Chestnut Residence image

Chestnut Residence

Hotel โ€ข Conference center โ€ข Student dormitory โ€ข University โ€ข Restaurant supply store

๐Ÿ˜  The only positive about this place is location. Everything else was an incredibly negative experience. The room was dirty. The front desk staff/security were incredibly unaccommodating and made us feel as if we were not welcome. You are only allowed 2 people to a room max - although this was not cla... People often mention room, good, location, Toronto, rooms, breakfast, clean, stay, downtown, bathroom,


Address

89 Chestnut St, Toronto, ON M5G 1R1, Canada

Website

www.chestnutresidence.utoronto.ca

Contact

+1 416-977-0707

Rating on Google Maps

3.00 (144 reviews)

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Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: room (31) good (19) location (17) Toronto (16) rooms (16) breakfast (15) clean (13) stay (12) downtown (10) bathroom (9)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 1/5 Daniel S. 1 year ago on Google
    The only positive about this place is location. Everything else was an incredibly negative experience. The room was dirty. The front desk staff/security were incredibly unaccommodating and made us feel as if we were not welcome. You are only allowed 2 people to a room max - although this was not clarified during booking and was not even brought up when we checked in. It was not brought up until we came back into the hotel that the security treated us like we were trying to rob the place because we had 3 people - an impossible amount of guests for one room - in which neither them or the front desk were able to provide other accommodations besides telling us to book a second room at no discount. Later on, when our third tried to come up to our room with a room key, the refused him entrance and told us we had to bring his bag downstairs as he was not permitted to come up - even though he had a room key and was previously in our room with no issue. Incredibly inconsistent and disrespectful. Would not recommend this place to anyone unless they want their trip ruined. ALSO - almost all of our outlets do not work. Unbelievable.
    6 people found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 4/5 Blake L. 1 year ago on Google
    Well the hotel itself was nice. Beds were small for two people to sleep in and there was no fridge in the room. I don't even recall seeing a TV either. The breakfast certainly was better than most continental breakfasts offered by other motels, but it's more equivalent to a hospital cafeteria buffet. You would think that you could at least park for free. Nope another $26 Price was a bit steep, but if you don't have to stay downtown Toronto, you can find other places 30 more minutes away for half the cost with free parking. I can say, air conditioning was a super plus and rooms were very clean.
    5 people found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 1/5 Seung-Chul L. 8 months ago on Google โ€ข 12 reviews
    Rooms are filthy with carpets that are who knows how old and soaked in unimaginable fluids. Rooms have no ventilation (confirmed with hotel staff) so your lungs are filtering whatever spores, germs and particulates that have been accumulating over the years. Most other things are passable and some rather good value (breakfast and location), but the state of the room makes it a non-starter. Oh, despite what they advertise, there is no multi-entry parking - you end up paying for 24 hours or whole day several times a day if you are driving.
    3 people found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 4/5 Motadi 4 years ago on Google
    Stayed here in mid May for medical testing. The rooms are what one would expect from a student residence. Could it be a bit cleaner? Yes, it can, but it's much cleaner than Neill Wycik. Neill is much cheaper, but you share accommodations with others. People who are complaining can go stay at the Royal York for 100+ dollars more a night. Amazes me how some think that cheaper lodging should still be 5 star quality. My room was clean and they were happy to accommodate my very specific disability. The central location is good. I've lived in Toronto before, and actually stayed at the Chestnut when it was a Ramada (way back in the day), so it was interesting to see the transition from hotel to residence. Decent spot if you need a no frills place to sleep in the heart of the city. Will be staying there again in mid June, so it gives me a chance to check out their consistency.
    3 people found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 4/5 J I. 9 months ago on Google โ€ข 93 reviews
    No frills with great location. I hope in the future they consider fridges and microwaves for travelers. Room was clean, but you had to pull on the door several times while leaving to make sure it locked. Glad I figured that out. View was lovely, and the most affordable accommodations within walking distance of the event I was attending. I would stay here in the future.

