The Saint James Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection
26 Gerrard St E, Toronto, Ontario M5B 1G3 Canada
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About
4.5
#21 of 126 hotels in TorontoLocation
Cleanliness
Service
Value
The Saint James Hotel is a newly renovated modern style boutique property in downtown Toronto. The centrally located hotel is ideally situated for both leisure & corporate travellers and is a 5 minute walk to The Eaton Centre, Dundas subway station and 1 block east of the financial district. The hotel offers comfortable size rooms with 47" TVs, in room safe, free Wifi and complimentary Neutrogena bath products.
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Property amenities
Paid public parking nearby
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Wifi
Free breakfast
Baggage storage
Newspaper
24-hour front desk
Laundry service
Restaurant
Breakfast available
Non-smoking hotel
Room features
Air conditioning
Safe
Microwave
Refrigerator
Flatscreen TV
Room types
Non-smoking rooms
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
HOTEL STYLE
Mid-range
Modern
Languages Spoken
English, French
Location
26 Gerrard St E, Toronto, Ontario M5B 1G3 Canada
Getting there
Great for walkers
Places to stay are graded on a 0-100 scale. The higher the grade, the easier it is for travellers to find restaurants and things to do within walking distance.
Grade: 100 out of 100
100
Toronto Island Airport
14 min•
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Toronto Pearson Intl Airport
20 km•
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College
3 min•Toronto Rapid Transit
Rental Cars
276 Restaurants
within 0.5 kilometers
470Reviews32Q+A66Room tips
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Detailed Reviews
We spent 3 nights at the Saint James Hotel, a small (about 28 rooms) boutique hotel downtown Toronto, close to Yonge Street and Ryerson University. The location is perfect to walk everywhere and there is a variety of restaurants in close proximity. I felt safe in this area, even in the evening when it was dark outside. Based on the recommendation of other reviewers, I had requested a quiet room at the back of the hotel and indeed, we didn't hear any street or hallway noise or sounds from adjacent rooms. Our 2 queen beds were super comfortable and the room (with flooring instead of carpeting) was very clean. The wifi worked great and the rain shower was an added bonus! Upon checking in, we received breakfast vouchers to use at Freshii, the small restaurant located on the ground floor. With this voucher, we could order any item on the breakfast menu. There was a good selection and all of the items we tried were healthy and tasted good too! At check-out, we were able to store our luggage safely for the day. Before I booked our stay at the Saint James Hotel, I had done a lot of research and this hotel happened to offer the best value and the highest ratings for this area of Toronto. With my CAA membership, I also received a discount. Add on a free continental breakfast as well as good service, and I really think that the Saint James is the best choice!
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Date of stay: February 2020
Value
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip: Request a quiet room at the back of the hotel.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Loujayna E, General Manager at The Saint James Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection
Responded Apr 6, 2020
Thank you very much for the amazing review. We are thrilled that you enjoyed the central location, clean accommodations and healthy breakfast. Since your stay, we have soundproofed all the rooms facing the front. We hope to have the pleasure of warmly welcoming you back the next time you visit the city. Sincerely, General Manager
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Excellent front desk service. At check in we were greeted with a bag of snacks and water which was appreciated after a long day travelling across the country. We missed the continental breakfast so can’t comment on that. However it is Freshii so it’s a known brand. I found the lighting right at room door is a little dark but otherwise clean and modern feeling.
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Date of stay: February 2020Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Loujayna E, General Manager at The Saint James Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection
Responded Apr 6, 2020
Thank you for taking the time to write a review. We are happy that you enjoyed the welcome bag and excellent front desk service. It is my pleasure to share your kind words with the team. We would like to apologize for the lighting. I am pleased to announce that we will be receiving new brighter light fixtures within the rooms. We hope to see you again soon. Sincerely, General Manager
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We have stayed here twice and will come back again. It's a nice boutique hotel in a great downtown location. They included breakfast for two at the Freshii located inside the hotel. Very pleasant stay.
