We’ve stayed at the Chelsea Hotel in downtown Toronto numerous times since our kids were born, so we know this family-friendly hotel pretty well! For families with kids, the Chelsea is one of the best hotels in Toronto and we always tell our visiting friends to stay there when they’re looking for a Toronto hotel recommendation.
Over the years, we’ve watched the hotel undergo some exciting transformations and the latest updates have genuinely blown us away (in the best possible way!). So, we thought it was time to share our tips to help you plan an incredibly fun Toronto family stay. The best part? You can find so much to do under one roof that the kids won’t be complaining about being bored even if it’s a rainy or snowy day in Toronto!
Disclosure : This post is in partnership with the Chelsea Hotel but, as always, opinions are TOTALLY ours!
Table of Contents | Toronto’s Chelsea Hotel Review
Where is the Chelsea Hotel Toronto Located?
Which Chelsea Hotel room should families book?
The Hive: What families need to know
Time Zone Escapes: A Family-Friendly Escape Room at the Chelsea Hotel Toronto
Where to eat at the Chelsea Hotel
What is there to do near the Chelsea Hotel with kids?
Is the Chelsea Hotel Toronto Pet-Friendly?
Are there Chelsea Hotel Toronto discounts?
Toronto Hotel With a Waterslide & Escape Room : A Family Guide to the Chelsea Hotel Toronto
I used to tell families that kids under 12 would love the Chelsea Hotel Toronto, but with its recent renovations and exciting new additions, tweens and teenagers are going to have just as much fun at this downtown Toronto hotel.
The Chelsea Hotel is Canada’s largest hotel, with 1,588 rooms and it has a dedicated family-focused area called The HIVE. At this Toronto hotel you’ll find a toddler play area, a teen lounge, a pool with a waterslide, an escape room, an adults-only space where parents can enjoy a little downtime and several dining options.
And that’s just the beginning! Families can also take advantage of perks like the hotel’s Show Your Room Card & Save program, which offers savings at select Toronto attractions.
The hotel also has surprise lobby activations throughout the year so don’t be surprised if your kids are greeted by a talking robot, free lemonade, popcorn and all sorts of treats!
I’m going to dive into each of these features in detail, along with plenty of practical tips to help you make the most of your stay. So, if you’re planning a Toronto family staycation or looking for a family-friendly hotel in downtown Toronto, I hope you enjoy my Chelsea Hotel review!
Where is the Chelsea Hotel Toronto Located?
This family friendly Toronto hotel is located near Dundas and Yonge which is Toronto’s version of a mini Times Square. This means you’re less than 5 minutes from TMU subway station and less than a 10 minute walk from St. Andrew and College stations as well. You also have easy access to the Dundas and College streetcars and the Bay bus. If you decide to walk, it would only take you 20 minutes to walk to Union Station which is connected to the CN Tower and Little Canada is less than 5 minutes by foot. You truly are in one of the best neighbourhoods for exploring Toronto by foot and public transit.
Which Chelsea Hotel room should families book?
Spanning two towers at 33 Gerrard Street West, the Chelsea Hotel Toronto offers a wide range of accommodation options, making it a convenient choice for families looking for a family-friendly hotel in downtown Toronto. Room options range from traditional Chelsea Rooms and Executive Rooms to Studios and spacious one- and two-bedroom suites. You can explore the different room types and configurations on the Chelsea Hotel Rooms & Suites page before deciding which option is best for your family.
If you’re travelling to Toronto with kids and need extra space, I highly recommend looking into the Two-Bedroom Suite. For families who want the comforts of home while staying in a downtown Toronto hotel, this is one of the best accommodation options.
The suite includes two separate bedrooms, a living area and a fully equipped kitchen with a stove, full-size refrigerator and freezer and microwave. The living room has a queen-size pull-out sofa bed, while the first bedroom features a queen-size bed. The second bedroom has a twin bed and a double-size Murphy bed, making this a particularly flexible option for families of four or more visiting Toronto.
The suite also comes with some thoughtful family-friendly extras, including building blocks, a step stool for younger children and a high chair for infants and toddlers. There’s also a small balcony and many of the suites offer views of the CN Tower, which is a fun bonus when you’re visiting Toronto with kids.
The only downside for families is that there’s just one bathroom. While the rooms themselves have been upgraded, the bathrooms feel a little more dated. That said, you’re unlikely to spend much time in the bathroom when there’s so much space and so many things to do elsewhere in the hotel!