  • 5/5 Mayank J. 6 months ago on Google โ€ข 34 reviews
    Nice approachable location in the heart of the Toronto downtown. Very close to Eaton Center Mall, Dundas Street, Sick Kids Hospital, University of Toronto, Ryerson University, Supreme Court, Ontario Parliament, Toronto City Hall, Rogers Centre, almost all at walking distance. Lots of public transport available. A hotel for 4 months which converts to residency for University of Toronto students for 8 months and sometimes more. Lots of security around and shopping areas, banks, eateries.
    2 people found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 2/5 Jeremy B. 8 months ago on Google โ€ข 10 reviews
    While the rooms are minimal as expected and appeared clean, there were water stains (?) on the floor, the bed was like a board, there was writing on the wall, the bathroom ceiling had paint falling from it, the tub was dirty. The room was hot, we spoke to maintenance who indicated they would fix it, got back to the room late, only to find out it wasnโ€™t fixed. So went back to front desk and luckily a different person on shift was able to get us into another room that had a working air conditioner. Breakfast was very good although felt like I was back in university. The coke machine, while nice to have, charged me $11 for a pop and front desk couldnโ€™t help besides getting me to call the number on the machine. Luckily Coca Cola company came to the rescue. Would I stay again? Only if this was my last option. Especially for the price paid.
    2 people found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 1/5 Jose B. 1 year ago on Google
    I have stayed in more than 100 hotels in 20 countries and this has been the one that has treated me the worst. They have rude security guards instead of hosts and the management is lousy. The building is good and the breakfast is good but the customer service is miserable and the worst I have ever seen.
    2 people found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 1/5 Loรฏc B. 11 months ago on Google
    NO WATER! THEY HAVE NO WATER IN THIS BUILDING! I CANT WASH MY HANDS, SHOWER, OR FLUSH THE TOILET! The location is the only good part about this place. I sometimes hate existing in this place so much I'm sure you will too, which I'm sure will inspire you explore the outside areas of the city of Toronto.
    2 people found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 3/5 Ronak 1 year ago on Google
    Pros I loved the Location, price, staff, and breakfast. You will get fresh breakfast every morning and itโ€™s worth every penny. Plus you have free printer in case you forgot to print a document or two Cons No TV, microwave, proper light in the room, broken sink tap, night out curtains were flying due to AC, spring bed, not many outlets and pillows. I didnโ€™t like anything in the room
    2 people found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 2/5 david w. 2 years ago on Google
    Everything is good, but the male middle eastern chef(grill section) has to be fired asap. The negativity he brings to the students is just not okay at all.
    2 people found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 2/5 Spencer C. 2 years ago on Google
    Cheap and clean accomodations at the best location. But two negatives were that there was an ant infestations and security staff to access the residence kept giving us the screwface whenever we asked for help. They kept thinking we were trespassing and straight up yelled at us a few times so that ruined it a lot
    2 people found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 2/5 Markus F. 4 years ago on Google
    Rooms are very worn down and, being student residences, rather than hotel rooms, lack conveniences such as nightstands, lamps, and outlets near the beds. The beds were ok, but very noisy and the slightest movement would prompt a comical squeak. Overall noisy, as the AC units from the apartment above were very loud. Toilet was constantly seeping water, leading to more noise. Further, every time the elevator landed on the floor, the chime was readily heard in the room. Water pressure was phenomenal, but it could not be adjusted separately from the temperature, so if you like warm showers prepare for a almost painfully high water flow. Rooms are very sparsely furnished (although with ample storage space) with no decorations, unless you count a stained and smelly carpet. The location is great! Easy to walk both to train station and all around downtown Toronto. Perfect if you like walking and aim to be seeing the main sights in the downtown area. The breakfast is served on reusable plastic plates and drinks imbued from plastic mugs in a large canteen. The breakfast is definitely the best part of the stay - definitely not stellar but has a good enough buffet to satisfy even a picky eater. Nothing was of great quality, except for a very generous selection of fresh fruit, which was surprisingly good! Overall, go for it if you want a centrally located room for relatively cheap with plenty of breakfast to fuel you on your adventures in downtown Toronto, but stay away if you are looking for anything cozy, romantic, or if you need to spend lots of time in the room.
    2 people found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 A C. 4 years ago on Google
    I have stayed at this place for 2+ months for the past 2 years during summers. Great location. Amazing service.
    2 people found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 1/5 Trina C. 1 year ago on Google
    Location and amenities are fine. My only issue is how the bathroom is the only place to charge mobile devices. I find it ridiculous (I found stains on the carpet) and everything looks very old (dire need of renovation from top to bottom) Also the wifi password does not work (had to rely on data) it's an ok price for one day but would I recommend it to everyone else? Honestly, no
    1 person found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 Makan G. 2 years ago on Google
    Very nice place. I stayed there on a trip to Toronto. This is basically a student residence converted into a hotel over the summer break, so it is not fancy or luxurious. However, the room/facilities were clean, beds were comfortable, and the breakfast was really good. It is an excellent value for money, especially considering the location. You are within a walking distance from downtown Toronto and all the good busy streets. It is also a high rise i.e., you can have a very good view of downtown on the higher floors. You need to book early though as it is usually in great demand.
    1 person found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 4/5 Elijah D. 1 year ago on Google
    No frills accomodation has dated feel; however, room is clean and comfortable. Wall unit at the window with controls to cool the room. Outlets are behind the desks and in the bathroom. Two pillows on each double bed with clean linens. Bathroom has towels, toilet paper, and some hotel-like soaps/shampoos. Shower head adjusts some for comfort. Buffet breakfast is included with coffee. Staff is pleasant and helpful. If you are travelling on a budget this will do the trick.
    1 person found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 4/5 Robert R. 8 months ago on Google
    The location is perfect for doing everything downtown. The price is cheaper than other places. The rooms are old and sparse. The water pressure and AC are good. Breakfast was good
    1 person found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 1/5 Matias C. 10 months ago on Google
    Staff members are friendly, but the room was dirty and the washroom had a lot of hair from previous guests.
    1 person found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 Annie S. 2 years ago on Google
    This is my second stay here, and I'm a fan. Great room with 2 double beds, small bathroom, but seeing as I use it to sleep it fits my needs perfectly. Its downtown so its perfect for a summer weekend in Toronto. A little sad the breakfast isn't available due to covid but it was expected. Would stay again.
    1 person found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 4/5 Remco E. 1 year ago on Google
    Student Residence which also offers rooms for outside guests. Stayed here for 6 nights. It was expensive and quite a basic room, which has seen better days. But it is off course as a student's home most of the time. And you are in the middle of Toronto (near city hall). Staff was mostly nice, especially the Asian-American girl at check-in. Breakfast was really american-styled cantina area with a buffet and trays and all that. At the end I enjoyed my stay but hope that they will their prices for future guests.
    1 person found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 2/5 Tao W. 1 year ago on Google
    The bathroom was leaking for a few hours while I was away during the night and my shoes got soaked by water on the floor. I complained to them the next day but they did not claim any responsibility on that. Besides, the price shown on website is before tax. You have to pay more plus tax at arrival. Overall, a clean room with good location. But bad service. Would not recommend it.

