I'm not quite sure what I can add to the already rave reviews of this charming hotel alternative but I'll try. We too were looking for a room near the Conference Center for a Green Building annual blowout. We had hoped to find a LEED certified hotel in Toronto, but did not. The regular hotel choices close to the Center were expensive and some were even full. So I googled bed and breakfast choices in the city. Among them was the Boatel which just happened to match not only our pocketbooks (Toronto is expensive) but the fact that it's a ten minute walk from the Conference location. How green can that be! Once on board, the contrast between the noise and hullabaloo of this vibrant Canadian city, was dramatic and delightfully welcome.

If while considering a stay makes you wonder if you'll get sea sick or dizzy, I can say that probably due to completely benign weather, the boat hardly moved. When it did, if another motor boat passed nearby, the effect was minor and made me feel, for one, as though I had gotten up suddenly after a glass of wine. The feeling, not in any way unpleasant, lasted for only seconds. I'm not sure I would feel as sanguine if the weather was less than perfect.

We stayed in the largest of the three quarters, with a very roomy bed and an en suite bath. While dark during the daytime, I was surprised that I did not feel in the least claustrophobic and because I didn't spend much time there during the day, the lack of lack was immaterial. Once on the upper deck and most especially in the breakfast eating area, all you have is light and the views, all around of the Lakefront. Can't be beat.

As the other reviews have noted, the Boatel hosts are perfect. There if you need them, otherwise, you are pretty much on your own. Breakfast was wonderful as were all their touring suggestions, after first determining what sort of touring we preferred.

So if you are planning a trip to Toronto, keep this option on the top of your list.

I headed to Toronto for a convention and ended up at Boatel by chance because the filled up hotel situation that week. To my delight I discovered a warm and memorable experience. I was treated with more hospitality that I have ever received before by a couple that knows how to make a person comfortable and relaxed. The boat has plenty of room to chill out whether inside for rain or on the back in the sunshine. The harbor area has gone thru a renaissance and Boatel has gardens galore right out the door for both lovers and joggers.

The hosts waited up until after midnight to greet me and when I arrived I mused how nice a shot of scotch would be before bed.. out pops an unopened 15 year old single malt. Now I ask you, have you met someone who was that friendly to you 2 minutes after you met them?

Breakfast was tasty and filling every day, internet and a nice big table allowed me to get some serious work done too!! Botel was perfectly positioned right in the middle of all the Toronto action.

By some odd chance I had an iTouch with a recordings of thngs like rain, streams etc. Well I had a wooden ship recording too, which was a blast to play as I was gently rocked to sleep dreaming of subtropical islands.

I had a very nice stay at the Ted and Dianes Boatel, a wonderful experience with nice views good company and clean and comfortable rooms. If you would like to experience living on a boat and have the best location this is the place to go. You will probably gain 2 new friends in addition.
And the breakfast is delicious.