All that said, if you don’t need the extra space of a two-bedroom suite, the Chelsea Room and Executive Room are also worth considering, particularly if you’re comfortable sharing double-size beds. You can choose a room with a queen or king bed, but if you need two beds in your Toronto hotel room, the available options are double beds. This is something to keep in mind if you’re travelling with older children or looking for a comfortable hotel room for a family of four. For families with tweens and teenagers, I would personally consider the additional space of a suite if your budget allows. You could also call the hotel and see if they have interconnecting executive suite rooms because they have a few of those as well.
For guests looking for an accessible hotel in Toronto, the Chelsea Hotel offers accessible and partially accessible rooms with a range of features designed to make stays more comfortable. Depending on the room, amenities can include safety bars, handheld showers and other accessibility features.
Additional equipment is also available upon request, including a TTY typewriter, clock control center, bed shaker, telephone volume apparatus and doorknockers. If you require specific accessibility features, I recommend contacting the hotel before booking to confirm what’s available for your particular room and needs.
The Hive: What families need to know
When it comes to a Toronto hotel offering a year-round dedicated kids space, the Chelsea Hotel does things PROPERLY! The Hive is the hotel’s newly renovated family recreation hub featuring The Cove, a refreshed indoor pool with downtown Toronto’s only indoor waterslide (this corkscrew slides goes out of the building and comes back in!!! How cool is that kids!), The Workshop which is a creative kids’ space where hand-on play inspires imagination and The Studio, a collaborative lounge for tweens and teens to play games at.
The Hive is open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. on most days making it accessible for early risers and night owls!
The Cove : What you need to know about the pool and waterslide
If you’re looking for a kid friendly Toronto hotel pool that also has a hot tub and a waterslide, this is it! This is the ONLY hotel in Toronto with an indoor waterslide and my kids still get excited when I tell them we’re staying at the Chelsea hotel mainly because of the slide!
You should know that guests must be at least 3’8” tall to use the waterslide and guests between 3’8” and 5’0” must successfully complete a swim test without flotation devices. There’s a lifeguard on duty during slide opening hours and they will give children who pass the swim test a bracelet. You’ll want to hold on to that for your entire stay to avoid doing a daily swim test.
While the pool and hot tub is open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. the slide closes between 1 and 2 p.m. as well as 6 and 7 p.m. so that the lifeguards can take a break.
If you have a toddler you’ll have to bring your own swim aids as life jackets aren’t available.
Another thing to keep in mind when planning a family stay at the Chelsea Hotel Toronto is that during busy periods, such as March Break, peak summer holidays and Christmas, pool time registration may be in effect to ensure every guest has an opportunity to enjoy the pool and recreation area.
During our most recent weekday visit in July 2026, we were able to use the pool whenever we wanted, and thankfully, it wasn’t overly busy. I’ve generally found that hotel pools tend to be quieter in the mid-morning, when some guests have checked out and housekeeping is preparing rooms for incoming guests and that strategy certainly worked in our favour this time!
The Workshop: Is it good for younger kids?
Yes! There’s a baby crawl space but also a toddler approved indoor tree-house style play structure. This is in addition to books, toys, art supplies and so much more. They also host pop up events where they bring in animals to pet and various entertainment. Here’s a link to the summer schedule.
The Studio: Why tweens and teens will like it
This teen lounge has an air hockey table, an arcade game that requires NO coins, a gaming section with a Nintendo Switch and PS5 (you have to sign the controllers out by visiting the Workshop) and a space where TikTok dances can be recorded with great lighting.
There are also lounge areas for those who just want a quite zone to chill at.
Time Zone Escapes: A Family-Friendly Escape Room at the Chelsea Hotel Toronto
If you enjoy the challenge of a strategic escape room, you’ll be excited to know that there’s now an escape room in the lobby of the Chelsea Hotel Toronto! Time Zone Escapes has recently opened at the hotel, giving guests and visitors another fun option for things to do in downtown Toronto with kids and teens.
We recently tried the 60-minute experience as a family of four, with our kids aged 12 and 14, and genuinely enjoyed it. There are currently two escape room experiences to choose from, and we took on Blackbeard’s Brig. The experience was interactive, engaging and just the right level of challenging for our family. Our game master was also fantastic at knowing when we were truly stumped and needed a little nudge in the right direction without giving too much away.
One of the things I love about this experience is that you don’t have to be a hotel guest to enjoy it. It’s a great option to add to a Toronto family staycation, but it’s also a fun activity if you’re simply looking for family-friendly things to do in Toronto on a rainy or snowy day.
Time Zone Escapes Discounts
Hotel guests can purchase tickets and receive 10% off their first experience and 20% off subsequent visits. There’s also a special offer where one child under 12 can participate for free when accompanied by four paying guests.
