in this issue
	What's On in TO Discount Rates in the Summer?! What is the state of SARS in Toronto? What's new at TDBAB? The Ritz-Carlton of B&Bs

Discount Rates in the Summer?!

Let's face it. The rumor mongering and escalating fear associated with the SARS cases in two Toronto hospitals have had an unprecedented effect on Toronto tourism...to the tune of at least $2 billion in the last three months alone. Our response to this toursim crisis has been a dramatic reduction in our rates. This strategy is designed to capture every possible visitor to Toronto, to protect our investment - and our spirits. As a previous guest of TDBAB, you know that we thrive on having guests in our home. The prospect of empty rooms is very disheartening. We wanted you, our previous guests, to know about this special now, before anyone else, and to personally encourage you to plan a return visit. Please come! Toronto is safe, exciting, and we promise you a wonderful time! Special Rates... »

What is the state of SARS in Toronto?

Here is our perspective. This is still Toronto the Clean, not a Third World city. It is a city of 5 million people, going about their days and nights without undue concern, without fear, and certainly without masks. There is an infected cluster in an isolated hospital. There is no community spread, no export to other areas. Public health officials continue to advise that the risk of contracting SARS in Toronto remains extremely low. Close, personal contact is required, and this is nearly impossible if you don't visit the particular hospital where SARS is isolated. The Centres for Disease Control and the World Health Organization have issued "alerts" - which suggest you should be aware of the situation. Neither has issued a travel advisory against visiting Toronto. Tourism Toronto keeps a regular update on the situation reporting recent developments, and with links to the CDC, WHO and other sources of detailed information. Follow the link below. (now removed as no longer supported)

What's new at TDBAB?

We are still in our first season in our new home, so everything seems new to us! The exciting neighbourhood, a short jog to Casa Loma, a walk to the Royal Ontario Museum, a stroll to Bloor/Yorkville district of shops, cafes and galleries -- it's all new to us and we are revelling it every new experience. Speaking of Yorkville, it's celebrating its 150th Anniversary this summer and fall, with a variety of parties and festivals. "Hops & Shops" celebrates its brewery beginnings, and "Flavours of Autumn" expands the party. More info... Visit our new neighbourhood ... »

The Ritz-Carlton of B&Bs

You know we've always strived to be the best, using our own travel experiences at such places as the Ritz- Carltons and Four Seasons as our benchmarks. Our Guests have recognized that, and now, so has National Geographic Traveler, the world's most widely read travel magazine, in their April 2003 edition: "The Ritz-Carlton of B&Bs, this place is among the most inviting in North America. Steps from Yorkville, this three-room Victorian is an intimate respite from the sometimes maddeningly stylish environs. Walls are washed in serene shades of fawn and pewter gray, fine-china breakfasts are fortifying adventures, and, accommodatingly, hosts will be as coddling or laissez-faire as you wish." We were also visited this winter by reviewers from Greenwood Guides to Hand-Picked Accommodation. Their full review is on-line here. We hope you'll agree with the final words: "A difficult place to leave." Please come back soon! We'd love to see you! TDBAB »