Choosing the Right Hotel Style for Your Festival Experience

Festival trips are as unique as the festivals themselves — and the hotel you choose can shape your whole stay. Here’s how to match hotel style to the type of festival trip you're planning.

Boutique Hotels for Cultural and Arts Festivals

Ideal for film festivals, food festivals, and jazz events where the vibe is creative, local, and sophisticated. Boutique hotels offer a more curated, thoughtful experience, matching the energy of these types of festivals.

Full-Service Downtown Hotels for High-Energy Festivals

If you're attending massive city events like Pride Toronto or TIFF, larger full-service hotels offer conveniences like 24-hour service, in-house restaurants, fitness centres, and concierge services to help you move quickly through busy days.

Resort-Style Hotels for Nature and Music Festivals

If your festival is near the water, mountains, or countryside — like Osheaga or Shambhala — a resort or lakeside hotel can turn your trip into a full outdoor adventure. Think pools, nature trails, spa services, and room to recharge between festival sets.

Essential Things to Consider

  • Proximity to festival grounds should always be a top priority.

  • Hotel amenities (like pools, spa services, or free breakfast) can make festival downtime more relaxing.

  • Check transport options if staying slightly outside the core — easy metro or shuttle access can make a big difference.