  • 3/5 Chad W. 1 year ago on Google
    The rooms didnโ€™t have a TV, Fridge or Microwave in their rooms. Which for the price I paid those things shouldโ€™ve been included. I paid a third of that at other places and I had all those things. The breakfast they had wasnโ€™t the greatest, by the time I was able to eat the French toast it was cold. The parking lot was very ghetto My son had taken a number 2 in the bathroom which wasnโ€™t a big one and it took half a dozen flushes for it to go down. The ceiling of one of the elevators ceiling was held together by little battery jump cable clamps and binder clamps. The only good thing was that it was close to some major attractionโ€™s

  • 3/5 Erik Z (. 3 years ago on Google
    Great location, however rooms are rather dated and furniture is quite old.

  • 4/5 Joanna S. 10 months ago on Google โ€ข 7 reviews
    It's a great location! The rooms are clean and while they are minimal in terms of set up (it is a dorm style after all) it's quite comfortable and the higher level rooms have great views! The staff we extremely friendly and helpful. The breakfast buffet is totally serviceable and a nice inclusion. Parking is additional, but not very expensive for downtown Toronto. I would definitely recommend staying here! It's a great location and very close to a lot of transit and walking destinations

  • 1/5 A. C. 11 months ago on Google
    Awful student residence. Very overpriced for the run-down rooms and amenities they provide. They try to gouge money out of you wherever they can โ€” if possible Iโ€™d give them a 0. DONT LIVE HERE.

  • 2/5 XT n. 1 year ago on Google
    Air conditioning is good. The bathroom and showering areas really needs more cleaning and maintenance. Lots of dust and rust on the towel bars and handrail. Waterstains on the faucets. Certain surfaces such as the bathroom floor is sticky. Only 3 out of 6 elevators are working currently.

  • 4/5 Olivia x. 9 months ago on Google
    Good things The staff was fantastic and so friendly the beds are comfortable it's also in a great location comes with a free breakfast! Great security Great value! Bad things Room was not cleaned well and smelled like feet. the shower was slippery almost dangerous the water was difficult to get hot. The furniture was old and not cleaned well. Outlets are hard to find. Past visiters items left in the drawers. You'll need to bring air freshener, disinfectant wipes, a cooler and ice and some sort of entertainment became there's no fridge, ice machine and no tv. With all that being said I would stay again because it was so affordable.

  • 3/5 Gary B. 5 years ago on Google
    Best food at U of T. A little bit run down, rooms could use some work. Wifi sucks in some areas...otherwise sure itโ€™s not a bad place to live!

  • 3/5 Francesco O. 1 year ago on Google
    Spacious room, not that clean, on the carpet I found hair coming from previous guests. It was humid too and the AC didn't perform any good. Very dirty window glass too. The breakfast buffet was glorious

  • 2/5 Yao Hong K. 9 months ago on Google
    Horrific. Watch out for rooms near elevators. Do not take those rooms. I could not sleep in a room near the elevator for the whole night. Waste one full day to catch up on sleep. I could not change room because front desk is closed at night. To make things worse, it took us 3 tries to get the noisy clean room. The first 2 rooms either had people in them or it was not cleaned at all. After a sleepless night, we got a 4th room. It was quiet but the shower was not working properly. Geezz... It seems to me no one in this residence knows how to run a hotel. An advice to student staying here or planning to stay here - just get out and rent a shoe box in Toronto. Your stay will be better than here. I am so embarrassed as a UofT Alumni. Someone fix up this place.

  • 5/5 Jane 3 years ago on Google
    A very beautiful and clean place

  • 4/5 M. L. 8 months ago on Google
    Poorly maintained leaky building but in an amazing location, steps away from the Yonge/Dundas Sq., Nathan Philip Sq., and Toronto Eaton Centre! Breakfast was good! Not luxurious but had all I loved, especially fresh honeydew melons everyday! Oh, expect to find previous guests' gross hair and poop stains in the bathroom!


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