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Date of stay: December 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Loujayna E, General Manager at The Saint James Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection
Responded Jan 8, 2020
Thank you so much for the fabulous review. We are happy to hear your experience was a great one. I am glad you enjoyed the central location and the healthy breakfast from the onsite Freshii. We are thankful that you choose to stay with us while visiting Toronto. We look forward to warmly welcoming you back soon. Sincerely, General Manager
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Stayed here for one night this week on a business trip with a colleague. I used a credit card I rarely use, and used only here on my trip, to pay for the room. Two days later my credit card was used to buy groceries at a Kroger about an hour drive away in Michigan (I live on west coast). My colleague had a similar experience with stolen credit card number with a card he only used to pay for hotel. It stands to reason the culprit had access to our information at this hotel.
I have contacted the hotel and left a message for the manager but have not received a reply as of yet. As management hasn’t seen a need to contact me yet, I’m posting this as a PSA to warn against staying at this hotel and giving them any personal information as their security seems to be lacking. If you have stayed recently would check your credit card for fraudulent charges.
I have contacted the hotel and left a message for the manager but have not received a reply as of yet. As management hasn’t seen a need to contact me yet, I’m posting this as a PSA to warn against staying at this hotel and giving them any personal information as their security seems to be lacking. If you have stayed recently would check your credit card for fraudulent charges.
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Date of stay: August 2018Trip type: Travelled on business
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
After a cancelled flight on January 1st, a company suggested by the airline (as they had run out of vouchers) made a reservation for me at this hotel. When I arrived, it was after 11pm so the door was locked. After numerous attempts to ring the buzzer and call the hotel, I was finally able to get out of the cold when guests of the hotel entered.
There was no money at the front seat and I waited in the lobby at least 30 minutes debating given how late it was if I should call a cab and find another hotel. The receptionist returned with a few "guests" in tow.
The room was very clean and spacious for the few hours I spent there before catching an early flight the next morning.
I was awoken around 3am by loud noises in the hallway. The three guests who I had seen ealier when checking in were running in the halls yelling and said they were friends of the receptionist.
The receptionist apologized for his friends' behaviour when I mentioned it the next morning. I was willing to let this all go until I received a second charge on my visa.
When I called to inquire why I was charged a second time a week after staying there, I was told the rate was higher than why I paid since I was sent by Porter. I was not sent directly by Porter as they had run out of vouchers and I would only be reimbursed for the actual receipts I submitted the next day- which would exclude this extra charge on my visa.
For a stress free stay, I would not suggest staying at this hotel. I was shocked by the lack of professionalism.
There was no money at the front seat and I waited in the lobby at least 30 minutes debating given how late it was if I should call a cab and find another hotel. The receptionist returned with a few "guests" in tow.
The room was very clean and spacious for the few hours I spent there before catching an early flight the next morning.
I was awoken around 3am by loud noises in the hallway. The three guests who I had seen ealier when checking in were running in the halls yelling and said they were friends of the receptionist.
The receptionist apologized for his friends' behaviour when I mentioned it the next morning. I was willing to let this all go until I received a second charge on my visa.
When I called to inquire why I was charged a second time a week after staying there, I was told the rate was higher than why I paid since I was sent by Porter. I was not sent directly by Porter as they had run out of vouchers and I would only be reimbursed for the actual receipts I submitted the next day- which would exclude this extra charge on my visa.
For a stress free stay, I would not suggest staying at this hotel. I was shocked by the lack of professionalism.
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Date of stay: January 2018Trip type: Travelled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Loujayna E, General Manager at The Saint James Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection
Responded Jan 12, 2018
Thank you for taking the time to post a review following your recent stay. Please allow me to apologize for your experience and the inconvenience this caused. Please know that your comments will be addressed. I checked your hotel bill and the extra charge was refunded a few days ago. I am very sorry for the misunderstanding. I really appreciate your feedback as it provides us with an opportunity to improve. It is our hope that you will give us another chance in the future. Sincerely, General Manager
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
I don't know the standards of those who gave this hotel a good review - but it certainly is not a 3 let alone 4 star hotel. It must have previously been a hospital or a nursing home, as the smell of hospital is still in the halls and elevator. The rooms are converted hospital rooms for sure. Ours was a handicap room, even though we had no need for one, and did not request one. We had one small window and very poor lighting. Being a handicap room, everything was geared to people in wheelchairs. The mirror in the bathroom was tilted down, there were no shelves in the bathroom, so not able to use a mirror to get ready. It was a re-furbished hospital bathroom.