Not staying at the Chelsea Hotel? You can still save 20% on your Time Zone Escapes experience by using the code YASHY33 when booking.
I’m already planning our next visit so that Chris, the kids and I can take on The Curse of the Evil Genie. Clearly, we’re not done escaping just yet!
Where to eat at the Chelsea Hotel
One of the biggest advantages of staying at a family-friendly hotel in downtown Toronto is not having to leave the property every time someone gets hungry and the Chelsea Hotel Toronto makes that especially easy. With several dining options under one roof, families can grab a quick bite between activities, sit down for a proper meal or simply order something when the kids declare they’re hungry again!
Branches Deli: Quick Grab-and-Go Options
Branches Deli is where you’ll want to go when you’re looking for a quick grab-and-go meal or snack. There are plenty of options for everyone, so don’t worry if you need vegan, gluten-free or vegetarian choices. You’ll find freshly prepared meals and sandwiches, along with plenty of tempting treats.
The hotel’s in-house bakery offers an enticing selection of sweet and savoury pastries, ranging from the iconic Canadian butter tart to a classic sausage roll made with Berkshire pork and butter pastry. I have my eye on the Chimichurri Carne Asada sandwich for my next visit, and there are also healthier options available, including salmon, quinoa and tofu bowls.
If you’re looking for an affordable breakfast in downtown Toronto, the $10 breakfast sandwich and coffee deal is hard to beat…especially when you’re trying to get the family fed and out the door for a day of exploring Toronto.
Elm Tavern: Family-Friendly Dining at the Chelsea Hotel
Elm Tavern is the Chelsea Hotel’s beautifully designed on-site restaurant, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. Think British pub with a Canadian heart, with locally sourced ingredients and a menu designed to cater to a variety of dietary needs.
The restaurant has several different seating areas, so you can choose your spot depending on your mood. There’s a bar area with high-top tables and bar seating, a cosy diner-style booth section with a pool table to keep the kids occupied while you wait for your meal, and a sleeker seating area at the back. The latter is my favourite, thanks to all the natural light streaming in.
Breakfast at Elm Tavern
The kids and I enjoyed the breakfast buffet in Toronto at Elm Tavern, and I was impressed that it was $33 for adults and $16 for kids during our visit. The scrambled eggs were perfect (IYKYK!), and there was an impressive selection of baked goods, including gluten-free options, oats, fresh fruit, bacon, cold cuts and cheese, hot dishes, yogurt, cereal—you name it, they had it!
If you’re looking for a family-friendly hotel in Toronto with breakfast options, having a substantial buffet right downstairs is incredibly convenient, especially when you’re trying to fuel up before a full day of sightseeing and activities.
Dinner at Elm Tavern
I’ve also enjoyed dinner at Elm Tavern on a couple of occasions, and I’m particularly impressed by their mocktail menu. You absolutely must try their Caesar flight, even if you opt for the virgin version. Trust me!
The Chelsea Hotel also has a solid kids’ menu, and here’s a great tip for families: children five and under eat free from the kids’ menu with the purchase of an adult main course.
Akira loves the mac and cheese, while Apollo is a big fan of the burger and the haddock and chips. If you’re dining on a Sunday, you can also enjoy a traditional Sunday Roast .
One thing to keep in mind is that Elm Tavern is a large restaurant and your food is prepared fresh, so I’d recommend allowing around two hours for a relaxed dinner. If you’re travelling with younger kids who aren’t known for their patience, you may want to plan accordingly!
There’s also live entertainment every Thursday, Friday & Saturday evening, adding to the lively atmosphere and making the Elm Tavern a fun option for an evening meal during your Toronto family staycation. They also have a daily happy hour if you’re looking for more Toronto happy hour deals, I got you covered!
My tip: If you’re staying at the Chelsea Hotel with kids, I love the flexibility of having both Branches Deli and Elm Tavern on-site. You can grab something quick when you’re short on time or sit down for a leisurely meal without having to leave the hotel. It’s one of those small conveniences that makes a big difference when you’re travelling as a family.
I will also quickly mention that the Monarch’s Tavern is a bar on-site that’s open Thursday, Friday and Saturday and there’s live entertainment (tickets available for purchased with hotel guests receiving a discount).
What is there to do near the Chelsea Hotel with kids?
One of the biggest advantages of staying at the Chelsea Hotel Toronto is its central downtown location. The hotel is within easy reach of many of Toronto’s top attractions, making it a convenient choice for families looking for a family-friendly hotel in downtown Toronto and wondering where to stay in Toronto with kids.
In addition, they have a show your card and save program that gives hotel guests discounts at select Toronto attractions and experiences. It’s a great perk to take advantage of during your stay, so be sure to check the current list of participating attractions and offers when planning your Toronto trip.
