Chinatown.
Budget range? A neat price for a neat hotel.

The clue's in the name with this one. If you're after good value, you're in the right place. Along with the well appointed rooms – which have everything you'd want, like a desk, TV and mini fridge – there's free parking in the sizeable parking lot, and free coffee, juice and cookies. Plus, it's only a ten-minute drive to the airport.

The mood? Neat and comfy.
Location perks? There's a Tim Hortons next door and it's across the expressway from all the shopping you could need at Sherway Gardens.
Budget range? Affordable.