The complementary breakfast was pretty poor, cold oatmeal, and a strange egg sandwich was hardly edible.
the staff argued with us on leaving that we specifically requested a handicapped room - which wasn't the case. If your looking for a place to sleep and run -this may be ok - but otherwise steer clear.
The complementary breakfast was pretty poor, cold oatmeal, and a strange egg sandwich was hardly edible.
the staff argued with us on leaving that we specifically requested a handicapped room - which wasn't the case. If your looking for a place to sleep and run -this may be ok - but otherwise steer clear.
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Date of stay: October 2017Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip: Make sure you don't get the handicap room unless you need it and you are in a wheelchair -
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Loujayna E, General Manager at The Saint James Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection
Responded Nov 2, 2017
Thank you for taking the time to share your recent experience at the Saint James Hotel. The hotel was previously the Ronald McDonald House and was completely renovated in 2014. I am very sorry to read about your stay with us. I apologize for the service that you received and I will be addressing the issues you stated. Your feedback is important to me as it provides us with an opportunity to improve our services and facilities. It is our hope that you will give us another chance the next time you visit Toronto. Sincerely, General Manager
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
The St. James is a very reasonably priced little gem in downtown Toronto. About a 25-minute walk from Union Station and less than 10 minutes from the Eaton Centre. Upon arrival we rec'd a welcome loot bag with water and munchies as well as vouchers for breakfast at the Freshii (located in the lobby). A coffee machine in the lobby dispenses cappucino/latte, etc. Our room was quite large with a modern bathroom; comfy bed; fridge, microwave and Keurig coffee maker. The management and staff were very helpful and welcoming.
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Date of stay: November 2019
Value
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Loujayna E, General Manager at The Saint James Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection
Responded Jan 8, 2020
Thank you so much for the delightful review. We are thrilled that you were very happy with your stay. We really appreciate your wonderful comments on the staff service and your overall experience. It is our pleasure to warmly welcome you back the next time your travels bring you to Toronto. Sincerely, General Manager
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Stayed here in June and it was our second visit. For price and location you can’t really do better. Only 36 rooms so has an intimate family run feel, which I much prefer to the big corporate brands. The downside to that is you have to be comfortable in your room as there is only the small lobby area, so no communal lounge, but that’s fine by me. Breakfast is a voucher for the small “Freshii” concession at the back, so don’t get excited about that. But a bacon and egg wrap with 24 hour available coffee was enough to get me to lunch.
Room was a good size with two queen beds, so extremely comfy for two guys travelling together. Good bathroom with plenty of fluffy towels. Staff were all very pleasant. Small criticism is that aircon on 6th floor hall was freezing (think it was last time).
All in all, a great value hotel for those who want a simple stay, without bells and whistles where everything is pretty much walkable.
Room was a good size with two queen beds, so extremely comfy for two guys travelling together. Good bathroom with plenty of fluffy towels. Staff were all very pleasant. Small criticism is that aircon on 6th floor hall was freezing (think it was last time).
All in all, a great value hotel for those who want a simple stay, without bells and whistles where everything is pretty much walkable.
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Date of stay: June 2019
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Loujayna E, General Manager at The Saint James Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection
Responded Jan 8, 2020
Thank you for taking the time to write a review and for choosing to stay with us a second time. We really appreciate your positive feedback. I am glad you enjoyed the overall accommodations and ideal location. We look forward to warmly welcoming you back the next time you visit Toronto. Sincerely, General Manager
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
The hotel location is about 20-25 minutes from the CN Tower. The hotel room itself was well presented but based on what we spent on the many hotels we stayed in during our tour of East Canada, from a value for money perspective, this was distinctly average.
