We stayed at the Four Seasons in both cities and were very pleased. The rooms were large and nicely furnished. The beds were fabulous. I heard no complaints.
For those contemplating this tour, we had the same experience as Choc with respect to the Four Seasons in Toronto and Chicago. We have also stayed at the Fairmont property in Toronto three times but not in Chicago. In my opinion, I don't think you can go wrong with either hotel brand. The Fairmont properties, however, remain our favorite throughout North America.
British: Thanks for the running commentary - it will be very useful for my visit in October. Also, great photos you included!! Sounds like I need to plan for cooler weather than I had in mind. Two questions: 1) In Toronto there are two museum choices. I understand you enjoyed the Royal Ontario Museum but did you hear any feedback about the Ontario Art Gallery? I am wondering about their collection of Impressionist paintings and their web site isn't too informative. 2) How did people dress for dinner? Mostly in their daily touring clothes or did they dress up a bit? (I assume the usual dark pants/skirt and a dressy top?) I am planning my packing now since I leave in a few days for my Rhine Cruise/Octoberfest tour and am home only three days between the end of that trip and the beginning of the Great Lakes Cruise. Glad you enjoyed this overall.
Hello Smarks! Unusually, the dress up was not so common at the welcome dinner as it was the Farewell dinner, the one at the castle the direction we went.
Myself and Mr B dressed up for dinner every night but it varied a great deal with the passengers, some just extremely casual. I don’t think some people changed for dinner. Yes, black pants and tops will be perfect. You will likely be at the Captain’s table for his Gala dinner.
I suspect it will be cooler by the time you go and as always it’s best to say layers. We were extremely fortunate with good weather. The only rain we encountered was returning to the ship, so wet from coach to gangplank and then on the way back when in the bus from Niagara falls. There are umbrellas in your cabin.
We did not hear any feedback about the other museum, but think you will get a better experience starting in Toronto and if you arrive early you will be able to see both. Don’t skip the extra forest ride when you go to Mackinac Island.
I hope they improve the tours in Cleveland going forward, ours and two others we heard about were poor and people really disappointed/quite angry about them. Not good when it’s your first Tauck experience.
Comments
A nice wrap up of your tour with pictures, British. Quite interesting for those folks whom might be interested in it in the future.
We stayed at the Four Seasons in both cities and were very pleased. The rooms were large and nicely furnished. The beds were fabulous. I heard no complaints.
For those contemplating this tour, we had the same experience as Choc with respect to the Four Seasons in Toronto and Chicago. We have also stayed at the Fairmont property in Toronto three times but not in Chicago. In my opinion, I don't think you can go wrong with either hotel brand. The Fairmont properties, however, remain our favorite throughout North America.
British: Thanks for the running commentary - it will be very useful for my visit in October. Also, great photos you included!! Sounds like I need to plan for cooler weather than I had in mind. Two questions: 1) In Toronto there are two museum choices. I understand you enjoyed the Royal Ontario Museum but did you hear any feedback about the Ontario Art Gallery? I am wondering about their collection of Impressionist paintings and their web site isn't too informative. 2) How did people dress for dinner? Mostly in their daily touring clothes or did they dress up a bit? (I assume the usual dark pants/skirt and a dressy top?) I am planning my packing now since I leave in a few days for my Rhine Cruise/Octoberfest tour and am home only three days between the end of that trip and the beginning of the Great Lakes Cruise. Glad you enjoyed this overall.
Hello Smarks! Unusually, the dress up was not so common at the welcome dinner as it was the Farewell dinner, the one at the castle the direction we went.
Myself and Mr B dressed up for dinner every night but it varied a great deal with the passengers, some just extremely casual. I don’t think some people changed for dinner. Yes, black pants and tops will be perfect. You will likely be at the Captain’s table for his Gala dinner.
I suspect it will be cooler by the time you go and as always it’s best to say layers. We were extremely fortunate with good weather. The only rain we encountered was returning to the ship, so wet from coach to gangplank and then on the way back when in the bus from Niagara falls. There are umbrellas in your cabin.
We did not hear any feedback about the other museum, but think you will get a better experience starting in Toronto and if you arrive early you will be able to see both. Don’t skip the extra forest ride when you go to Mackinac Island.
I hope they improve the tours in Cleveland going forward, ours and two others we heard about were poor and people really disappointed/quite angry about them. Not good when it’s your first Tauck experience.
British: Thanks for all your help. Hope our paths cross again soon.
Great pictures British, that you for all your reports, travel safe.
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