Short stay accommodation near Toronto

[dctcanada999]

Hi all!
We (my husband, kid- age 6yrs and myself) are planning to move to Canada preferably near Toronto by Jan 15th 2011. We have got our PR visa and are planning to do the landing formalities and also settle near Toronto because of the job opportunities. Since this is our first time in Canada, I would love some inputs from the seniors.
I did read some positive reviews about safehomestay and motel6 for short stay option. I had a few questions though
1. Can we book reservations for either of these online? If so how? Since I do not have any Canadian Bank a/c can I book it using my US visa credit card? How safe is it? What is the latest date that I can wait until I book it?
2. Also, I do know that we need to get travel insurance since health cards in Ontario take about 3 months. Can anyone give me information where I can get good deals for the same? I am currently at India.

Thanks

[Baloo]

Depending on your budget and the location you want  - Staybridge suites, i have used them in the past.
You can book online, and if you call them (use skype or a calling card) and want to stay a while you can sometime negotiate a lower rate.

As an example
http://maps.google.ca/maps/place?client=safari&rls=en&oe=UTF-8&redir_esc=&um=1&ie=UTF-8&q=staybridge+suites+toronto&fb=1&gl=ca&hq=staybridge+suites&hnear=Toronto,+ON&cid=263274634079225457

You can book with a Visa card from most countries, the US card should be no issue.

On insurance, try searching the site here for the word "insurance".

[Patrick Roy]

Hi
First of all congrats for getting your PR for Canada. Yes you can book the motel room online using your credit card. Motel 6 , super 8 motel, monte carlo inns...are all good motels which will cost anything between $70 to $120 a night. Motels are safe in Canada.
Regarding insurance, as I am an insurance agent for a reputed insurance firm do give me a call at 647-989-7226 or e-mail me at
vsgn2 @ primerica.com

[dctcanada999]

Depending on your budget and the location you want  - Staybridge suites, i have used them in the past.
You can book online, and if you call them (use skype or a calling card) and want to stay a while you can sometime negotiate a lower rate.

Thank you Baloo,
I am also trying priceline  to get good deals. I did try the insurance sites too. I also had another question. Do we have to give the address of a person staying in the same state as we land in in order to receive our PR cards/health cards etc or can we give the address of a friend not staying in the same state as we plan to land at?

Thank you so much for the reply again
Regards
dctcanada999

[hiabhay]

Safehomestay doesnt accept cards. Only cash.

And yes you can make reservation online and then make a payment while checking in. I stayed there and I found it comfortable.

[dctcanada999]

Thank you Hiabhay,
What was the average cost that you had to pay per day at safehomestay? Did they have airport pick up services too?
Is the bus service pretty accessible from there?
Thanks again
dctcanada999

[gaizin]

Hi DCTCanada,
  I am at the same boat as you.
How did you solve or reserve the apartment for the short visit?
Your feedback is highly appreciated.
I am currently in Japan and visiting to Canada on APril 23.
I need an apartment for 4 (I , my wife, two kids of 3 years and 6 month).

thanks in advance,
gaizin