My host, Julia, introduced me to her two cats [aloof], showed me the common areas [cozy], then my bedroom [perfect]. The house is old, with plenty of charm, and my upstairs bedroom was wonderful, the bed outfitted with a cozy quilt, beside a big window that opened to let in the fresh air and a wonderful backyard view with many trees. The house is quiet, set back in the neighbourhood, a few blocks away from the hustle of The Danforth, far enough to be peaceful, close enough to be convenient for a traveller on foot. Good books on the shelves. Magazines of interest. No intrusive TV [yay!]. The stairs are steep, like an old Amsterdam B&B, so not suitable to all. The location worked for me, with a short walk to the subway.

Julia lent me an umbrella when rain threatened, gave me space when I needed privacy, offered tea and [good!] coffee, chatted and kept me company when I needed that. She offered helpful suggestions on where to find good coffee and restaurant meals on in the area. She's a genuinely welcoming but unobtrusive host, attuned to her guests' needs. It's the first place I'l inquire about the next time i travel to Toronto alone.