Accommodation options are abundant. Downtown Toronto offers a wide range of hotels at different price points within walking distance of the Toronto Metropolitan University campus, including large conference-friendly hotels, smaller boutique hotels, and budget options. There is a wide range of shared housing accommodations through platforms like AirBnb and Booking.com. TMU and the adjacent University of Toronto also have student residence facilities that may be available during the summer period (we’ll provide more information as the universities advise us). Additional short-term rentals are widely available throughout the surrounding neighbourhoods that are easily accessible to downtown Toronto via public transit.

*April Accommodation News

We’re really happy to let you know that both the Chelsea Hotel and the University of Toronto have arranged block room bookings for BIEN registrants. There are 4 locations. In all cases, you would book directly and on a first come, first served basis. 

A code or link will be provided when you register for the Congress in order to access your preferred location’s block booking. 

Here’s important information on each location before you book!

Chelsea Hotel (33 Gerrard St):

• It’s very close to the Congress meeting location (a short 450 m walk).
• The rate for us is $299 plus taxes per night (this is summer holiday season so hotel demand and thus prices are higher than at other times). 
• The block is reserved for August 18 to 23, but anyone arriving a couple of days early or staying on a couple of days later will still get the BIEN rate. 
• The cut-off date for BIEN guest room bookings is Monday July 20th, 2026. After that, rooms will be released and higher rates will apply. 
• If we reach the capacity of the block booking early, we can add more rooms, as long as there are rooms available. 
• Check out the hotel site for amenities.

University of Toronto student residences

BIEN has courtesy blocks at 3 locations. Rooms are available until August 23 check-out only, after which UofT prepares to receive students coming in for fall classes. 

Chestnut (89 Chestnut Street):

• A short walk to the Congress location (450 m), this residence used to be a hotel.
• Your stay includes full breakfast in the dining hall, but rooms have no phones or television. 
• Single room with 1 double-sized bed, private bathroom is $143 + 13% HST per night (maximum 2 adults). Double room with 2 double-sized beds, private bathroom (maximum 2 adults, 2 children, additional fee of $10/child) is $190 + 13% HST per night. 

Knox (59 St George Street):

• This is the budget option with a longer but lovely walk (1.9 km/27 minutes) or public transit.
• It’s in a historic building with traditional dormitory-style accommodations, close to Queen’s Park and the Ontario legislature. 
• Only single rooms with a twin-size bed, shared bathroom on each floor, ceiling fans but no air conditioning, for $80 + 13% HST per night.

Oak House (700 Spadina Avenue):

• A brand new student residence with modern comfort and amenities.
• It’s a 37 minute walk, through Queen’s Park, or a short ride by subway. 
• Standard room with 1 double sized bed, private bathroom for $192 + 13% HST per  night. Another option is 2 connected bedrooms with 1 double sized bed each, sharing a private bathroom for $221 + 13% HST per night ( maximum 2 adults, 2 children with additional fee of $10/child).