Celebrate proudly and comfortably at the InterContinental Toronto Center Hotel.

Every year for the last 15-plus years, I have hiked myself from where I am in the world back to Toronto for the June Pride celebrations. Before coming out to my family and knowing I was part of this vibrant community, I remember making a point to return for the celebrations every time. Now as an out and proud person, I still travel back. However, being firmly in my 30s, my stay during pride has changed considerably. Gone are the day of fitting into a small hotel room or even packing people into my home or an Airbnb. It might be a time of queer celebration, but I will do it in style and with comfort too. 

I have become a hotel person and am unafraid to shout that from the rooftops. After the Pride March, I crave a good set of sheets for an afternoon nap before stepping out for an evening Drag show and dancing with friends. Skipping breakfast, or having a meal that is less than, is no longer an option to entertain. And I still need the workout too. Plus, it would not hurt after all the parties are finished and I am sore from celebrating to go for a dip in a pool or give myself a spa day. Pride is the ultimate gay vacation, after all. 

So if you are like me, a hotel-loving member of the LGBTQIA2S+ community – a fan of the finer things, then I have the perfect place for you to stay for Toronto’s upcoming pride celebrations. Look no further than the InterContinental Toronto Center Hotel, ideally located in the city’s downtown core.

I know what you are thinking, the hotel or hostel you have been staying at for years is so close by—a thought I once had. However, I began to feel that I was outgrowing this hotelling option. Overpriced and small, although the location was right at the heart of things; the older I get, the more I appreciate the niceness of good amenities. Located at Front Street West and Lower Simcoe Street, the InterContinental Toronto Center Hotel is a mere fifteen-minute walk to the bottom of Church Street and a short subway right to Church and Wellesley in the heart of the Pride activities. With events scattered across the city, the hotel has an ideal location. Hit The Village, barhop, head to Queer-Street West, and enjoy some of the hottest Drag Queens performing the house down at Toronto’s REC Room just steps from the hotel. Your new home away from home at the InterContinental is in the heart of the action, yet at the ideal spot to give you a good night’s sleep with some stellar views to wake up to. 

Let me walk you through your stay. If you are flying in or taking the train, you are steps away from Union Station. Parking is underground and valeted if you are taking your own wheels. As you walk through the entering doors from Front Street West, the hotel lobby opens to a view of beautiful high ceilings made from a combination of glass and stone that let light into the space. Look to the right, and you will see the hotel’s in-house restaurant, the Azure Restaurant and Bar, where excellent meals are served. The restaurant is an ideal spot with international fare on the menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner. 

Walk across the lobby to get all checked in. With your key in hand, head up to your room, and be mindful to request a view. South-facing rooms on the top floors offer a glorious view of Lake Ontario. The room is spacious, with storage space, a seating area, and a desk. The cool-toned room with white sheets and wooden accents is coupled with a marble-covered bathroom with every travel essential you might need, just encase you need it. The cherry on top is a fluffy terry-cloth robe and perfectly pressed sheets. Nothing is like a good, comfy bed when you are away from home. 

In addition to a great room and some delicious eats, the InterContinental Toronto Center Hotel has a fantastic Spa and Wellness Center with a Gym. The gym has all the necessary equipment and Pelaton bikes, an exclusive property perk. The Spa has a full menu with everything you need. Take it from me; their rejuvenating facials are phenomenal. After you take a relaxing moment to yourself, don’t skip on taking a dip in their indoor pool or hot tub and finish off in the steam room. Meeting every need to a T, this hotel will even do your dry cleaning.

Pride Toronto is coming up next month and running through June, with the Parade and the biggest parties around June 25th. Now is the time to plan where to stay and the time you will have. If you are looking for a place to stay for Toronto’s Pride this year, a must-try is IHG’s InterContinental Toronto Center Hotel. Plus, if you are a frequent visitor of IHG hotels worldwide, you can join the IHG One Rewards loyalty program. Check it out; this free-to-join this program will get you points for hotel nights, airlines and more. You can earn them worldwide and earn your way to IHG Elite status, making every time you return better and better.

For Pride this year, why not stay at a hotel that fits where you’re at? Make the most of your time, party to the fullest, be loud and proud, and take advantage of the perfect place to stay!