When it comes to sightseeing, you’re within walking distance of plenty of family-friendly attractions and neighbourhoods.
To give you an idea you’re less than a 5 minute walk from Little Canada, a 15 minute walk from the AGO, under 30 minute walk from The ROM, the Gardiner Museum, Yorkville, Kensington Market and Chinatown. The CN Tower and Aquarium is less than 15 minutes away by subway (or a 40 minute walk).
Here’s my list of things to do in Toronto with tweens! And if you’re looking for Toronto activities beyond attractions, I also got you covered!
The location also makes it easy to build your own Toronto family itinerary. You can spend the morning exploring an attraction, head back to the hotel for a swim or some downtime at The HIVE, and then venture out again for dinner or an evening activity.
Does the Chelsea Hotel Toronto have parking?
Yes, the Chelsea Hotel Toronto offers on-site parking for hotel guests and visitors. Parking is available in the hotel’s underground parking garage, making it convenient if you’re driving into downtown Toronto with your family. Keep in mind that while parking is an additional cost on top of your room rate, they do have some room packages that include parking.
Know that the hotel underground parking garage has a maximum height restriction of 5 feet, 6 inches in certain areas and cannot accommodate oversized passenger vehicles. You can find the costs of parking at the Chelsea Hotel here.
What Is the Service Like at the Chelsea Hotel Toronto?
With more than 1,500 rooms, you might expect the Chelsea Hotel Toronto to feel impersonal, but we’ve always found the staff to be friendly and helpful during our stays. From the front desk and concierge to the teams working throughout the hotel, we’ve had positive experiences with the staff and appreciate how accommodating they are when you’re travelling with kids. I should also mention that many of the staff members have been with the hotel for decades, creating a real sense of familiarity and community. You can tell they genuinely care about the guest experience and take pride in making visitors feel welcome. I’ve known Tracy Ford (pictured above) for over a decade now and she has been part of the Chelsea Hotel team for more than two decades!
Does the Chelsea Hotel Toronto Have an Adults-Only Area?
Yes, they do! If you need a break from the little ones, head to The Heights, the adults-only space at the Chelsea Hotel Toronto.
Located on the 27th floor, The Heights is the Chelsea Hotel’s adults-only wellness sanctuary, offering guests aged 18 and over a peaceful place to relax and recharge. The space features an adults-only pool, hot tub, outdoor terrace with great views of the Toronto skyline and a gym.
There’s also a complimentary yoga class hosted by WELLOGA every Saturday at 10:15 a.m., giving you another opportunity to sneak in a little wellness time during your stay.
Is the Chelsea Hotel Toronto Pet-Friendly?
Yes! This family-friendly Toronto hotel is also a pet-friendly hotel in downtown Toronto, so you don’t necessarily have to leave your furry family member at home.
The Chelsea Hotel welcomes small- to medium-sized dogs weighing less than 50 lbs, so your pup can stay in the room with you. There is a $50 pet fee per room for stays of up to five nights, which covers additional cleaning costs. For longer stays, an additional $50 fee applies for each subsequent five-night period. A maximum of two pets are permitted per room.
The hotel even has a designated area near the garden where pets can stretch their legs and enjoy some outdoor time.
If you’re travelling to Toronto with a pet, be sure to check the hotel’s current pet policies, fees and any restrictions when making your reservation, as these details can change.
Are there Chelsea Hotel Toronto discounts?
If you’re looking for a Chelsea Hotel Toronto discount or wondering if there are any Chelsea Hotel discount codes, the good news is that there are several ways to save on your stay. The hotel regularly offers special packages and promotions, so it’s worth checking the latest deals before booking.
One of my biggest tips is to take advantage of the hotel’s advance booking offers. If you know your travel dates ahead of time, you can save:
- Book 3–30 days in advance: Save 15%
- Book 31+ days in advance: Save 20%
Another way to save is by joining Brilliant by Langham, the hotel’s free loyalty program. As of our current visit, Brilliant members booking stays between June 15 and December 31, 2026, can take advantage of additional benefits, including:
- Member rates on select packages, including Bed & Breakfast
- City Sights package options
- Extra Nights offers, where you can stay three nights and receive up to 25% off
- An automatic membership tier upgrade to Diamond status
- Double membership points
So, while you may not find a single Chelsea Hotel Toronto discount code that applies to every booking, there are still plenty of ways to save. My advice is to compare the hotel’s current advance-purchase rates, package deals and Brilliant member rates before booking to find the best price for your family stay.
Tip: Always check the terms and conditions of each offer, as promotions, booking windows and benefits can change.
