You're standing at Terminal 1, Pearson International Airport, bags in hand, wondering if that "five-minute shuttle" actually exists. It’s a common Toronto arrival scene. Most people booking the Crowne Plaza Toronto Airport do so for the convenience, but there is a specific rhythm to this place that catches travelers off guard. Honestly, it isn’t just a spot to crash before a 6:00 AM flight to Cancun.
The hotel sits at 33 Carlson Court, basically right in the thick of the airport's industrial orbit. It’s an IHG property, so you know what you’re getting in terms of standards, but the Toronto version has its own quirks. Some floors feel like a high-end corporate retreat; others remind you that the building has been around since 1982.
The Shuttle Logistics (No, You Can't Just Walk)
One of the biggest misconceptions is that "near the airport" means you can stroll over to your terminal with a rolling suitcase. Please don't try that. You've got Highway 427 and a maze of busy ramps in the way.
The Crowne Plaza Toronto Airport runs its own dedicated shuttle 24/7. It hits the terminal curb every 30 minutes on the hour and half-hour from 5:00 AM to 2:00 AM. If you’re landing in that weird dead zone between 3:00 AM and 5:00 AM, it’s on-call only. You have to actually pick up a phone at the airport information kiosk or call 416-675-1234 to get them to swing by.
Terminal 1 pick-ups happen at Ground Level, Post S-5. If you're at Terminal 3, look for Arrivals, Post C-22. It’s a reliable service, but if you miss it by two minutes, you're sitting there for another twenty-eight. Plan accordingly.
Sleeping Near a Runway Without the Noise
You’d think staying this close to YYZ would sound like living inside a jet engine. Surprisingly, the soundproofing here is actually quite decent. The hotel underwent significant renovations around 2020, and they put a lot of focus on the "Sleep Advantage" program.
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They have designated "Quiet Zone" floors. Basically, they try to keep the flight crews and the light sleepers away from the families with excited kids.
- Blackout drapes: They actually overlap in the middle. No annoying sliver of 4:00 AM sunlight.
- Aromatherapy kits: You usually find a little bottle of lavender oil by the bed. Kinda a nice touch for an airport hotel.
- The beds: Most rooms have pillow-top mattresses. They aren't "cloud-like" in that cheesy marketing way, but they are firm enough to save your back after a 10-hour middle-seat flight.
The room sizes are a bit of a mixed bag. Standard rooms are around 235 square feet. It's cozy. If you're traveling with two kids and four checked bags, you might feel a bit like you’re playing Tetris. The Junior Suites jump up to 320 square feet and include a sofa bed, which is a much better move for families.
Eating at La Brasserie vs. The Cannery Kitchen
There is some confusion online about the dining because the hotel has rebranded its food outlets recently. You'll see references to La Brasserie and The Cannery Kitchen & Social. Essentially, it’s the same space serving a mix of global stuff and classic "hotel food."
Don't expect a Michelin star, but the butter chicken is weirdly famous among regular guests. It's solid.
The breakfast buffet is where most people spend their money. It’s about CAD 30 for adults. Is it worth it? If you're a "three plates of bacon" person, yes. If you just want a coffee and a croissant, you’re better off hitting the on-site cafe or the Starbucks down the road.
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One pro tip: Check your booking for "Best Flexible with Breakfast" rates. Sometimes the price difference is only CAD 15, which effectively gives you the buffet for half price.
Parking and the "Park for a Penny" Legend
Parking in Toronto is a nightmare. Parking at Pearson is a more expensive nightmare. The Crowne Plaza Toronto Airport is a major hub for "Park, Stay & Go" packages.
They have this deal where you can leave your car for up to eight days if you stay one night. After that, it’s usually around CAD 14 a day. Compared to the CAD 30-50 daily rates at the actual airport terminals, it's a steal.
They also have a "Park for a Penny" promotion that pops up. You basically pay one cent for parking on your night of stay. Just keep in mind this usually doesn't apply to the long-term portion of your trip, so read the fine print before you assume you're getting a week of parking for a nickel.
What’s Nearby (Besides Planes)?
If you have a long layover, you don’t have to stay trapped in the room. The Toronto Congress Centre is basically a two-minute drive or a ten-minute walk. Woodbine Racetrack is about five kilometers away if you want to lose some money on the horses or hit the casino.
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For shopping, you’re about 15 minutes from Sherway Gardens. It’s one of the nicer malls in the GTA, definitely better than the local airport gift shops.
If you want to get to Downtown Toronto, you have two real choices. You can take an Uber (expect to pay CAD 50-70 depending on traffic) or take the hotel shuttle back to the airport and hop on the UP Express. The UP Express takes you to Union Station in 25 minutes flat for about CAD 12. It is, without question, the smartest way to see the CN Tower without sitting in Highway 401 gridlock.
Reality Check: The Downsides
It's not all lavender oil and easy shuttles. The hotel is older, and you can see it in the bathroom sizes. Some of the bathrooms are so tight you almost have to stand in the shower to close the door.
Also, the "Smart TVs" can be frustrating. Some guests have complained that the hotel tries to charge CAD 25 for movies, though standard cable channels are free. If you want to Netflix and chill, bring an iPad or a laptop. The WiFi is fast (usually 100+ Mbps), so streaming on your own device is the way to go anyway.
Actionable Tips for Your Stay
- Ask for an "Airport Runway View": If you're a "planespotter," these rooms are great. If you’re a light sleeper, ask for a room facing the courtyard or away from the flight path.
- Join IHG One Rewards: Even if you don't stay at Crowne Plazas often, members usually get a dedicated check-in lane. When a shuttle drops off 20 people at once, that lane is a lifesaver.
- The Shuttle Trick: If you’re at the airport and see the shuttle for the Holiday Inn Toronto International Airport (a sister property), you can sometimes hop on that one if the Crowne Plaza bus is full, as they are often managed by the same group—but always ask the driver first.
- The Deposit: Be ready for a CAD 250 damage deposit on your credit card. They release it quickly, but it can be a surprise if you're on a tight budget.
Before you book, verify if your rate includes the shuttle. Most do, but "third-party" mystery deals sometimes strip out the perks. If you need a reliable, mid-range base that feels more professional than a budget motel but doesn't cost CAD 500 a night like the Fairmont inside the terminal, this is usually the right call.
Check your flight terminal before you land. Pearson is huge, and knowing exactly which "Post" to stand at for the shuttle will save you from wandering the sidewalk in a Canadian winter.