Victoria University Rowell Jackman Residence

The location was fabulous, the staff was pleasant and helpful. It was quiet, which for downtown was unexpected and fabulous. Close to transit, museums and galleries. University of Toronto campus is very pretty.

The suites were bleak. Grey walls, shredded curtains and ugly furniture. The bed mattress was comfortable but because it was away from the wall with no headboard to relax. it wasn’t possible to move it. No side table, no moveable lamp. Getting out of bed to turn the light on and off was a pain. There was an adequate kitchen but nothing, not even a kettle. It’s only use was to eat take out food. There were 2 bedrooms and a bathroom on either side of the living room/dining room area, and only two bedrooms were occupied in our suite, but we were put next to each other instead of at either end of the suite. It was a real chore to find the registration, took me a lot of hunting, with a suitcase.

Location and price

My room’s temperature was controlled from another private room (there’s 1 thermostat for 2 rooms), and I felt very cold first 2 nights as AC was on and staff told me that room temperature is controlled from the living room, so it took me a while to figure out what was going on and talk to my neighbor.

Fantastic location in very safe area. Around 25-30 mins walk from Downtown but easy metro ride but I enjoyed the walk. Very basic accommodation, but good value for money. Breakfast was good and varied. Allowed me to store my luggage for the day once I’d checked out, which was much appreciated.

My only minor criticisms would be, I’m aware it’s basic accommodation but they could have offered more than one pillow. I also had some issues with my key card not letting me in, which was a bit annoying having to go down to the desk to get it changed on 3 occasions. Having said this the desk is 24hrs and is over the road from the accommodation.

I really liked the co-ed concept, offering private rooms with shared washrooms at a reasonable nightly rate. The room had everything I needed, and the shared spaces were always clean and neat.

My room, 2301, was quite noisy. The air conditioning caused the door to rattle against the frame, and the bed squeaked whenever I moved. Because the room wasn't soundproof, I ended up sleeping on the floor to avoid disturbing others.