Disappointing hotel - looks like it hasn't been renovated in 20 years. Cleanliness was not good. Definitely wouldn't stay there again. However location was good and it was reasonably priced - so if you are prepared to comprise then it will be fine.

Stayed at this hotel Friday and Saturday night. It is a bargain for the area. This area seems to be pretty upscale, with Whole Foods and lots of shopping close by. When I booked I tried more expensive hotels but they were just out of my price range for a summer weekend.
The bathroom looked recently renovated, and the room was very clean. Some small things like peeling wallpaper and very country decor but overall a nice hotel. The worst part is I got a room facing a busy street. The noise on a Friday night was unbearable. Think loud motorcycles, ambulances, buses, etc. If you are a late night person this won't bother you but I like to retire early. If noise is an issue request a room away from the street. The could not switch my room when I asked, they said they were booked solid. They have free muffins and coffee in the morning (I skipped it whole foods cafe was much better) and the staff is friendly - when you can get their attention they seemed swamped most times. Also this is walking distance to the subway.

We had a very pleasant stay at the hotel. The reception staff was friendly and helpful with assistance for parking the car, and directions within the city.

The hotel location is great - in Yorkville, close to the Royal Museum of Ontario, Bloor street, Bata Museum, etc. The subway station is nearby too.

The TV remote control did not work well - too many people must have pressed the channel + and - buttons over the years.

The rate includes a continental breakfast buffet that is served in the lobby. Although we did not use it, it seemed very fresh and nice.

There is a WholeFoods grocery store right next to the hotel, ideal for snacks and drinks.

Although this was not a four star hotel experience, the hotel offeres good value for money and great location. We would stay there again, no doubt about it!

First of all, be aware that , although very comfortable, the only affordable hotel in the enchanted world of Yorkville is also very basic (in a rather charming way!): red brick walls, wooden furnishings (heritage Canadian pine!), fabric carpeting, and old-fashioned box-spring bedding, just a trifle firm - but when they describe the single beds as being "king-sized", they REALLY MEAN "king-sized"!
Having said that...do you believe in benevolent spirits? Positive karma? Good vibrations?
If you can do without total luxury, you ABSOLUTELY MUST STAY AT THIS HOTEL! I've stayed at many hotels throughout my life, but I've never experienced ANYTHING remotely like the wonderful positive aura that just permeates this building...and all of Yorkville, for that matter!
Amenities? Here are the REAL amenities of the Howard Johnson Yorkville & Avenue Road!:
The nicest desk clerk you will ever meet ( I'm referring to the young dark-haired man...if you're reading this, my friend, I'll see you in August, if not sooner!);
Delicious, classic Canadian-bakery muffins and butter croissants for their free Continental breakfasts, plus 24-hour coffee (and a very nice little wintertime fireplace);
Free newspapers every morning (the National Post);
CAT LOVER ALERT!!! The Yorkville Animal Hospital, three blocks away, which invariably features a cageful of kittens in their picture window;
CAR LOVER ALERT!!! The Ferrari/Maserati/Rolls-Royce showroom three doors down from the hotel;
GOURMET ALERT!!! Not one, but TWO legendary restaurants - Boba and Sotto Sotto - literally across the street;
SHOPAHOLIC ALERT!!! A full-sized shopping mall - the incredible Hazelton Lanes, which includes a large Whole Foods supermarket - *NEXT DOOR* to Howard Johnson Yorkville (Summer visitors: DON'T MISS Whole Foods Bistro's all-natural Espresso Coffee ice cream!);
FIVE (count 'em) exotic tropical flower shops, all in a row across the street, each of which is open year-round and just like stepping into a tropical garden;
Dozens of art galleries, antique shops, clothing stores, a shoe museum, and a dance club;
The Avenue Diner, which has been operating - virtually unchanged! - since the 1940s (this isn't a retro-50s nostalgia diner - this is the REAL THING!);
A cab stand right outside the hotel lobby, and bus stops in either direction on both sides of the street;
A small park on Davenport Road (Avenue intersects with Davenport), permanently occupied by a flock of virtually tame pigeons who are always eager to be fed;
The Royal Ontario Museum - and a subway stop - just a couple of blocks away...
I could go on...and ON...and ON!!! I CANNOT say enough about this hotel, its staff, and its surroundings! STAY HERE BY ALL MEANS!