You can feel it in the air, the excitement of an influx of people from across the world, the anticipation of world class competition and the opportunity to watch your country compete against the best of the best. The Pan Am Games have arrived in Toronto and the fever of this incredible celebration has taken over. It’s time to celebrate!
This past weekend I packed up my family and headed into Toronto to take in the opening ceremonies at a media viewing party hosted by the Novotel Toronto Centre. We raised a glass and marvelled at the spectacular performances created by the dancers, athletes and performers representing our country. All topped off by an astonishing fireworks display from atop the CN Tower. Three cheers for Canada! While we watched, we enjoyed a special menu created especially for these Pan Am Games! Yes, we ate our way around the world while chatting and cheering on our country. Not a bad way to kick off a weekend, and the good news? The Novotel Toronto Centre wants you to be able to have the very same experience. From now until August 15th you are welcome to come in and enjoy this special Pan Am menu and perhaps even treat yourself to an overnight stay at this hotel located so close to all the action. Here are all the fabulous details:
The downtown Novotel Toronto Centre Hotel is conveniently located about a 10 minute walk from Union Station and within easy access to the Air Canada Centre, the Hockey Hall of Fame, the Rogers Centre, and many other attractions and activities.
Upon your arrival at this hotel, located in the heart of the St. Lawrence Neighbourhood, you are ushered into a contemporary and welcoming lobby.
Check in is effortless and friendly, with staff quickly directing newbies like myself to ample parking nearby, and providing easy directions to the closest major attraction, the St. Lawrence Market. Worth a walk about!
As you enter your room for the night you will find either one King Size bed, or as we did, two comfy Queen size beds with high quality linens and ample space to get a little work done before you head out and explore.
Your suite is also equipped with a mini-fridge, a large closet, and a clean and well appointed bathroom.
When you’ve worked up an appetite and ready for your tasting experience, it’s a short walk downstairs to the stylish Cafe Nicole. Staff there are eager to show off their creative menu of dishes from around the world.
We enjoyed Small Bites of Conch Fritters from Antigua & Barbuda with a zesty dipping sauce. Amazing Corn Empanadas ~available three ways inspired by Brazil, and some traditional Poutine from Canada. Oh my yum.
Entrees provide a choice of a Cuban Sandwich, Jerk Chicken, Fish Tacos or Goat Curry. There’s something on the menu to please everyone in your party. And for dessert? Just when you think you haven’t room for one more bite, you are tempted by traditional warm apple pie. You must save room for and order this pie!
This was a fantastic way to kick off the opening ceremonies and a delectable way to explore foods from around the world with my family of four! Whether you are looking for a date night, a family night, a new foodie experience or a night of escape from the everyday, the Pan Am menu at the Novotel Toronto Centre is a wonderful and unique way to spend an evening. Find out more about this unique way to celebrate the Pan Am Games by following them on social here on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram or by clicking through to their website. Offer ends August 15th, 2015.
Disclosure: In exchange this review, I may have received special perks in the form of products stay or compensation however all opinions on this blog are my own.
Sounds as if you and your family had a lovely time in Toronto for the Pan Am games. I did not go, as we watched a lot on TV. I love to visit Toronto and take in all the sites and especially all the foods!! Always so much fun and my friend and I like going whenever we can make a day of it.
Toronto is a great place for a day trip! Maybe the next time you are there you can try the Novotel for lunch 🙂
That is really exciting! Gives the city that special feeling where everyone comes together. The food looks especially wonderful… pass the fritters, please!
It really is a special feeling when the city comes together. We had so many fritters, I could have shared 🙂
Looks like a wonderful and comfy place to stay! Would of loved to go to the Pan Am games!
I wish I could have spent more time there!
I’ve never stayed at Novotel before. But, I did experience calling them in Europe to contact an office mate who did not leave his hotel information before his departure. Eventually, I was able to locate his hotel and send them a fax or message to give to him upon his arrival from Denmark to France. He made his own booking so, the office staff that books travel did not know his itinerary.
I found the price point of the Novotel to be very reasonable. I will have to remember to look into them the next time I’m looking into Europe!
The NOVOTEL looks like a great place to stay and being downtown it’s also convenient too.
It really is convenient! Thanks for stopping by today and checking it out.
omg so jealous what an awesome experience to go to the opening ceremonies! and a fantastic and beautiful hotel. i have never been there or heard of the hotel before but definitely when hubby and I need a little weekend away from home that is where we will check out first 🙂
Oh I hope you do! I think you will be pleasantly surprised by the very friendly people and reasonable price point. Plus, it’s always a good idea to plan a night or weekend away!
The pan am games would be an amazing event to experience and the gourmet food sounds amazing too!
So many incredible opportunities in and around Toronto. I hope you get the chance to check out the Taste of PanAm!
Looks like a nice place to stay and the food looked good!
I love that we found a place so close to home, yet can take you on a food adventure around the world!
What a pretty place! Who da thunk the Novatel would take it up a notch 🙂
Don’t you just love that they added the contemporary flair?
That is the first thing I noticed! I love TO it’s my hometown so I love seeing how it grows and changes, keep up the great posts! 🙂
We’ve also stayed at the NOVOTEL downtown and always found it convenient and easy to get to.
We actually walked from the train station to the Novotel. Super convenient!
How fun! Canada has had an exciting summer with FIFA and now the Games–glad you are getting to take in some of the events.
So much to see and do in Toronto this summer! I love these little getaways with my family. Hope you are enjoying your summer.
OOPs meant end of May :/
Love the Novotel, I stayed there at the end of June. So convenient to everything and the rooms are lovely!
The rooms are great! Even with our family of four we didn’t feel crowded and it was nice and quiet 🙂
Love the contemporary look of Novotel Toronto! Also, impressed that there is such a gourmet feast awaiting at Cafe Nicole, within just a short walk downstairs! We plan on being in Toronto within the next several weeks and the location and Hotel sound perfect for us! Thanks for sharing!
You’re welcome! We were pleasantly surprised with the fresh new contemporary look of the hotel and the location is perfect if you wish to explore the St Lawrence Market!
I haven’t made it into the city for the Pan Am Games, I’ve been afraid of the crowds but I wonder if my family would go if I promised them food?
When we went we prepared for the worst, sure the crowds and traffic would be out of control! We were actually surprised at how almost quiet the streets seemed? Everyone seemed to be taking advantage of public transit. Now saying that? The promise of good food is always a good idea 🙂