Photo courtesy Sheraton Gateway Hotel in Toronto International Airport
Located within the Toronto Pearson International Airport and literally steps away from Terminal 3, a recent visit to the recently renovated Sheraton Gateway Hotel left me scratching my head. How, I wondered, could an overnight stay in Canada‘s busiest travel hub possibly have been so restful?
Not only is this 4-star hotel adjacent a wide and always busy road, the airport’s Terminal Link trains, and countless travelers coming and going (over 50 million passengers pass through Pearson annually), but 1,300 aircraft also make use of its runways every day. And I didn’t hear a thing.
Finding out that this 484-room hotel was an oasis of calm was certainly unexpected. With an early flight to the Caribbean Island of Aruba the next day, I had little expectations that a restful night sleep was in the cards at the Sheraton Gateway Hotel in Toronto International Airport.
Sheraton Gateway Hotel in Toronto International Airport
The paradox becomes clear the moment you step through its doors. The rumble of jet engines and the sound of terminal traffic (both human and vehicular) vanish, replaced by a sense of calm and tranquility that makes you forget you’re literally inside an airport.
Opened in 1990 as part of Terminal 3’s original design, it lays claim to being the first North American hotel to be built within an airport terminal. Three decades later, it remains the only accommodation option with direct indoor access to Pearson’s arrival and departure gates. Which is why I knew I had to give it a try, despite my concerns about noise.
There were, however, clues that the hotel was going to exceed my expectations. First was the fact its prime location had served my late father well. A frequent flyer and a man of great taste, I knew he would stay there before and after each trip he took to Europe or the United States. Never once did I hear him complain… and he would most definitely have done so if dissatisfied. Oh… and secondly, I knew that the Sheraton Gateway had been named Canada’s Leading Airport Hotel in 2024.
Solid Construction and Sound Design
After a seamless check-in process and getting settled into my room, I stood at the window watching planes taxi, take-off, and land. They seemed so close I had to restrain myself from waving at their crews. It all felt a little surreal, like watching television but with the mute button on.
Later research revealed that the secret to the hotel’s lack of noise is all down to its construction. Engineers incorporated triple-glazed windows, specialized insulation, and strategic architectural barriers that create a sound cocoon around guest areas. Smart, and effective.
Curious to discover whether this cocooning effect worked elsewhere, I checked out every one of the hotel’s public spaces and found the same pleasing sound of silence everywhere. From the business center and its nooks and crannies to the restaurant and bar, the meeting and convention space, and even the hotel’s preferred member lounges, and the noise level (or should I say, lack of noise) was consistent throughout.
Renovations and Revitalization
The Sheraton Gateway Hotel in Toronto International Airport had also undergone a major facelift. The renovations had touched every corner of the property, managing to successfully balance its functionality (it also serves as a conference destination) with a sense of quiet, understated luxury.
Guest rooms now feature light wood tones, soft finishes, and black metal accents that create a residential feel rather than the sterile atmosphere of lesser airport hotels. Comfortable bedding, quality pillows, and a comfy sitting chair were there for down-time, while if work must be done, height-adjustable tables accommodate both sitting and standing positions.
Phone or laptop in need of a charge? Handy integrated power outlets and USB ports eliminate the usual hunt for somewhere to plug them in. Topping it all, a layered lighting system allows for different effects, from bright task lighting for work sessions to softer ambient settings when it’s time to relax.
Luxury Experiences at Sheraton Gateway Toronto Airport
The most interesting of the accommodation options at the Sheraton is the Planespotting package. This new program includes a stay in Junior Suite equipped with a high-quality spotting scope and a phone attachment for capturing aircraft movements, a detailed spotting guide identifying airlines and aircraft types, and an aviation radio for monitoring real-time air traffic control communications. Floor-to-ceiling windows offer unobstructed runway views, turning what could be noise pollution into silent theater. Talk about a plane-spotter paradise.
For families, the Gamer Zone Family Suite transforms layovers and early departures into opportunities to hang out and have fun. If that’s you, book the Gamer Zone Family Suite. Centered around a PlayStation 5 gaming system, it also included a VIP Viewings Amenity package for family movie nights.
The Wild Wonders Family Suite is a great choice for those traveling with wee ‘uns aged three to eight. Its animal-themed design features a cozy tent bed that creates a camping atmosphere, while a reading nook stocks age-appropriate books and educational materials.
Make Use of the Hotel’s Club Lounge
While premium accommodations at the Sheraton Gateway Toronto come with access to the Sheraton Club Lounge, access can also be purchase separately for a nominal fee. I did, and am so glad I went for it. Feeling like a hotel within a hotel, you’ll enjoy all-day refreshments and evening hors d’oeuvres, as well as a dedicated mixologist able to craft cocktails for adults and mocktails for younger guests.
I have to confess that the fresh salads and tasty dumplings were more than enough to satisfy my appetite, especially as I finished things off with a generous helping of deserts and an espresso coffee.
Add to this the fact that there’s even a pleasant (and yes, quiet) sun-room that almost feels like you;re sitting outside, plus the fact I also managed to grab an early breakfast (the lounge opened at 5:30 am), and it’s definitely worth adding the minimal fee to the cost of your room.
Great Dining and Classy Amenities
The hotel’s &More Restaurant exemplifies how airport dining has evolved. The menu draws inspiration from Toronto’s multicultural population while emphasizing locally sourced ingredients from Ontario farms and producers. Breakfast begins with specialty coffee roasts and fresh pastries that rival downtown bakeries, while evening service transforms the space into a sophisticated dining room. There’s also a private dining room that can seat up to 20 guests in a cozy setting. In-room dining is also available.
The Sheraton Gateway is also making an impression among event planners and businesses. Boasting 16,767 sq ft of event space spread across 27 rooms, there’s even a ballroom that can accommodate up to 300 people in theater-style seating or 160 for banquet service, with pre-function areas that facilitate networking between sessions.
The fitness center features Peloton bikes alongside traditional cardio and strength equipment, while the indoor heated pool provides year-round swimming in a skylit space that feels removed from the terminal’s artificial lighting.
The Verdict: This is What an Airport Hotel Should be
After enjoying the quietest, most restful sleep I’ve ever had before a flight, I’m a convert to the luxury of spending a night in a classy hotel as close to the airport as I can get. A resident of Muskoka, I managed an extra two hour sleep, and instead of driving and having to park my car that morning, arriving the day before left plenty of time to get that chore done without hassle. So instead of having to get up at 3 am for my 8 am flight, I got up at 5:30 am, grabbed a breakfast from the lounge, and was through check-in and security in a heartbeat.
The hotel’s location within Terminal 3 also provides unique connectivity advantages. The LINK train runs every five minutes between terminals, operating 24/7 without weather delays. And if you’re heading to Toronto (or coming from TO), you can get to Union Station in 25 minutes via the UP Express from Terminal 1 (trains depart at 15 minute intervals during peak times).
Convenience aside, you could plunk this hotel beside a beach in the Caribbean, and it wouldn’t be at all out of place. And if you’re planning a visit to Canada’s biggest city and don’t mind an easy train ride, this quiet luxury hotel is the equal of any accommodations in Toronto.
Find out more about the Sheraton Gateway Hotel in Toronto International Airport by visiting their official website.
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Bryan Dearsley is a luxury lifestyle and travel writer and Co-Founder of Riley. You can connect with him via LuxuryOntario‘s contact page