The location at night felt less secure than other areas in Toronto (we stayed at the King Edward previously). The hotel needs some attention (i.e. there was quite a lot of marks on the walls on the level we stayed on). The breakfast concept was a little strange, we did not feel overly comfortable sitting down to eat in what effectively felt like a fast food establishment, so we took the food to our hotel room. The food itself was quite lovely, though it was limited to one dish.
If you are in Toronto, the Saint James Hotel may well work for you, but based on the hotels we stayed in during our travels, this did not wow us.
The location at night felt less secure than other areas in Toronto (we stayed at the King Edward previously). The hotel needs some attention (i.e. there was quite a lot of marks on the walls on the level we stayed on). The breakfast concept was a little strange, we did not feel overly comfortable sitting down to eat in what effectively felt like a fast food establishment, so we took the food to our hotel room. The food itself was quite lovely, though it was limited to one dish.
If you are in Toronto, the Saint James Hotel may well work for you, but based on the hotels we stayed in during our travels, this did not wow us.
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Date of stay: September 2018Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Value
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Loujayna E, General Manager at The Saint James Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection
Responded Mar 22, 2019
Thank you for taking the time to post a review. We appreciate your feedback following your recent experience. Your comments provide us with an opportunity to improve our services, facilities and offerings. I will be sure to share your review with the management team. It is our hope to welcome you back the next time your travels bring you to Toronto. Sincerely, General Manager
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
this place has dark hallways and dirty floors, the breakfast was a joke from the weird restaurant in the lobby where the staff was rude...the front desk people were nice but there is no way this hotel should be in the top 20 in Toronto
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Date of stay: December 2017Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Loujayna E, General Manager at The Saint James Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection
Responded Jan 12, 2018
Thank you for taking the time to post a review. We are sorry to hear about your recent experience. I will be sharing your feedback with the management team. We appreciate your comments as it provides us with an opportunity to better improve our facilities and services. It is our hope that you will give us another chance. Sincerely, General Manager
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Hello, The maximum height for the parking next door is 6 feet.
Thank you,
Loujayna--General Manager
I agree with Sean Travelz, either Uber or the train to Union Station and TTC from there
No but they give you a pass to a state of the art gym around the corner
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"We were on the 5th floor overlooking Gerrad - across the street from Ryerson U campus and very happy with this location."Read full review
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PRICE RANGE
C$9,992 - C$10,053 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
LOCATION
CanadaOntarioTorontoDowntown / Garden District / Church and Wellesley (The Village) / Church-Yonge Corridor / Old Toronto
NUMBER OF ROOMS
36
Prices are the average nightly price provided by our partners and may not include all taxes and fees. Taxes and fees that are shown are estimates only. Please see our partners for more details.
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Frequently Asked Questions about The Saint James Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection
Which popular attractions are close to The Saint James Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection?
Nearby attractions include Little Canada (0.3 km), Yonge-Dundas Square (0.4 km), and Captive Escape Rooms Toronto (0.3 km).
What are some of the property amenities at The Saint James Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, free breakfast, and an on-site restaurant.
Which room amenities are available at The Saint James Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection?
Top room amenities include air conditioning, a flat screen TV, and a refrigerator.
What food & drink options are available at The Saint James Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection?
Guests can enjoy free breakfast and an on-site restaurant during their stay.
Is parking available at The Saint James Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection?
Yes, paid public parking nearby is available to guests.
What are some restaurants close to The Saint James Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection?
Conveniently located restaurants include Adega, Kinka Izakaya Original, and Donatello Restaurant.
Which languages are spoken by the staff at The Saint James Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection?
The staff speaks multiple languages, including English and French.
Are there any historical sites close to The Saint James Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection?
Many travellers enjoy visiting The Elgin & Winter Garden Theatre Centre (0.8 km), Spadina Museum (3.1 km), and Casa Loma (3.1 km).
Is The Saint James Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection accessible?
Yes, it offers wheelchair access. For specific enquiries, we recommend calling ahead to confirm.