CHESTNUT RESIDENCE AND CONFERENCE CENTRE - UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO, Toronto

The residence is a five-minute walk from St. Patrick subway station, giving fast access to the rest of the city. Chinatown is a 12-minute walk away, and the CN Tower, Dundas Square and the Toronto Convention Centre are all within a 20-minute walk. The financial district is also within walking distance, making this a practical base for business travellers. The neighbourhood is safe and well-lit, with a 24-hour security presence at the entrance. On-site underground parking is available but costs extra and does not allow in-and-out access. The Eaton Centre and City Hall are just steps from the front door, and numerous restaurants, cafés and grocery stores such as Longo's are within a few blocks. The building has six elevators and is fully wheelchair accessible.

All rooms are simply furnished but functional: each has a double bed, desk, chair, dresser, wardrobe, waste bins and curtains. The double rooms have two beds, two desks and two wardrobes. Private ensuite bathrooms include a bath and shower, but there is no bathroom fan - after a hot shower the room can become humid and towels may not dry fully. The air conditioning unit is individually controlled but can be noisy if used at night. Windows cannot be opened, so ventilation relies entirely on the A/C. Rooms are assigned on co-ed floors; all rooms are single-gender. Most rooms have carpet, and the overall decor is dated. The rooms closest to the elevators can hear lift noise throughout the night. First-year students are placed in double rooms; upper-year students may request a single. Roommate matching is available through the StarPortal for those who want to share. The building has no rooms with a balcony.

The breakfast is served in the Chestnut Tree restaurant on site, open from 07:30 to 10:00 every day. The buffet includes American-style cooked options such as eggs, as well as continental items, cereals, fruit, and a choice of milks. Vegetarian, vegan, halal, kosher, gluten-free and dairy-free options are available on request. The breakfast is generally considered generous and of good quality, but the dining room can become busy and tables may need clearing during peak times. The only meal included is breakfast; lunch and dinner are not available at the residence. A shared fridge and microwave are available on each floor, accessible with a room key. There are also nearby restaurants, cafés and a Longo's grocery store within a short walk.

The fitness centre is open 24 hours and has cardio machines, free weights and universal machines. There is also a separate fitness studio with hardwood floors and mirrors, suitable for yoga or dance. Five music rooms are available on the concourse level, one with a drum set and four with pianos; two of the rooms allow guests to bring their own instruments. The Urban Lounge on the main floor has a TV, foosball and pool tables, and board games can be borrowed from reception. The Lookout on the 27th floor offers a TV, study space and panoramic city views. The Study Commons on the 28th floor is a quiet 24-hour study area with private bookable rooms. A wellness room with a bean bag chair and art supplies is also on the 28th floor. There is no pool or spa.